United Kingdom Gift Card Market Overview, 2029

The gift card market in the United Kingdom is experiencing significant growth, driven by trends in urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and technological advancements. Key drivers include the demand for high-quality, durable gift cards in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, as well as innovations like smart home systems and advanced security features. The market offers a wide range of gift cards, including e-gift cards, physical cards, and incentive cards made from various materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and glass. Major players in the market include local companies like Seleco Hardware Decoration Products Co., Galbusera G. & G., Daya, Kuriki Manufacture Co., and international companies such as Assa Abloy Group, Hafele, Allegion plc, and Hooply Ltd. These companies focus on product differentiation, quality, pricing strategies, and distribution networks to gain a competitive edge. The market is expected to continue expanding as consumer awareness of environmental issues grows and the demand for efficient logistics solutions increases. The gift card market in the United Kingdom has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional physical cards to digital solutions. Historically, gift cards have been popular for their convenience and flexibility1. Regulatory policies ensure consumer protection through clear terms and conditions, manageable expiration conditions, a cooling-off period for online purchases, and guidelines for lost or stolen cards. These regulations help maintain consumer trust and ensure a positive gifting experience.

According to the research report, "United Kingdom Gift Cards Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom Gift cards market is anticipated to add to more than USD 31.61 Billion by 2024–29. The UK gift card market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends and market drivers. Digital gifting is a major trend, aligning with the broader shift towards online shopping and digital payments. The convenience and flexibility of gift cards make them an attractive choice for consumers seeking versatile gifting options2. Experiential gifting, where consumers prefer giving and receiving gift cards for experiences such as dining, travel, or entertainment, is also gaining popularity. Market segmentation includes retail gift cards, restaurant gift cards, and digital gift cards, with retail gift cards being the dominant segment. Key players like Amazon, Tesco, and John Lewis are driving growth and competitiveness in the market, leveraging their established brands and extensive retail networks. Strategic initiatives and partnerships, such as Marks & Spencer's collaboration with Runa and Tesco's Christmas Gift Card Initiative, are further enhancing the market landscape. Regulatory measures ensure consumer protection, adding to the market's stability and growth.

The gift card market in the United Kingdom is segmented by product type, including e-gift cards, physical cards, and incentive cards. E-gift cards are gaining popularity due to their convenience, instant delivery, and ease of use through mobile apps and online platforms. Physical cards offer a tangible and traditional gifting experience, often preferred for their sentimental value. Incentive cards are used by businesses for employee rewards and customer incentives, providing a versatile and cost-effective solution for corporate gifting. The market is also seeing innovation in security features, such as biometric authentication and blockchain technology, to address concerns about fraud and unauthorized use. This diverse product offering ensures that there is a suitable gift card solution for every need and preference, driving the market's growth and adaptability to consumer demands.

The distribution segment for gift cards in the United Kingdom is a well-structured and efficient network, encompassing both traditional and modern channels. Wholesalers and distributors play a pivotal role, accounting for a significant portion of the market share due to their extensive distribution networks and bulk purchasing capabilities. These entities ensure that gift cards are efficiently distributed across various industries, including retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors. Retail stores also contribute to the distribution network, providing a point-of-sale option for businesses and consumers who prefer to purchase gift cards directly. Online marketplaces have gained prominence, offering convenience and a wide selection of gift cards to customers. Platforms like Amazon UK and eBay UK facilitate easy access to customized and standard gift cards, catering to the growing demand for online shopping. Direct sales from manufacturers to end-users are another key distribution channel, particularly for businesses that require specific gift card solutions tailored to their unique needs. The combination of these distribution channels ensures that gift cards are readily available to meet the diverse requirements of the market, supporting the overall growth and efficiency of the gift card industry in the United Kingdom.

The end-user segment for gift cards in the United Kingdom is diverse, encompassing both individual consumers and businesses. Individual consumers are significant end-users, purchasing gift cards for personal gifting occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and special events. The convenience and flexibility of gift cards make them a popular choice for those seeking thoughtful and personalized gifts. Businesses also play a crucial role in the gift card market, utilizing them for employee rewards, customer incentives, and promotional activities. Companies leverage gift cards to enhance employee satisfaction, drive customer loyalty, and boost sales. The versatility of gift cards allows businesses to tailor rewards to individual preferences, making them an effective tool for corporate gifting. As consumer preferences shift towards digital solutions, the demand for e-gift cards is rising, supported by the growth of e-commerce and mobile wallet integration. This trend aligns with the broader movement towards contactless transactions and personalized gifting experiences.




Considered in this report
• Geography: Global
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Global Gift Card Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise Gift Card market analysis
• Application wise Gift Card distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Card Types
• Closed -Loop Card
• Open-loop Card

By Price Range
• High
• Medium
• Low

By Sale Channel
• Offline
• Online

By End User
• Retail Establishment
• Corporate Institution

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.