Top 12 Gift Cards You Can Buy And Use In Canada

My uncle recently moved to Canada with his family, and I wanted to send his kids a little holiday gift. But being in another country, I wasn’t sure what would make good options. Then I had the idea to send them some gift cards so they could buy themselves something they’d really enjoy. 

The problem was I didn’t know which gift cards were commonly used in Canada that would guarantee they could spend the money. I wanted to make sure I picked a retailer that had locations across Canada. So, I decided to do some research first this time.

In this article, I’ll share the top 12 most popular gift cards you can easily buy and use anywhere in Canada. Whether you want to give the gamer in your life a treat or help your mom indulge at her favourite makeup store, these widely-accepted gift card picks have you covered.

12 Most Popular Gift Cards In Canada

The most popular gift cards in Canada that your loved ones are sure to use can be categorised into different sections like e-commerce, food and prepaid cards.

General and E-Commerce

From online shopping and household essentials to electronics and tools, these brands offer a wide range of products for everyday needs and personal interests. 

1. Amazon Gift Card

As one of the largest online retailers worldwide, an Amazon gift card makes a versatile choice when you don’t know exactly what to get someone. With access to millions of products, an Amazon card allows the recipient to browse and select what they want most. 

They can redeem the balance in the Amazon.ca marketplace on anything from books and movies to clothing, electronics, furniture, health products, household essentials, personal care items, and so much more. 

2. Canadian Tire

Someone who enjoys fixing things, working on DIY projects, or spending time outdoors will appreciate a Canadian Tire gift card. Although the name might make it sound like the store is only about tires and automotive supplies, Canadian Tire offers much more than that.

The gift card can be used for tools, car accessories, home improvement supplies, sports equipment, camping gear, seasonal items, and everyday household products. Whether it is buying supplies for a weekend project, upgrading outdoor gear, or picking up something useful for the home, there are plenty of options for the receiver to explore.

3. Walmart Gift Card

A Walmart gift card offers the flexibility to purchase a wide range of basic needs or desires at Walmart’s everyday low prices. Simply put, it allows you to visit any Walmart store in Canada and buy whatever is on your shopping list. 

You can use the gift card for your weekly grocery staples, personal care essentials, over-the-counter medicines, home goods, entertainment items, and electronics.

4. Best Buy Gift Card

For the techies and gadget lovers in your life, a Best Buy gift card makes an ideal pick. Spanning everything from laptops, phones and tablets to cameras, wearables, smart home systems and appliances, Best Buy is a prime destination for the latest electronics. 

Recipients can use gift card funds towards that fancy drone they’ve admired or finally upgrade to a bigger smart TV.

Food, Health and Everyday Essentials Gift Cards 

Perfect for coffee runs, meals, delivery, and picking up personal care or health products from familiar Canadian brands. 

5. Tim Hortons Gift Card

A Tim Hortons gift card is a great pick for anyone who enjoys coffee, quick meals, or a little treat during the day. As one of Canada’s most popular coffee chains, Tim Hortons has locations across the country, making it an easy gift option that a friend or family can actually use.

They can spend the balance on coffee, tea, Timbits, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, soups, and other menu favourites. The gift card can also be added to the Tim Hortons app, making it convenient to pay for orders on the go.

6. Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Card

A Shoppers Drug Mart gift card is a nice way to let a friend or family member choose the beauty, health, and personal care products they actually need. While the store is well known for its pharmacy services, Shoppers Drug Mart also carries a wide range of everyday essentials.

The gift card can be used for skincare, makeup, fragrances, hair care products, wellness items, snacks, and other personal care favourites. From restocking a trusted product to trying out a new beauty item, there are plenty of options available at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada.

7. Uber Gift Card

An Uber gift card offers the convenience of rideshares and food delivery credits all in one. Load it up for the frequent Uber rider in your life to cover their next night out, trips to the airport or daily office commutes. 

They’ll appreciate having funds automatically applied to each ride rather than fussing with payments. And they can also order meals for delivery from Uber Eats when they’d rather dine in.

Entertainment and Gaming Gift Cards

Great picks for movie nights, gaming sessions, and accessing digital entertainment, new releases, and subscriptions. 

8. Cineplex Gift Card

A Cineplex gift card is a fun choice for anyone who enjoys watching movies on the big screen. Whether it is a new blockbuster release, a date night, or a weekend outing with friends and family, Cineplex makes it easy to turn a simple gift into an experience.

The gift card can be used at Cineplex theatres across Canada to purchase movie tickets, snacks, drinks, and other theatre experiences. Some locations also offer additional entertainment options, including premium viewing formats and special events.

Anyone who loves movies will appreciate having a Cineplex gift card to enjoy their favourite films whenever something exciting hits the theatre.

9. Steam Gift Card

A Steam gift card is a great pick for gamers who enjoy discovering new games, upgrading their library, or exploring the latest releases. Steam is one of the largest digital gaming platforms, giving players access to thousands of games across different genres.

The gift card adds funds to a Steam Wallet, which can be used to buy PC games, downloadable content, in-game items, and other digital entertainment. Whether it is picking up a newly released title or trying out an indie game, gamers can choose what they want to play.

Steam gift cards are available at major retailers across Canada, including stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop.

10. PlayStation Gift Card

Treat the gamer in your life to a PlayStation gift card so they can unlock games and more entertainment value within the PlayStation digital ecosystem. 

Redeemable in the PlayStation online store on a PS4 or PS5 console, a gift card’s value gives instant access to download any new release or popular catalogue game title that catches their eye. 

Recipients can splurge on a single big gameplay experience or mix and match several indie games instead. Funds also apply towards PlayStation Plus subscriptions for online community features or PlayStation Now for extensive streaming options.

Specialty and Prepaid Gift Cards 

These options cater to specific interests, from beauty purchases to flexible spending wherever prepaid cards are accepted. 

11. The Home Depot Gift Card

For the handyperson in your life, consider picking up a Home Depot gift card. Home Depot is the top destination for home improvement supplies, with over 182 stores across Canada. A gift card gives the freedom to purchase all the necessary materials for their next DIY project or renovation. 

Recipients can enhance their new workshop with power tools, restock on painting and drywall supplies, upgrade appliances, buy lumber and flooring – pretty much anything that a home project requires is available.

12. Sephora Gift Card

Pamper your loved one with a Sephora gift card so they can treat themselves to new beauty product splurges. Known for its impressive array of makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrance and bath items, Sephora is a top destination for all things beauty, with locations across Canada. 

Gift card funds can go towards makeup palettes, skincare sets, hair tools, popular fragrances and more indulgences. It’s the perfect way to help that beauty devotee restock their arsenal.

Where to Buy Gift Cards in Canada

Gift cards are widely available across Canada, and the best place to buy one depends on the brand and the type of card you need. Physical gift cards are commonly found in stores, while digital cards can often be purchased online and delivered instantly. Below is a list of places to check out. 

1. Grocery and Pharmacy Stores

Many grocery stores and pharmacies have gift card racks near the checkout area, offering cards from popular retailers, restaurants, entertainment brands, and prepaid services. Stores such as supermarkets and pharmacy chains are convenient places to find a variety of gift cards in one location.

These locations usually carry physical gift cards, including options for brands like Amazon, Tim Hortons, restaurants, streaming services, and retail stores. Availability may vary by location.

2. Big-Box Retailers

Large retailers are another common place to buy gift cards in Canada. Stores such as Walmart and Best Buy often carry a wide selection of third-party gift cards alongside their own store cards.

Big-box stores typically stock physical cards for gaming, electronics, shopping, entertainment, and prepaid options, making them a good choice when looking for multiple brands in one place.

3. Brand Websites

Companies sell gift cards directly through their official websites. This option is useful when buying a specific brand’s gift card, especially when sending it to someone in another location.

Brand websites often offer digital gift cards delivered by email and may also allow customers to purchase physical cards depending on the company.

4. Canadian Online Gift Card Retailers

Online gift card retailers provide a convenient way to purchase digital gift cards without visiting a physical store. These platforms are especially useful when buying a gift for someone in another location or when looking for specific brands that may not be available nearby.

Some online retailers allow users to purchase gift cards from popular brands and receive them digitally, while others also support gift card trading and other related services. Platforms such as Cardtonic provide access to different gift card options, making it easier to buy or manage gift cards online.

Gift Card Rules in Canada: 5 Important Regulations to Know

Gift cards are widely used in Canada, but there are rules in place to protect buyers and users. These regulations can affect expiry dates, fees, and how different types of gift cards are handled. Since rules vary by province and territory, anyone buying or using a gift card in Canada should understand these 5 basic things.

1. Many retail gift cards cannot have expiry dates
   Most provinces prohibit expiry dates on single-store gift cards. This means a gift card purchased from a retailer, restaurant, or service provider generally remains valid until the full balance has been used.
2. Retail gift cards cannot usually have dormancy fees
   Businesses are generally not allowed to reduce the value of regular gift cards through inactivity or maintenance fees. However, some exceptions apply depending on the type of card and provincial regulations.
3. Prepaid network cards may charge activation fees
   Visa and Mastercard gift cards are treated differently from regular store gift cards. These prepaid cards may include activation fees or other charges, which must be disclosed before purchase.
4. Gift card rules differ between provinces and territories
   Canada does not have one national gift card law. Each province and territory has its own consumer protection regulations that determine how expiry dates, fees, and other conditions are handled.
5. Some gift card protections do not apply to every type of card
   The rules for store gift cards may not apply in the same way to prepaid cards, promotional cards, or loyalty program cards. Checking the terms and conditions helps clarify what protections apply.

Buyers can check their provincial or territorial consumer protection agency for the latest gift card regulations in their area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Cards In Canada

1. Where Can I Buy Gift Cards In Canada?

Gift cards from all the most popular retailers and brands can be purchased at grocery stores, pharmacy chains, big box stores like Walmart and Costco, and specialty shops like Shoppers Drug Mart. Many convenience stores and gas stations also carry a selection of gift card options at the register.

2. Can I Use A Visa Gift Card In Canada? 

Yes, Visa gift cards function just like prepaid credit cards in Canada. The card has a set balance that can be spent anywhere Visa debit is accepted, both in stores and online. 

3. Where Can I Buy Canada Gift Cards Online?

You can conveniently purchase Canada gift cards online through multiple channels. One option is to visit the official website of the brand you’re interested in. Another reliable option is to explore reputable online platforms such as Cardtonic, which provides a variety of gift cards, including those from Canadian brands.

4. Are Apple Gift Cards Available In Canada?

Apple gift cards can definitely be purchased both online and at Apple stores across Canada. Cards come in set amounts from $25 to $500 for recipients to put towards any Apple products, accessories, services, subscriptions, apps, music/movies and iCloud storage.  

5. Does Canada Have Steam Gift Cards? 

Yes, video gamers can redeem Steam wallet gift cards to buy games, software and in-game items on the popular Steam platform. Steam gift cards are sold at major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop locations across Canada. 

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gift card to fit your recipient is easier with this list of the top 12 most popular and versatile options used widely across Canada. Now, you can quickly narrow down your choice based on the interests and favourite stores of whoever will be receiving your thoughtful gift. 

Whether they love gaming, home renovations, online shopping, beauty, food delivery or just general flexibility, there’s a tailored and convenient card pick awaiting.

No more racking your brain trying to settle on a single store or item your loved one hopefully wants. These widely accepted gift cards are sure bets. Just pick the right brand fit, dollar amount that works for your budget, and preferred delivery method.