As the holiday season approaches, many of us are trying to figure out what to buy friends and family members. Thankfully, there are a few gift cards that can help ensure the presents we give will be appreciated. Giftly, a two-year-old San Francisco startup, makes gift cards that can be used at any merchant — a key advantage over other card services that require a specific vendor to accept the gift cards.
Timothy Bentley founded the company after he discovered that his mother’s favorite restaurant in her hometown of Montpelier, Vermont, didn’t accept gift cards. He aimed to create a product that would let people send money to family and friends with a suggestion on how it should be spent. When the recipient redeems a Giftly, the funds are immediately transferred to their bank account or credit card. The card is also backed by a digital backup in case it is lost or stolen. The cards can be sent electronically or through the mail and include personalized messages and images.
The gift cards are sold online and at retailers like Amazon and Target. They can be purchased with a credit or debit card or through the company’s app. The process to redeem a Giftly is simple and involves the cardholder visiting the website or phone number provided by the sender. The cardholder will be asked to provide a code found on the back of the physical gift card and their smartphone number. Then, the gifter will select a merchant where they’d like the recipient to spend their money.
If a family member or friend is a big fan of gaming, this is the perfect gift for them. The gamer on your list will be able to choose from all the latest video games, consoles and accessories at the best prices.
A gift card to Michaels is a great idea for anyone who loves to craft or get creative. From painting to scrapbooking to drawing and more, the artsy person on your list will love this gift card to pursue their creative interests.
For those who are interested in giving an experience instead of something tangible, Cloud 9 offers over 600 different outings for anyone to enjoy. These experiences range from skydiving to hot air ballooning, to cooking classes and more. The gift recipient will be able to redeem their Giftly through the Cloud 9 website and choose an outing they want to participate in.
BBB has a Business Profile on this business. The profile contains information that a consumer may find useful, including the business’s background, marketplace reputation, and satisfaction ratings. In addition, consumers can file a complaint against the business. BBB encourages consumers to do their homework and consider all of the factors when selecting a business to do business with. BBB’s Business Review and Recommendation for this business has been updated. The review date was October 2022.