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Still need a Mother's Day gift? You can't go wrong with one of these gift cards
Mother's Day is this weekend, and if your mom, stepmom, grandmother, or other mother figure is the type who insists there's nothing they want or need, don't panic. A gift card is always a solid option to let them pick out something they'll actually like. To save you time, effort, and possibly money, we've scoured the internet to find the best gift cards available, ranging from those for department stores to those for food and digital services.
Also: The 15 best Mother's Day gifts for tech-loving moms
Many retailers including Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer the option to send gift cards via text message, making it even easier to show your mom appreciation. To do this, download the stores' apps and purchase gift cards like you normally do. When checking out, choose the option to send the gift card via e-mail or text message. If you're on iOS, you'll also see toggles in your iMessage that allow you to send gift cards within a conversation.
Also: 6 Mother's Day gifts moms actually want, according to ZDNET moms
The best gift cards for Mother's Day 2024
An Amazon gift card is probably the safest pick on this list but also the most useful. With a never-ending catalog of items to scroll through, an Amazon gift card gives your recipient the freedom of choice. The retailer is promising one to two-day shipping for its physical gift cards and same-day delivery for digital gift cards.
An Alle gift card is great for those who want money towards cosmetic procedures, such as Botox or dermal fillers.
For decades, Best Buy has been a tech haven for enthusiasts and geeks, carrying virtually any tech brand and product that one could think of. While Amazon has caught up over the past years when it comes to gadget offerings, there's still a reason to shop at Best Buy instead: price matching. Show any floor associate a better deal on a product and they'll price match to compete. While inventory and delivery times have taken a hit, a Best Buy gift card is your best bet for any tech-loving recipient.
For those moms who love their weekly Costco shopping trips, gift them a Costco gift card so they can get everything from groceries, to furniture, to tech items. (You can also buy them an annual Costco membership at a discount right now.)
Who doesn't love takeout? Food delivery services like Grubhub have boomed over the past couple of years, and what better way to show your mom you care than to let her treat herself to a nice meal in. With a Grubhub gift card, you can order delivery (or takeout) from hundreds of local restaurants, including mom-and-pop locations -- all from the comfort of your home.
There's only one streaming service that gives you high-definition playback of the multiverse that is Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Treat your recipient to a one-year subscription of Disney Plus with this digital gift card. With it, they'll gain access to the latest superhero flicks and animation along with the classics.
Also: Best streaming services: Disney Plus 10 other top picks
If you want to give your mom something a bit more custom and unique, consider an Etsy gift card. She can find anything from clothes to home decor to glassware, much of it personalizable. Plus, you'll be supporting small businesses.
Your mom can use a Lyft gift card for either a ride to the airport (three hours early, we're sure) or out to Mother's Day brunch. An Uber gift card is more flexible than you'd think and makes for a great present that comes in handy no matter when and where.
How did we choose these Mother's Day gift cards?
Shopping is overwhelming, shipment dates are unreliable, and sometimes the best gift is letting the recipient decide. I know that these gift cards have never let me -- or the person I've gifted it to -- down. For Mother's Day, we also were sure to consider gift cards that the mom in your life would find useful from tech and entertainment needs to takeout. While we included options from major retailers such as Amazon and Disney, we also were sure to consider local stores, hence our Etsy pick.
Can I trade in old devices for an Amazon gift card?
Yes. If you or your mom need some spring cleaning motivation, Amazon offers a payment system for recycling your old electronics via their trade-in program. Read more on how it works here.
Is a gift card a good Mother's Day gift?
Most moms will likely tell you that it's the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. That said, a gift card is a nice gesture, especially if you've selected it for a place or retailer you know they love. Gift cards are also a good option if you're worried about shipment dates or want to give your mom the freedom to pick out something themselves.
When is Mother's Day 2024?
This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 12.