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February 5, 2026

Popular Employee Gift Card Categories

Popular Employee Gift Card Categories

Successful employee recognition programs have a consistent plan and schedule that along with gift cards  combine praise, peer recognition, and career development opportunities.  Some of the most popular categories and cards we have listed below.

Food and Drink Gift Cards

Food and drink gift cards are consistently a hit, offering employees the chance to enjoy a meal out together, order in, or grab their favorite coffee.

  • DoorDash: Perfect for those who love to have their favorite restaurant meals delivered right to their door.
  • Ultimate Dining  Card – provides 14 popular dining choices
  • McDonalds, Tim’s, Subway and Starbucks: All  timeless classics for coffee lovers, offering a daily pick-me-up or a treat.

Shopping and Retail Gift Cards

Retail gift cards give employees the freedom to purchase anything, from everyday essentials to a special indulgence.

  • Walmart: A great option for household necessities, groceries, electronics, and more.
  • Best Buy: Ideal for tech enthusiasts looking for electronics, appliances, or gadgets
  • Canadian Tire: A great choice for anything from toasters to tires and everything in between. 
  • H&M and Sephora: Both popular choices for trendy and affordable clothing and beauty needs.

 

Entertainment and Hobbies

Help your employees unwind and enjoy their leisure time with gift cards for entertainment and their hobbies be it fishing, running or reading. 

  • Sportchek: A versatile gift for any gear or sports equipment needs   
  • Cineplex:  A classic choice for movie buffs who enjoy the big screen experience.
  • Chapters: Bestsellers for young and old, lifestyle Items and games .

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And last but not least…

Grocery and Gas Card 

Classic cards that help with the basics. 

  • Loblaws/Superstore ( and affiliates)
  • Sobeys/Safeway/ IGA  ( and affiliates)
  • Metro/Food Basics  
  • PetroCan
  • Esso
  • Shell