Now gifting someone gift cards for their birthday may seem really impersonal and they don’t really come immediately to mind when you think of birthday gifts. But did you know that by gifting them gift cards, you’re actually making sure that they get what they like.

Your loved ones get a chance to pick what they really need or have been keeping an eye for some time. That’s why don’t hesitate when it comes to gifting someone gift cards. Now the tricky part comes when you need to choose which gift cards offer the most value and are the best.

We’ve done the work for you and looked at every possible option. So here’s a list of our favourite gift cards for birthdays.

1. Sephora Gift Cards

Sephora gift card | Image taken from Sephora
Image Credit: Sephora

Now, this is the perfect option for someone who loves make-up and even if you don’t love it, Sephora is still sure to hold something that you would like to purchase. From makeup palettes to lipsticks to even sheet-masks, your friend can stock up on their favourite brands and items.

Buying makeup for someone is actually not that easy because you have to consider many things. Their skin shade (getting an accurate one for ourselves seems almost impossible at times), skin type, and skin conditions are something that needs to be taken into consideration. So why not gift them a Sephora gift card.

Sephora gift cards are truly customizable. You can choose any amount above $20 and you get the card almost immediately at the email address mentioned. If you want something physical, you can print it out.

2. ASOS

ASOS gift cards | Image taken from ASOS

Now that we’ve started off with makeup, we can’t forget about clothes now. Similar to makeup, buying clothes for someone is equally challenging. You need to know their size which is a huge task because sizes do vary from brand to brand and whether they already have the clothes you want to gift them.

ASOS is the one-stop shopping place for all fashion needs because they carry clothes, shoes, accessories of all sorts. So it doesn’t matter if your friend is a fashionista or someone who sticks to the classics, they’re sure to find something that they fall in love with. Or maybe get that outfit that they’ve been saving up for secretly.

You can choose from their pre-set values of $30, $50, $75, $100, $125, $150, and $200 or even choose your own amount. Send a personal message with your card too.

3. STEAM

Steam gift cards | Taken from STEAM
Image Credit: STEAM

If you gift a gamer some STEAM gift cards, then you’ve made a very special spot for yourself in their hearts. For those unfamiliar with STEAM, it’s basically a huge online platform where you can buy all sorts of games and get them at great prices. STEAM does have amazing sales (All hail Lord Gaben), but nothing beats the feeling of having a great game without paying a single cent.

But when you gift someone a STEAM gift card, you’re not just limiting them to games. STEAM also sells software related to design like PhotoShop, educational ones and even hardware like consoles and VR Hardware. So basically the dream site for any gamer or even software-addict. For moments when you need to gift something physical, opt for their physical gift cards which you can find in retail stores.

Select amounts from $20, $50 and $100, and if there’s also the option of sending the card online.

4. Amazon

Amazon gift cards | Taken from amazon
Image Credit: Amazon

Now don’t be surprised when you see this one here. One of the most, if not the most, versatile gift card, gifting someone an Amazon gift card is nothing short of gifting someone money. Seriously, with the millions of options they provide, it is going to be really difficult to pick only a few.

Amazon also takes their gift cards very seriously. Taking things a step further, you can gift your card in a cute pop-up box which makes it seem like a more traditional gift. They’ve got plenty of designs for you to choose from which does give it more of the birthday vibe. You can even add a photo of both of you together so they know that the card is from you.

Amazon offers these gift cards in the pre-set amounts of $25, $59, $75 and $100 but allows you to use custom amounts as well.

5. Starbucks

Starbucks gift card | Image taken from Noahsgiftcard
Image Credit: Noahsgiftcard

This one is for caffeine lovers. Most of us can’t start the day without a good cup of coffee, and if your friend is the same, then why not gift them a gift card to the most popular place to get a good cup of coffee? By gifting them this, they can get their daily dose of coffee and remember you while enjoying it.

Or you can even buy them a regular Starbucks card where they get rewarded for their coffee addiction with points, which give them several rewards. Either way, you make sure that they get several benefits of drinking coffee and having you as a friend. You’re likely to find them trying out different types of coffees that they’ve always wanted to try out but thought were unnecessary. Or maybe they’ll just stick to their favourites, but the thing is, you’ve given them a great birthday gift.

So what are you waiting for? All that you need to do is get them a gift card from the Starbucks website itself.

6. Chocolate Making Class

Chocolate making classes | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Giftano

Now we’re moving ahead from the usual gift cards and telling you more about experience-based gift cards which are actually better suited when it comes to birthdays and definitely more unique of the two. After spending such a long time in quarantine, everyone just wants to get out and learn something new, and we’re sure that your friend is no different.

So why not gift them a gift card that will let them experience a chocolate-making session over at FOSSA. Now if you’re wondering why this name might sound familiar, well FOSSA has also seen a feature on our list of best chocolate gifts which shows how good this class is really going to be. FOSSA will teach you how to make world-class chocolates from scratch using cacao beans, and teach you some really unique and delicious flavours.

This will cost you around $150, and you also get a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Address: 2 Mandai Link, Singapore 728664

7. Pole Dancing Classes

Pole dancing classes | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Giftano

It feels as though the quarantine did give us plenty of times to exercise around, but exercising at home can be pretty boring at times. And that’s where pole dancing comes in. Contrary to popular belief, pole dancing isn’t about the sexiness. Well, okay it is but it’s also a great way to exercise, build up core strength and even improves confidence.

You can gift your friend an 8-week course on pole dancing that is taught by SLAP Dance Studio. Their beginner-level classes will teach you all about pole dancing, working with the pole and they also learn the steps to new songs. This is surely going to be something new and challenging for your friend and they’ll come out of it a stronger person, both emotionally and physically.

There are also speciality classes if your friend is already familiar with the basics. This 8-week course will cost you $250. But do talk things out with your friend because this is a huge commitment.

Address: 144 Robinson RD, #17-02, Singapore 068908

8. Spa Infinity

SPA INFINITY | Image taken from Asiatravelgate
Image Credit: Asiatravelgate

Now, what’s a better way to spend a birthday than to relax and spend some time at a spa? Spa Infinity is one of the best spas out there, which combines both modern treatments and the ancient healing arts together. You can gift your loved ones a gift card of $100 which they can spend on the various treatments offered by them. And when we say various, we mean various.

Offering over 29 treatments which include facials, slimming, and full-body massages, this is one of the most thoughtful gifts that you could gift someone. The spa isn’t all that they get to enjoy either. They are also given unlimited use of the various facilities like the Micronized Ion Jacuzzi, Saunas, and Crystal Cool Showers. After enjoying these facilities either before or after their spa, they can head to the relaxation lounge.

A great gift for your friends to use when they just need some time from the hustle and bustle and they’re gonna love you for it.

9. A Wine Tasting Class For 2

Wine tasting for twp | Image taken from amandazyz4765920
Image Credit: amandazyz4765920

If your loved one is an admirer of wines, then why not gift them a gift card that lets them enjoy a class on wine tasting, especially on French wines. This is an introduction class, so you don’t need any previous knowledge of wines. All that you need is some passion, and you and your friend can spend some time learning all about wine.

You’ll learn things like wine pairings, various wine appreciation techniques, tasting techniques, the various types of wines out there and even about the history of wine itself. They’ll also teach you about how to taste the differences between the 6 varieties of grapes and how to tell if a wine is premium quality or an entry-level one.

The perfect gift for wine lovers, and an experience that they definitely won’t forget as they show off their new-found knowledge to everyone. The class will be held at Fine Wines SG Tasting Room and costs $201.16

Address: 114 Lavender Street #02-60 CT Hub 2, Singapore 338729

10. A Dining Experience at the Burnt Ends

Burnt ends gift catds | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Burnt Ends

You must have heard about Burnt Ends, after all, it’s a restaurant that has a Michelin star and it’s also one of the best 50 restaurants in the world. A dining experience at this restaurant is surely going to blow anyone’s socks off and if you want to gift someone such a gift, then we highly suggest going for it.

There are several gift cards available with the values of $10, $50, $75, $100, $200, $300, and even $500 so choose the best one according to your budget. If you’re unsure about the kind of food that they serve and the vibe, well they specialize in modern barbecue. The kitchen has an open-concept with custom four-tonne, dual cavity ovens, and even elevation grills. The food is infused with the magic of food, and you get something new almost every day.

They’ve also got a huge selection of wines that can be paired up with the food for a divine experience. So go ahead, this is a great option for a birthday.

Address: 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391

11. EyeLash Extensions

Eyelash extensions gift cards | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credits: Giftano

Surely an unconventional gift idea, but if your friend has been looking forward to getting some eyelash extensions but is not willing to make the splurge, why not gift it to her? You can gift her gift cards from The Lash Icon, which is one of the places to get eyelash extensions. A team of professionals will guide you through the process and explain the process before the extension begins.

You can choose from a variety of eyelashes like the 1D Classic, 1D Flat Flash, The Hybrid, several types of 2D lashes, 3D, 6D. For something really unique, they offer the Kim K for the signature Kardashian look or the Korean Lift Lash for something more demure. With so many options, the only thing you need to do is try to figure out which one you need to gift your friend.

And if you’re worried about the budget don’t be. Prices for these gift cards start as low as $88 for the Korean Lift Lash. Your friend will thank you for her gorgeous lashes.

Address: 1 Tras Link #02-13 Orchid Hotel Singapore

12. A Visit At The Sultans of Shave

Sultans of shave gift cards | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Giftano

Since we’ve already discussed plenty of options that were centred for women, we need something for the wonderful men in our lives too. And that’s exactly what you can do by gifting them gift cards for the Sultans of Shave for their birthday. Bringing back the flair and flamboyance of barbers of the day of old, customers are treated as no less than Sultans.

Their services also have several extra steps like facial scrubs, hot towels, moisturizers, etc. to ensure that you are comfortable. You can purchase gift cards for a specific variety of services like a beard trim, a Sultan’s shave, and a hairstyle. You can also gift them gift cards with a pre-defined value of $50, $100, and $250 and let your friend decide which service they wish to avail themselves.

Sultans of Shave have plenty of locations so it’s also easy to get the service done at an outlet that is nearby instead of travelling far. Prices start at $30 for the beard trim.

13. Get Their Nails Done at The Nail Artistry

The Nail Artistry gift cards | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credits: Giftano

Since we’ve spoken about makeup, clothes, lashes it would make sense to complete the whole set by mentioning nails too, right? You can gift your friends a gift card from The Nail Artistry so that they can get their nails done and look cute on their birthday. The Nail Artistry is one of the best premium nail salons, and everyone who’s a fan of them knows them.

Similar to the Sultans of Shave, you can either opt for some gift cards for specific services like a gel spa manicure, gel spa pedicure, an organic spa or simply gift them cards of pre-set values of $50, $100 and $200. Their manicures and pedicures are an excellent service and include things like scrubs, massages and polishes as well.

The Nail Artistry also has several outlets so finding one that is nearby shouldn’t be an issue. The price for these gift cards starts at $88 for the classic spa gel manicure.

14. A Baking Class

Baking class gift cards | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Giftano

We’re sure that during the quarantine, many of us have picked up a skill or two and one of the more popular skills happens to be baking. So if your friend has also picked up baking, and has been learning so far from videos on YouTube, why not encourage their skill and gift them a fun and interactive hands-on session where they learn how to bake a professional cake and decorate it too.

Palate Sensations Cooking School Singapore is famous for their various training sessions where they teach courses based on cooking, and baking. This course which teaches you about baking a cake and decorating it will help you learn the latest techniques and at the end of this, you’ll bake a gluten-free bread and decorate a chocolate matcha cake.

They also offer various other courses focusing either solely on bread, or even on Asian cuisines like BBQ wings etc. The course above retails for $150.

Address: Chromos #01-03 10 Biopolis Road, Singapore 138670

15. A Trapped Escape Room

A trapped room gift cards | Image taken from Giftano
Image Credit: Giftano

Trapped escape rooms are really fun to solve and explore through, especially when you’re with friends. It’s also a really unique experience and one that’s sure to create a lot of fun time and cherishable memories. With this gift card, you can experience one out of three escape rooms.

‘The Purge Night,’ which takes inspiration from the movies itself, Escape From Pulau Tekong, where you report to an island to find that your commanding officer is missing and something seems amiss, and finally the Escape from Mental Ward. All of these rooms last for 60 minutes and you can book gift cards for either a group of 2, 4,6,8, and even 10 or simply gift a set value of $10, $20, and $50.

An amazing way to spend some time with friends and one that’ll keep everyone on their toes. Prices start at $51.30 for the group of 2 and end at $259 for the group of 10.

Address: SCAPE 2 Orchard Link, #02-20/21/22 Singapore

That brings us to the end of our list. Now if you want more options for birthday gifts, why not check out our list of best chocolate gifts where FOSSA sees a feature as well, or simply send them a cake right to their doorstep. We even have a list of the best cake deliveries.