YOUGotaGift has published holiday planning guidance for merchants running gift card programs, covering distribution, promotional design and customer communications. Issued in December 2022, it emphasizes deciding campaign goals and budgets before seasonal demand reaches its peak.

The company identifies several possible campaign formats, including brand partnerships, loyalty-point offers, limited-time cards and promotions that reward a gift card purchase with another benefit. The appropriate structure depends on whether a merchant is seeking sales, customer acquisition or stronger engagement.

Distribution is another practical consideration. YOUGotaGift suggests working with an online distributor when a merchant lacks the resources or audience to sell its cards effectively on its own. Such an arrangement can provide access to an existing customer base and marketing channels.

The guidance also addresses the offer itself. Merchants can review available denominations and communicate opportunities for customers to buy gift cards for their own purchases as well as for other recipients.

Physical stores remain part of the plan. Clear in-store displays can expose gift cards to shoppers already visiting a location, while digital delivery supports buyers who want to complete a purchase remotely or close to the holiday.

Email, social platforms and other digital channels are presented as complementary ways to promote the program. The operational message is to coordinate the card product, its distribution and the campaign calendar, rather than relying on a single last-minute promotion to carry the season.