: The IRS generally considers gift cards as "cash equivalent" income. If you are a business giving them to employees, the value is typically reportable as taxable income regardless of the dollar amount [4].
: Always save your purchase receipt as proof of ownership in case the card has technical issues [3]. how do you buy gift cards
: It is best to use a gift card as soon as possible after receiving or purchasing it to reduce the risk of it being compromised by scammers [9]. : The IRS generally considers gift cards as
: Retailers often have large "gift card malls" containing cards for various brands (Amazon, Starbucks, etc.). Buying from major, reputable retailers is a recommended way to avoid scams [9]. : It is best to use a gift
: You can buy cards in-person at physical stores or through their official websites. For example, Lululemon offers both physical cards in-store and eGift cards online via their partner, CashStar [13].
Buying gift cards is a straightforward process whether you are an individual shopper or a business. You can purchase them as physical cards or digital "eGift" cards through major retailers, official store websites, or specialized corporate platforms.
: Ensure all protective stickers are intact and the PIN has not been exposed [3, 9].