Gift cards have become a mainstay of modern ecommerce tactics. They provide consumers with convenience and store owners with steady income.
Gift card features may greatly improve user experience and sales potential for your Magento 2 website, whether you're conducting a seasonal campaign, providing a free gift, or supporting a multi vendor marketplace.
This guide will walk you through how to create a gift card in Magento 2 and how to make the most of this feature to improve the functionality of your store.
Default Magento 2 Gift Card Functionality: Is It Available?
By default, Magento 2 Open Source does not include gift card functionality.
To enable this feature, you have two options:
- Upgrade to Magento Commerce (Adobe Commerce), which offers native gift card support.
- Use a Magento 2 Gift Card extension, a more cost effective choice for many businesses.
Let’s explore how to enable gift cards using an extension.
Choosing the Right Gift Card Extension for Magento 2
To create a gift card in Magento 2, you’ll need a reliable gift card extension for Magento.
Look for an extension that includes:
- Customizable card templates
- Fixed, variable, or dropdown card values
- Email and physical delivery options
- Compatibility with multi vendor environments
- Easy configuration from the Admin panel
How to Create Gift Card in Magento 2 Using an Extension
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of how to create a gift card using a Magento 2 extension.
We’ll use the MageAnts’s Gift Card module as an example, though steps will be similar for other extensions.
Step #1: Install the Gift Card Extension
You can install the extension manually or using COMMAND Line.
For example:
Step 1.1:
Download the extension and unzip it.
Step 1.2:
Upload it to the code directory in your magento installation’s app directory. If the code directory does not exist then create.
Step 1.3:
Disable the cache under System → Cache Management.
Step 1.4:
Enter the following at the command line:
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy
Step 1.5:
Once you complete the above steps log out and log in back to the admin panel and switch to Stores → Configuration → Mageants → Gift card, the module will be displayed in the admin panel.
Step 2: Configure the Extension
Go to: Stores > Configuration > MageAnts > Gift Card
Key configuration options include:
- Enable/Disable the gift card functionality
- Set gift card code patterns (e.g., GC-####-2025)
- Expiration period (e.g., 6 months)
- Notification settings for email alerts
- Allow usage with discounts or free gift promotions
Set up these options according to your store strategy.
Step 3: Create a New Gift Card Product
To create gift card in Magento 2, go to: Catalog > Products > Add Product > Gift Card
Here’s how to fill in the product details:
- Product Name: e.g., “$50 Gift Card”
- SKU: Unique identifier
- Gift Card Type: Choose Virtual, Physical, or Combined
- Price Type: Fixed, dropdown, or range
- Card Value: Set fixed amounts or allow customer defined value
- Template Selection: Upload custom card designs
- Email Settings: Enable sending to recipient via email
- Delivery Date: Allow customer to choose when the card is sent
Once complete, click Save.
Your gift card product is now live on the storefront!
Step 4: Customize Gift Card Email Templates (Optional)
Magento allows you to edit the gift card email content to match your brand tone.
Navigate to: Marketing > Email Templates > Add New Template
Load the default gift card email and customize:
- Sender name & email
- Greeting and instructions
- Card value and redemption steps
Step 5: Enable Gift Card Usage at Checkout
Make sure customers can apply their gift card code during checkout: Stores > Configuration > Sales > Payment Methods > Gift Card
- Enable for checkout
- Set the priority of usage
- Allow partial payments using gift cards
Test the checkout process to confirm everything works.
Using Gift Cards as a Free Gift Promotion
Want to run a free gift campaign using gift cards? Great idea!
Here’s how:
- Set a shopping cart price rule:
Go to Marketing > Cart Price Rules > Add New Rule
- Configure rule conditions:
- If order subtotal is above $100
- Or customer group is VIP
- Choose action:
- “Add gift card product to cart with 100% discount”
- Save and activate rule.
This approach is perfect for holiday campaigns, first time purchases, or customer loyalty rewards.
Check out: Free Gift for Magento 2
How Gift Cards Work in Multi Vendor Setups
In a multi vendor Magento 2 store, managing gift cards requires a bit more planning:
- Ensure the extension allows vendor specific gift cards
- Assign gift card SKUs to individual vendors
- Track redemptions by vendor
- Offer separate reporting dashboards
Some extensions offer advanced features like revenue sharing and vendor level email templates, making your operations more streamlined.
Further Reading: How Free Gift Campaigns Can Boost Magento Sales
Best Practices for Gift Cards in Magento 2
Follow these tips to make your gift card strategy a success:
#1. Use Eye Catching Designs
Gift cards are visual! Offer multiple templates for different occasions.
#2. Promote Across Channels
Feature your gift cards on the homepage, email newsletters, and social media.
#3. Offer Flexible Amounts
Let customers choose values for maximum personalization.
#4. Combine with Other Offers
Use gift cards as incentives in your loyalty programs or referral campaigns.
#5. Highlight During Holidays
Run seasonal promotions and create holiday-themed cards.
Final Thoughts
Magento 2 doesn’t offer gift card functionality out of the box in its open source version, but with the right gift card extension Magento module, you can implement this high converting feature quickly and effectively.
Now that you know how to create gift card in Magento 2, you’re well equipped to launch your own card system, whether it’s for virtual use, physical delivery, or promotional free gift campaigns.
Ready to Enhance Your Magento Store?
Looking to implement a gift card system or need help choosing the right card extension for your business?
Our Magento experts at MageAnts are here to help you integrate, customize, and scale your e-commerce features, whether you're running a single brand or a full fledged multi vendor marketplace.
Contact us today to create a customer friendly gift card experience that drives loyalty and revenue.