Follow : Add us as a preferred source  on Google.

---

Black Friday is here, and there are plenty of savings to be had on top tech, including laptops, TVs, headphones, and more. But sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come in small packages and will never get returned -- namely, gift cards. And this year, the easiest way to secure useful and personalized cards is online. 

Also: Our favorite Black Friday deals live now

I've been using On Me , a digital gift card provider that allows you to send e-gift cards any way you like, whether it's via email, text, a printed QR code, or even social media. But On Me cards aren't like regular gift cards. Instead of choosing one store, you choose one of several categories, like Beauty, Dinner, Gaming, or Camping. When the recipient opens the gift card, they get to choose which store they'd like to spend the card at. For example, you could send a Fashion card, which would let the recipient choose from 78 different stores like Gap, H&M, T.J. Maxx, and Nike. 

Send a digital gift card with On Me

View now at On Me

I've been working with On Me cards over the last few weeks, and I'm convinced it's now the easiest way to send tailored gift cards that are unique enough to make your recipient feel special, but broad enough to still offer variety. 

Also: 6 Black Friday gift card deals I'd add to my cart right now

On Me cards start at denominations of $10, and they work seamlessly with Apple Pay and Google Wallet. Once a user receives an On Me card, they can open it, follow the short instructions, and use it in-store or online at any eligible brand. These cards are simple, meaningful, and in my experience, safe. I also appreciate the categorized variety that allows my recipients to pick a place to spend my gift that best fits their wants and needs. 

How to send a gift card with On Me

Screenshot by Kayla Solino

1. Navigate to create a gift card on On Me. 
2. Select a grouping, such as Gaming, Coffee, Beauty, etc. Select a recipient (there is the option to send to multiple individuals at once).
3. Select a denomination to gift. 
4. Write a note, choose a theme, and add unique media, like GIFs. 
5. Select a delivery method (Text, E-mail, print QR code, or select social sites). 
6. Select instant send or schedule a send for later. 
7. Add a recipient phone number, and add to your cart. 
8. Complete payment. That's it!

How will my gift card be received?

I was recently the recipient of an On Me gift card, so I can tell you what it looks like if you choose to send one this holiday season. After you send a gift card, your recipient will either get an email, text, or gift link through a platform of your choice (Slack, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger are all supported, as are a few more options). If you choose to print a card containing a QR code to claim, I'd assume you'd be placing that into a physical holiday card or gift bag. Keep in mind that's an option! 

An On Me gift card notification e-mail. 

Screenshot by Kayla Solino

When you proceed to claim a gift card via the platform on which you received it, it takes you directly to On Me, where you'll be guided through a brief overview of your gift card, including where it can be used and how to use it. Then, you'll be prompted to create an On Me account. After you create an account, you have the option to send a thank you note, or skip forward. 

On Me's prompt. 

Screenshot by Kayla Solino

Once that's complete, you'll have the option to add your gift card to a mobile wallet, like Apple Pay. Then you can spend it online or in-store using tap-to-pay. That's it. 

Screenshot by Kayla Solino

I received an On Me gaming gift card , which unlocks savings at over 60 specific retailers, including Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Best Buy, and more. This approach from On Me allows you to gift the most variety this holiday season, and ensures you don't have to fret over picking a specific retailer. 

Some of the retailers I can spend my On Me gaming gift card at. 

Screenshot by Kayla Solino

So if you're looking to send gift cards this holiday season that are still personalized and functional, I recommend trying out On Me this year. 

FAQs

What are the best gifts? 

We've curated our top tech picks for the holiday season, perfect for gifting to yourself or a loved one. Shop our gift guides below: 

• The best tech stocking stuffers
• The best tech gifts
• The best tech gifts under $100
• The best tech gifts under $25
• The best gadgets to gift 

More questions? Read our Cyber Week 2025 shopping guide to discover everything you need to know about Cyber Week 2025, including all the details on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Show more

Recommends

Our favorite early Black Friday deals Best early Black Friday TV deals Top early Black Friday laptop deals Best early Black Friday iPad deals

• Our favorite early Black Friday deals
• Best early Black Friday TV deals
• Top early Black Friday laptop deals
• Best early Black Friday iPad deals