Gift Giving Is Getting Smarter — Here’s How People Are Spending Less
Gift giving has quietly changed. More people are realizing that thoughtful gifts do not require panic spending or paying full price just because the calendar is staring at you aggressively.
Instead of scrambling, shoppers are getting smarter about how they buy gifts. One of the easiest money-saving moves right now is using discounted digital gift cards from the DoorDash Gift Card Marketplace with a DashPass membership. Getting a $100 gift card for about $90 feels like winning in a way that still feels responsible.
Welcome to the era of smarter gifting.
Why Digital Gift Cards Are Suddenly Everyone’s Favorite Option
Digital gift cards solve a lot of common gifting problems in one move. There is no shipping to track, no wrapping to wrestle with, and no wondering if something will arrive on time.
Gift cards from DoorDash arrive almost instantly by email or text. That makes them perfect for birthdays, thank-you gifts, graduations, or those “I swear I had more time” moments. With 200+ brands across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment, you can usually find something that feels thoughtful without overthinking it.
Think Starbucks for your coworker, Bath & Body Works for your sister, Abercrombie & Fitch for the fashion lover, or Xbox for the gamer who already has everything.
How to Save Money on Gift Cards in About Two Minutes
This is where the “smarter” part really shows up.
- DashPass members log into your DoorDash account.
- Click through to the DoorDash Gift Card Marketplace.
- Look for gift cards labeled “Get 10% off”.
- Pick the gift card you want and head to checkout.
- The discount is applied automatically. No code needed.
- After purchase, the gift card is sent instantly by email or text to you or your recipient.
That’s the whole process. No extra steps or fine print scavenger hunt required.
How DashPass Members Save on Gift Cards Year-Round
DashPass members get 10% off select digital gift cards year-round*, up to $25 per purchase and up to four times a month. That adds up to $100 in monthly savings on gifts people were already planning to buy anyway.
Because the discount is automatic, it is hard to mess up. Which is honestly part of the appeal.
Using Gift Cards to Spend Less on Everyday Expenses
Gift cards aren’t just for gifting. A lot of people use discounted gift cards to save on everyday spending too.
You might grab a Lowe’s gift card before starting a home project, use a Panera gift card for quick lunch runs, or pick up a Lyft gift card for regular rides.
Discounted Southwest Airlines and Lyft gift cards can also help cover flights, airport rides, or everyday transportation costs. You can pay less without changing your plans.
Bigger Gifts Come With a Small Bonus
If you are buying a bigger gift, there is a little extra value built in. When you spend $100 or more at brands like Airbnb, Macy’s, Ulta Beauty, or Sephora, you get a $10 DoorDash gift card back.**
Not life-changing money, but definitely enough to feel like you made a smart move.
A Simple Way to Save Money Beyond Just Gift Giving
This approach doesn’t have to stop once the gift list is done. Discounted digital gift cards can be an easy habit that adds a little savings without changing how you spend.
It’s not flashy. It’s just a smart, repeatable way to keep more money in your pocket. And those are usually the habits that stick.
*Eligible DashPass members receive 10% off the purchase of select digital third-party gift cards when purchasing from the DoorDash app or website. Maximum discount of $25 per purchase. DashPass users only. Offer only valid from Jan. 8, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Discount limited to 4 digital gift card purchases per person, per month.
**Receive a $10 DoorDash digital gift card when you purchase select third-party digital gift cards in an amount of $100 or more. Must purchase from the DoorDash app or website. DashPass users only. Offer only valid through 12/31/25. $10 DoorDash gift card will be sent via email within 3 business days after we confirm your qualifying purchase, one (1) $10 gift card per qualifying purchase.Limit 2 per person per calendar month. Eligible third-party gift card brands as of 10/30/25, which may change without notice to you: Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Fortnite, Foot Locker, REI, Airbnb, Chili’s® Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Albertsons, and Under Armour.
Must have a valid DoorDash account. Only available in the U.S. as determined by DoorDash in its sole discretion.Only available to select DashPass users as indicated in their account. See gift card for details, terms, conditions and (if applicable) fees. Gift cards shown are not sponsors or co-sponsors of this promotion. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
