Gift Card Industry Outlook 2026: Building on a $1.24 Trillion Foundation

January 16, 2026 | INWISH Market Analysis

After a record-breaking 2025 that saw the global gift card market reach $1.24 trillion, the industry enters 2026 with unprecedented momentum. INWISH analyzes the key opportunities, emerging technologies, and strategic shifts that will define the year ahead.

2025 in Review: A Foundation for Growth

The gift card industry closed 2025 with remarkable achievements. Global market valuations exceeded $1.24 trillion, with digital gift cards capturing over 60% of total sales. North America maintained its leadership position, accounting for 36% of worldwide revenue, while the Asia-Pacific region emerged as the fastest-growing market.

These results set a powerful foundation for 2026, with industry analysts projecting continued expansion toward $1.42 trillion this year and a potential $3.8 trillion valuation by 2034.

Key Market Indicators

Metric	2025 Actual	2026 Projection
Global Market Value	$1.24 Trillion	$1.42 Trillion
Digital Gift Card Share	60%	68%+
US Market Size	$448 Billion	$507 Billion
China Market Size	$191.6 Billion	$215 Billion
Annual Growth Rate	13.2%	14.5%

Five Trends That Will Define 2026

1. 📱 AI-Powered Personalization Goes Mainstream
Building on 2025's personalization momentum, 2026 will see artificial intelligence transform gift card experiences. Expect AI-driven recommendation engines, dynamic pricing, and hyper-personalized card designs that adapt to recipient preferences in real-time.

2. 🔗 Blockchain Integration Accelerates
Cryptocurrency-backed gift cards and blockchain-verified transactions are moving from niche to mainstream. Early adopters in 2025 proved the concept; 2026 will bring widespread implementation across major retailers and platforms.

3. 🏢 Corporate Gifting Reaches New Heights
The corporate gifting segment, which surged 50% in 2025, shows no signs of slowing. Companies are increasingly leveraging gift cards for employee recognition, client retention, and marketing incentives—creating a robust B2B market opportunity.

4. 🌏 Cross-Border E-Commerce Expansion
Europe's gift card market is projected to grow at 14% CAGR through 2029. The elimination of currency translation barriers and physical delivery requirements positions gift cards as the ideal cross-border gifting solution.

5. 🌱 Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
With digital cards reducing carbon footprint by 97% compared to plastic, environmentally conscious consumers are driving demand. Brands prioritizing sustainable gifting solutions will capture market share in 2026.

"2025 proved that gift cards are no longer a retail perk—they're a strategic business imperative. The companies that invested in digital infrastructure last year are now positioned to dominate in 2026 and beyond."

— INWISH Market Research Team

Regional Opportunities in 2026

North America: The US market is projected to reach $507 billion in 2026, driven by e-commerce integration and corporate adoption. Mobile wallet-based gift cards will continue their explosive growth trajectory.

Asia-Pacific: China leads regional growth with deep integration into Alipay and WeChat Pay ecosystems. The market is expected to exceed $215 billion, with Southeast Asian markets emerging as high-potential opportunities.

Europe: Cross-border e-commerce expansion and regulatory harmonization create favorable conditions. The region's emphasis on sustainability aligns perfectly with digital gift card adoption.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging as a dynamic growth market with increasing digital payment adoption and strong corporate gifting culture during festive seasons.

Strategic Recommendations for 2026

• Prioritize Mobile Integration: With consumers checking phones 144 times daily, mobile wallet compatibility is non-negotiable
• Invest in Personalization: 60%+ of consumers expect customized gifting experiences
• Expand B2B Offerings: Corporate gifting represents the fastest-growing segment
• Embrace Omnichannel: Seamless redemption across online, in-store, and app platforms is essential
• Lead with Sustainability: Position digital-first solutions as environmentally responsible choices

The INWISH Advantage in 2026

As the gift card landscape evolves, INWISH continues to innovate at the forefront of industry transformation. Our platform combines cutting-edge technology with deep market expertise to deliver solutions that meet the demands of modern consumers and businesses alike.

Whether you're looking to launch a new gift card program, expand into digital offerings, or optimize your corporate gifting strategy, INWISH provides the technology, insights, and support you need to succeed in 2026.

---

Ready to Capitalize on 2026's Gift Card Opportunities?
Partner with INWISH for innovative solutions designed for the year ahead.

Explore Solutions →

Data sources: Capital One Shopping, Blackhawk Network, Precedence Research, Straits Research (2025 Reports)