How Specialty Card Treatments Can Make Your Gift Cards Stand Out

Gift cards are more than just a convenient way to give a present—they’re also an effective strategy for businesses to attract and retain customers. As consumers continue to embrace the flexibility and ease that gift cards offer, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of making these cards visually appealing. Specialty card treatments, such as unique finishes, textures, and innovative printing techniques, can enhance the design of gift cards and make them stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The Power of Gift Cards in the Modern Market

Gift cards have long been one of the most popular gift items. In fact, they’ve been a staple of the gift-giving experience for as long as the iPhone has existed, remaining a favored choice for consumers. According to a study, 90% of people consider physical gift cards to be an appropriate item to gift, indicating that they have become a trusted and valuable part of the gifting process.

What Are Specialty Treatments?

Specialty treatments refer to custom finishing techniques that enhance the look and feel of gift cards. These treatments can range from simple elements like foil stamping to more intricate designs such as embossing, debossing, and spot UV coatings. Specialty treatments can refine a card from a simple gift item into a unique, memorable experience.

The right specialty treatment can add depth, texture, and visual interest to your gift cards, making them not only more appealing but also more memorable. Additionally, specialty treatments can reflect the values of your brand, whether you’re aiming for a luxurious, eco-friendly, or high-tech look.

Types of Specialty Treatments for Gift Cards

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a popular and elegant specialty treatment that adds a metallic shine to certain parts of the card. By using heat and pressure, foil stamping applies a thin metallic layer in various colors, including gold, silver, or holographic effects.

Foil stamping can instantly improves a simple design, making it look more luxurious. It’s a popular choice for businesses aiming to create a sense of exclusivity, such as in the fashion, beauty, or luxury goods industries. 

Embossing and Debossing

Embossing and debossing are techniques that add depth and texture to a gift card by creating raised or recessed areas on the surface. Embossing creates a raised design, while debossing creates an indented pattern. These treatments are particularly effective for creating a tactile, high-end feel.

For instance, embossing your brand’s logo or a design element like a geometric pattern can add a sense of sophistication to your gift cards. Similarly, debossing works well for creating subtle but impactful designs, such as a brand name, a product, or a message.

Spot UV Coating

Spot UV coating is a glossy finish applied to specific areas of a gift card design. It’s often used to highlight key elements, such as logos or imagery, while leaving the rest of the card with a matte or satin finish. The contrast between the glossy and matte sections creates a striking visual effect.

Spot UV is particularly effective for creating attention-grabbing designs and emphasizing particular details. For example, you could use spot UV on the brand logo or text, making it pop against the matte background. This treatment gives the card a sophisticated, polished look, making it ideal for brands that want to exude elegance and style.

Die-Cutting

Die-cutting is a technique where the card is cut into a custom shape rather than the traditional rectangle. This creative treatment allows businesses to design unique, memorable cards that reflect the personality of the brand. For example, you could create a gift card in the shape of a product, logo, or holiday-related symbol, offering a more personalized and engaging experience for the consumer.

Die-cut cards are an excellent choice for businesses that want to differentiate their gift cards from standard offerings. This treatment works particularly well for brands in creative industries, such as entertainment, fashion, or tech, where unique designs are a reflection of the brand’s innovation.

Soft-Touch Coating

Soft-touch coating is a smooth, velvety finish that makes gift cards feel luxurious and comforting to the touch. This treatment creates a tactile experience that sets the card apart from other standard plastic gift cards. The soft texture feels pleasant and makes customers want to hold the card longer, increasing the chances they’ll use it sooner.

Soft-touch coating is especially suitable for businesses in industries like high-end beauty, wellness, and luxury goods, where tactile luxury and comfort are important brand values. This treatment amplifies the gift card experience, enhancing both the physical and emotional connection between customers and the brand. 

Glossy, Satin, and Matte Laminations

• Glossy Lamination: Adds a vibrant, reflective finish that enhances colors and makes designs pop. Ideal for eye-catching, modern gift cards. 
• Satin Lamination: Provides a soft sheen that strikes a balance between glossy and matte finishes, offering a subtle yet elegant look. 
• Matte Lamination: Delivers a non-reflective, smooth finish for a sophisticated and understated appearance, perfect for minimalistic designs. 

Each lamination style offers unique benefits and can be tailored to align with your brand's identity and message. 

The Impact of Specialty Treatments on Consumer Behavior

The investment in specialty treatments for gift card designs has proven to be more than just a cosmetic upgrade. A recent study found that 72% of consumers say that packaging design influences their purchasing decisions.

Specialty treatments are an excellent option for businesses looking to enhance their gift card designs. Whether you choose foil stamping, embossing, soft-touch coatings, or other creative treatments, these enhancements can turn an ordinary gift card into a memorable customer experience. By leveraging these treatments, businesses can stand out from the competition, create a stronger emotional bond with customers, and ultimately increase sales.

About Plasticard – Locktech International

PLI is the largest Closed Loop Gift, Loyalty and Hospitality card manufacturer in North America. PLI has been in business for over 30 years, specializing in end-to-end card marketing solutions including card production, design, packaging, displays, consulting and fulfillment services and capabilities. PLI has three manufacturing facility locations including two in Las Vegas, NV and one in Asheville, NC.