Plan a Holiday Rewards Program People Will Remember

Define your holiday reward program before Q4 deadlines and competing priorities arrive. Confirm who you are recognizing, establish the budget and approval process, and begin matching the reward experience to your audience.

Budget benchmark: In North America, $50 and $100 gift cards accounted for 51% of gift card distributions, while the average gift card value was $142, according to the Incentive Research Foundation. Use these benchmarks as a starting point—but align reward values with your audience, occasion, and available budget.

Planning steps:

September is the time to match the reward format, delivery method, and level of choice to your audience. Compare options and finalize now so there is enough time for customization, approvals, and physical-card fulfillment.

Planning insight: Brand-specific gift cards are used by 80% of North American reward programs, with dining, online retail, and apparel are among the most commonly selected categories. A varied or curated catalog can help accommodate different recipient preferences and holiday needs.

Important September considerations

Holiday Offer: Receive free direct-delivery shipping on holiday-themed Visa^® Reward Cards ordered from September 1 through November 30, 2026.

Organizations creating a more customized experience can also take advantage of our BrandedChoice™ Rewards Program introductory offer: New programs established by December 31, 2026 include no setup fees, Choice™ Card customization, a branded email template, and a custom marketplace.

Planning steps:

October is the time to finalize how your holiday reward will look, feel, and reach recipients. Complete the branding, messaging, catalog, presentation, and delivery details before fulfillment activity accelerates.

Planning insight: The Incentive Research Foundation found that 94% of top-performing organizations offer gift cards. These organizations distinguish themselves by designing rewards around flexibility, emotional impact, perceived value, and alignment with participant preferences.

Introductory offer: New BrandedChoice^™ Rewards Programs established by December 31, 2026 include zero setup fees, Choice Card customization, a branded email template, and a custom marketplace.

Offer valid only for new and existing customers. Offer valid on all new BrandedChoice^™ Reward Programs set up by December 31, 2026 through the Engage2Reward^™ Gift Card Ordering Platform

Planning steps:

Turn approved plans into an accurate fulfillment process. This is also the window to launch Thanksgiving recognition before year-end activity intensifies.

Planning insight: Dining gift cards were used by 54% of North American reward programs in the Incentive Research Foundation’s 2026 industry outlook, surpassing online-only retailers at 50%. As Thanksgiving approaches, consider whether dining, grocery, and other practical holiday shopping options belong in your reward mix.

Important timing considerations

Physical-card ordering and shipping windows are beginning to tighten. Confirm availability and delivery timing before promising a specific arrival date, especially for customized, kitted, or high-volume orders.

Our holiday offer continues through November 30, 2026, with free direct-delivery shipping on holiday-themed Visa^® Reward Cards. Product availability, processing requirements, and delivery timelines still apply.

Planning steps:

Your holiday program is now in motion. Coordinate fulfillment, monitor delivery, resolve exceptions, and keep flexible digital options ready for late additions and changing timelines.

Planning insight: 52% of consumers say they definitely purchase gift cards for the holidays, according to 2025 research from Javelin Strategy & Research. Deliver what they want, with 400+ popular brands available through the Engage2Reward Platform catalog.

Important November–December considerations

Don't miss out on free direct-delivery shipping on holiday-themed Visa^® Reward Cards through November 30, 2026.

As physical ordering windows close, pivot to digital gift cards, Choice^™ Cards, or Visa^® Reward Virtual Accounts for last-minute recipients and remaining year-end needs.

New BrandedChoice^™ Rewards Programs can still qualify for the introductory offer through December 31, 2026, including Choice Card customization, a branded email template, and a custom marketplace—all with no setup fees.

Planning steps:

Complete remaining deliveries, resolve recipient needs, and close the program with clear reporting and follow-up. Then bring stakeholders together to document what worked, what changed, and what should improve before the next reward initiative.

Planning insight: 93% of top-performing organizations say their reward programs benefit from collaboration across multiple departments, according to the Incentive Research Foundation. Include HR, finance, procurement, operations, marketing, and other program stakeholders in the post-program review when appropriate.

Important December–February considerations

Digital gift cards, Choice^™ Cards, and Visa^® Reward Virtual Accounts can support last-minute holiday delivery and recognition needs that continue into the New Year.

New BrandedChoice^™ Rewards Programs established by December 31, 2026 can still qualify for the introductory offer, including no setup fees, Choice Card customization, a branded email template, and a custom marketplace.

Use the Engage2Reward Platform reporting to review order and delivery activity, reconcile program details, and create a clearer starting point for future employee, customer, member, or partner reward initiatives.

Planning steps: