Best charity gift cards

Charity gift cards are gift cards that support charitable causes in one way or another. Unlike a standard gift card that is simply spent at a retailer, a charity gift card ensures that part or all of the value contributes to a good cause. This could mean the recipient shops at a charity-run organisation, or it could mean that the brand behind the gift card donates a portion of its profits to charitable projects.

Charity gift cards are a great gift for people who care about making a difference. They are ideal for the friend who already has everything, the colleague who values sustainability, or the family member who would rather support a cause than receive another material gift. They are also a popular choice for businesses looking to give corporate gifts that reflect their values. With a charity gift card, you give the recipient the joy of choosing something they like while also contributing to something bigger.

There are two types of charity gift cards to be aware of.

The first type of charity gift card is one that allows you to support a charity directly. With these gift cards, the money you spend goes straight to charitable organisations. A good example is The Charity Shop Gift Card, which can be spent at charity shops across the UK. Every purchase directly supports the charitable cause behind the shop, whether that is a national charity like the British Heart Foundation or a local hospice. This type of card is perfect for people who want their gift to have an immediate impact.

The second type of charity gift card is one where brands and retailers donate a portion of their profits to charity. With these cards, the recipient buys products they enjoy, and the company behind the brand channels part of the revenue towards charitable initiatives. The National Book Tokens Gift Card is a great example of this type of charity gift card, as a portion of their proceeds supports literacy charities like Read for Good and Book Aid International.

The Body Shop Gift Card is another example, since the brand has a long history of supporting community trade projects and ethical campaigns. This type of charity gift card works well for people who want to combine a practical gift with a feel-good factor.

Both types of charity gift cards offer a meaningful way to give, and the best choice depends on whether your recipient would prefer to shop at a charity directly or support ethical brands they already love.

Here’s a selection of the best charity gift cards you can buy on Giftcards.co.uk.

The Charity Shop Gift Card is the most direct way to combine gifting with charitable giving. The Charity Shop Gift Card can be spent at a growing number of charity shops across the UK, from well-known national charities to smaller local hospice shops. Every penny the recipient spends goes directly to supporting the charity behind the shop. Available in values from £20 up to £150 and remains valid for two years from the date of purchase. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hunting for second-hand treasures, vintage items, or preloved books while also supporting good causes.

National Book Tokens is the go-to gift card for book lovers, and also supports some wonderful causes. The National Book Tokens Gift Card sponsors Read for Good, a charity that encourages children across the UK to read for pleasure, and Book Aid International, which shares the power of books with communities around the world that have limited access to reading materials. The gift card is accepted at all major bookshops across the UK and Ireland, including Waterstones, WHSmith and many independent bookshops. This is a type-two charity gift card where a portion of the proceeds are donated to partner charities.

The National Garden Gift Card is ideal for anyone with a green thumb and a generous heart. The National Garden Gift Card is accepted by over 1,400 garden centres and plant nurseries across the UK. It can be used to buy plants, flowers, gardening tools, and garden décor. What makes it special from a charity perspective is that proceeds are reinvested into initiatives by the Horticultural Trades Association, including National Gardening Week and projects supporting children's charities. This is a type-two charity gift card, where profits support good causes behind the scenes.

The Body Shop Gift Card is a brilliant choice for anyone who values ethical beauty. The Body Shop has been a pioneer in cruelty-free and sustainable products for decades, and the brand is committed to fair trade practices and ethically sourced ingredients from that support marginalised communities. Available from £5 up to £150, the Body Shop Gift Card gives the recipient access to a wide range of skincare, bath products and fragrances, all produced with people and the planet in mind.

The Vegan Gift Card is a thoughtful gift for anyone who supports plant-based living and conscious consumption. The Vegan Gift Card is available in values from £10 up to £150, it can be redeemed both online and in store at a range of vegan-friendly retailers. While it’s not a traditional charity gift card, the brands it supports are typically committed to animal welfare, sustainability, and reducing environmental impact. It’s a great option for the ethically-minded people who prefer to shop with purpose.

Sustainable Travelcard by Inspire is designed for travellers who want to explore the world responsibly. The Sustainable Travelcard by Inspire gives access to eco-friendly accommodations and experiences that prioritise sustainability, from green-certified hotels to tours focused on preserving local culture and nature. Available in custom values from £10 up to £150 with an 18-month validity period, it’s a perfect gift for someone who cares about the environmental and social impact of their travels.

All-in-One Choice Gift Card may not be a charity gift card in the traditional sense, but it deserves a mention because of its flexibility. The All-in-One Choice Gift Card gives access to over 350 gift cards, meaning your recipient can choose to redeem it for any of the charity-focused gift cards listed above, including The Charity Shop Gift Card, National Book Tokens, or The Body Shop Gift Card. You give them the freedom to support the cause that matters most to them, making it the perfect option when you’re not sure which charity gift card to pick.

If you’re interested in eco-friendly gifting, take a look at our guide to sustainable gift card choices. Alternatively, you can browse all gift cards to see all of our gift cards across every category of gift card we have on Giftcards.co.uk.