10 ways to use eGift cards to surprise & delight remote workers
Remote work has its perks, but it’s not without challenges—balancing home and work, staying connected, and keeping motivation high is hard. eGift cards offer a simple yet impactful way to tackle these pain points, bringing a little joy and productivity to a remote worker’s day. Whether for employees, customers, or prospects, they show appreciation instantly while building authentic connections.
Why eGifting works for building relationships and driving pipeline
eGifting goes beyond thoughtful gestures—it’s a strategic tool for prospecting and relationship-building. Here’s why eGifts open doors and foster loyalty:
- Personalized outreach: Tailored corporate eGifts show you’ve done your homework and understand your recipient's preferences–making them curious and feel special.
- Grab attention: With the average prospect receiving over 120 emails daily, eGifts cut through inbox noise.
- Build emotional connections: A small gift can make a big impact, with 83% of customers agreeing it strengthens goodwill and loyalty.
- Encourage engagement: The corporate gift sparks meaningful conversations, leading to a 212% increase in response rates.
Ready to make a lasting impression? Keep reading to discover how you can use eGift cards to engage remote workers and enhance relationships with prospects, employees, and customers.
10 eGift ideas to strengthen relationships and boost engagement
Take inspiration from our top 10 eGift and messaging ideas to help your brand stay top of mind:
1. Make virtual meetings more enjoyable
The fridge is empty. It's raining outside. The online internal meeting is really dragging. Hunger strikes. Payday is a few days away. All that's needed is something to eat. And quick!
Give your customer, prospect or employee a well-timed corporate gift of home food delivery to save their day. eGifts from Dominos, Just Eat, Uber Eats or Lobster Gram are often well received.
Messaging idea: "Brainstorming is better on a full stomach. Here’s lunch on us to fuel your next big idea! Let’s tackle [problem] together and set your team up for success!”
2. Boost virtual event attendance with gamified experiences
Sometimes, we all need a little extra motivation to show up—and show up on time. Before your online event, send out marketing communications offering to buy lunch or coffee for attendees during the break. Using eGift cards to drive virtual event attendance is a proven way to encourage participation and reward engagement.
You can take it a step further by gamifying the event. Winners could receive a selection of eGifts, from experience days and shopping trips to relaxing at-home massages. After a long day at the home office, we could all use a chance to unwind and recharge.
Messaging idea: "Save your seat and your snack! Join us for [event name], and lunch is on us."
3. Show you care by restocking their essentials
Did your prospect just return from a trip, recover from being sick, or start a new role? Chances are, they might be running low on home office or pantry essentials.
An eGift card for retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Tesco, Laithwaites, and Virgin Wines (wine is from a grape and often considered an essential) can be a lifesaver. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care about more than just work, making their day a little easier and more convenient.
Messaging idea: "Whether it’s coffee, notepads or [problem], we’ve got your back—restock on us!"
4. Encourage a change of scenery
Staying cooped up at home can stifle creativity. A coffee shop eGift from Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Costa or Dunkin' Donuts provides the perfect excuse to get out and recharge.
Messaging idea: "Sometimes a fresh perspective starts with a fresh cup of coffee. Take a break on us!"
5. Keep the kids entertained
Remote work with kids around can be a juggling act. An eGift card for streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime or gaming stores like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network can provide a much-needed distraction.
Messaging idea: "Parenting and working from home? You deserve a gold star—and a little help keeping the kids entertained! Looking forward to our next catch-up!"
6. Upgrade home entertainment
Sport on the radio just doesn’t hit the mark. If the game is on but heading to the nearest sports bar or pub isn’t an option, pay-per-view, cable TV, or Sky Sports might be the next best thing.
For the music lover, film buff, or sports fan in your life, an eGift card for services like iTunes, NowTV, or Spotify is the perfect solution. They can binge-watch the latest series, listen to the newest albums, or catch the big game—all from the comfort of home.
Messaging idea: "Need a movie night or concert from your couch? Here’s something to help you unwind—let’s tackle your [problem] once you're recharged!"
7. Support shopping sprees
Online shopping remains a top way to de-stress. Send an eGift card for brands like Nike, Paul Smith, H&M, ASOS, Adidas, Macy's, Nordstrom or Ray Ban to help your audience refresh their wardrobe without leaving their home.
Messaging idea: "A little retail therapy goes a long way—treat yourself on us! Looking forward to our next call."
8. Treat the family
A meal out can break the monotony and boost family bonding. Treat your prospect to some quality family time with eGift cards for restaurants like Zizzi, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Fleming's Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut or Bonefish Grill.
Messaging idea: "Dinner’s on us—spend some quality time with your loved ones! Talk soon."
9. Boost home office productivity
Not everyone has a fully equipped home office right out of the gate. So, what happens when the WiFi router breaks or all the pens mysteriously vanish just when you need them most?
A functional home office is crucial for remote work success. Help your team or prospects get their setup in shape quickly with eGift cards for retailers like Office Max, Curry's PC World, and Hobbycraft—perfect for stocking up on office essentials and tech gear to keep productivity flowing.
Messaging idea: "Your home office and [problem] deserves an upgrade—let us help you get set up for success!"
10. Simplify the commute (when needed)
Public transport isn’t always reliable, especially when you need to get somewhere fast. If your prospect’s other half has the car and they’re scrambling to make it to an important meeting or your event, an eGift card for a ride-sharing service can save the day.
In big cities, they can always count on Uber or Lyft to get them where they need to go, on time and stress-free. It’s a thoughtful way to help them stay on track, even in a pinch.
Messaging idea: "Need to get to [location] fast? We’ve got your ride covered! See you soon."
5 eGift strategy tips to guarantee business success
Maximize your eGift strategy with our top tips:
1. Make it personal
Personalized eGift cards referencing the recipient’s role, interests, or recent events show thoughtful intent. For example: “Congrats on your job promotion! Here’s a little something to celebrate. Let’s catch up soon to explore how we can support your success in your new role” is a great way to stay top of mind!.
2. Perfect timing
Deliver eGifts at moments that matter—after a key meeting, to celebrate personal or professional milestones, or as a follow-up after a campaign. This helps make the gesture feel timely and relevant.
3. Match the gift to the message
Align your eGift with the tone and theme of your outreach. For example, sending a coffee gift card before a morning meeting invite can set the right tone and make your message feel more personal and thoughtful.
4. Keep the message short and sweet
A concise, friendly note paired with the eGift is all you need to make an impact. Keep it simple—just a sentence or two that shows appreciation and encourages the next step.
5. Track engagement
Use tools like Reachdesk to monitor eGift redemption and ensure you're following up effectively. This helps you gauge interest and engagement, making it easier to personalize future outreach and strengthen the relationship.
Ready to open doors with eGifts that your recipients will love?
If you’re looking to implement thoughtful gifting at scale, Reachdesk can help you access 3,000+ types of global eGift cards tailored to your and your recipient’s needs. Connect with our team here to learn how you can start surprising and delighting your employees, customers, and prospects today!