Can I Sell Physical/Plastic Gift Cards on Squarespace?

Why Squarespace Does Not Offer Physical Gift Cards

Squarespace is a website builder, not a fulfillment service. Physical gift cards require printing, inventory management, and shipping - none of which fit into Squarespace's digital-first model. Their gift card system generates a unique code, emails it to the recipient, and tracks the balance in the Commerce panel. That is where Squarespace's involvement ends.

This design keeps the process simple and instant. The buyer purchases, the recipient gets the code within minutes, and there is no fulfillment overhead on your end. But it does leave a gap for store owners who want a tangible gift option.

Workaround 1: Print Your Own Physical Cards

You can create your own plastic or printed gift cards and ship them to customers manually. Here is how this works:

• A customer purchases a digital gift card through your Squarespace store
• You receive the order notification and the unique gift card code
• You print that code onto a pre-designed physical card (or write it inside a greeting card)
• You ship the physical card to the buyer or to the recipient directly

The recipient redeems the card by entering the digital code at checkout, exactly the same as a standard digital gift card. The physical card is just the delivery method - the code does all the work.

This approach requires upfront effort: designing cards, ordering blank card stock or plastic cards from a printing service, and handling shipping yourself. But it gives your customers the physical gifting experience they want.

Workaround 2: Bundle a Gift Card with a Physical Product

Another approach is to create a product listing that includes both a physical item and a gift card code. For example:

• A greeting card with the gift card code printed inside
• A branded box with a printed card and a small gift item
• A teddy bear or other small product with a card attached

You sell this as a regular product on your store, then manually generate the gift card and include the code with the physical item before shipping. This method costs more per unit because of the physical item and shipping, but it creates a premium gifting experience that can justify a higher price point.

Workaround 3: Stay Digital Only

The simplest option is to accept the digital-only format and position it as a feature rather than a limitation. Digital gift cards have clear advantages:

• Instant delivery - no shipping delays, perfect for last-minute gifts
• Zero fulfillment cost - no printing, packaging, or postage
• Environmentally friendly - no plastic waste
• No risk of lost mail - the code arrives by email within minutes

Younger buyers in particular are comfortable with digital gift cards. If your target audience skews under 40, the lack of a physical option is unlikely to cost you sales. Frame it as the modern, eco-conscious choice in your product description.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Store

The best option depends on your customer base, your capacity for fulfillment, and your brand positioning. Here is a quick comparison:

• Print your own cards: Best if you already handle shipping and want full control over the experience. Medium effort.
• Bundle with a product: Best if you sell physical goods and want to create a premium gift option. Higher cost but higher perceived value.
• Digital only: Best if you want zero fulfillment overhead and your audience is comfortable with digital gifts. Lowest effort.

Many store owners start digital-only and add a physical option later if customers request it. There is no need to commit to physical cards from day one.

Managing Gift Cards Alongside Physical Workarounds

If you go with either of the physical workarounds, you will need a system for matching digital codes to physical orders. Keep a simple spreadsheet that logs the order number, gift card code, recipient name, and shipping status. This prevents mix-ups and makes customer support much easier.

Also make sure your store's currency settings are correct before selling gift cards. Gift cards are issued in your store's currency and cannot be converted. If you change your store currency after issuing cards, existing cards keep their original currency and value.

Promoting Gift Cards - Digital or Physical

Regardless of which approach you choose, promotion is what drives gift card sales. Use Squarespace's Announcement Bar during peak gifting periods to highlight that gift cards are available. Add gift cards to your navigation menu so they are easy to find. Send email campaigns before major holidays - the "instant delivery, no shipping needed" angle works especially well for digital cards close to a holiday deadline.