Certificate design

Gift certificate design

There are many occasions for giving gifts. You no longer need to rush around shopping centres looking for something suitable. A gift certificate is ideal when time is short and you do not know what to choose: find the recipient's favourite shop and buy a gift card. It can provide access to favourite products or services such as workshops, courses, massage, beauty treatments, training or a photo session. Certificate design varies with its purpose and recipient.

24Print helps customers fulfil different requirements. Our specialists create original layouts at competitive prices, with the cost depending on the print format and production deadline.

Types of gift certificates

The earliest gift certificates were printed on card or thick paper. Durable plastic cards with sophisticated designs are now also common. Their popularity comes from ease of use and the positive feelings they create. A gift certificate can also be an effective promotional tool for a company or retail chain, helping attract new customers.

Before creating a layout, consider the different types of gift card. Depending on material and format, they include:

• Paper certificates, which are the simplest to produce. The design can use an existing template or be developed from scratch. These suit small shops, beauty salons and personal gifts.

• Plastic certificates, a good choice for larger retailers. Their design is more complex and includes the company logo. They can include anti-counterfeiting protection and offer greater strength and durability.

• Electronic certificates, available online before a purchase. They can be arranged from home and sent regardless of the recipient's location, without printing a physical copy.

Choose according to the card's purpose. Certificate design and pricing vary with the customer's choices. It can be an original yet versatile gift for many occasions.

Gift certificate dimensions and typography

You can design a certificate yourself or work with a designer. Common dimensions are 20.3 x 9.5 cm, with larger 21.5 x 10.1 cm and smaller 8.8 x 5 cm versions also available. Certificates can take the form of plastic cards or be printed on paper or thick card.

Sans-serif typefaces are commonly used for clarity and readability. Any suitable typeface can work if it matches the design. Too many elements or too much text can overload a certificate, so aim for simplicity and sincerity.

How to create a gift certificate

A certificate is a document, so its content and design need to meet several requirements:

• Certificates must be accounted for as products. Define the value, service or group of services and number of certificates clearly. These are fixed parameters that should not change spontaneously during design; they determine the wording.

• When writing the text, consider all usage scenarios: purchase, return, gifting, redemption, appointment booking and extension of validity.

• Once the terms and materials are agreed, design can begin. A restrained corporate version incorporating brand elements suits partners and employees. A certificate for friends or family offers more creative freedom and can follow the customer's preferences.

The certificate should include the recipient's name, validity period, contact details, discount amount or value and any other necessary information.

A certificate is first and foremost a gift, so it should appeal to its recipient. Space for a personal message on the reverse can turn it into a greeting card as well.

Where to order gift certificate design

Ease of use, versatility, a wide choice of stylish templates and the option of an exclusive design are key advantages. Ordering a certificate is straightforward when you choose a reliable company.

Certificates designed by 24Print combine originality and quality. Browse examples of completed work on our website to assess the results. Within your budget, a certificate can promote a company or product or become an unusual gift. Our design and printing service also offers:

• prepress checks for every layout;

• modern printing methods and high-tech equipment;

• affordable design and qualified staff.

Layouts are developed within the agreed deadline and sent to the customer for approval. Our managers help choose the design, print size and materials and answer your questions. Order through the website or by telephone.