30+ Sample Gift Receipt Templates

What Is a Gift Receipt?

Gift receipts are similar to the general payment receipts where they act as proof of purchase. But what makes a gift receipt special is how the amount spent is hidden and the recipient can return a gift if it follows the refund or exchange policy. So when you surprise someone with a present, include a gift receipt just in case they would dislike the item. The recipient can then take the present back to the shop and have it exchanged for what they prefer the most. That way, gift-giving won’t have to create drama by regifting or throwing the items straight into the trash, how tragic that would be!

Did you know that the average spending on every child’s birthday in the US costs around $51 to $100 in 2018?

Also, Giving USA reported that Americans, from individuals to organizations, have given $427.71 billion to US charities back in 2018.

Are Gift Receipts Good or Bad?

A gift receipt is important for hiding how much spent on a gift and for returning gifts. But there is also a catch. Not all stores and retailers would just agree to a refund or an exchange if a customer dislikes a purchase. Shops have different policies in terms of how long a return is allowed and what conditions are prohibited or not in returning gifts. But, having the gift receipt itself does give you an edge. Although different policies may be seen as bad, it will be good when you tell a seller that you are purchasing a gift ahead. That way, retailers can record the details on the gift receipt, including the recipient’s name.

What Are the Elements of a Gift Receipt?

Compared to the usual receipts, expect a gift receipt to have less information. But what the receipt contains will also vary on which store issued it. In this section, we will introduce you to what is commonly found inside a gift receipt. Hence, standard gift receipts would contain the following elements:

Title: There are many types of receipts from cash receipts, rental receipts, and so forth. So how can people distinguish your receipt as a gift receipt? Put a clear title. Having ‘Gift Receipt’ right on your document’s title is effective. Also, make sure your title is placed at the topmost central part with bold capital letters so it will stand out. And people will no longer bother to ask what the document’s purpose is after seeing the specific title itself.Company Branding: Adding your company’s branding to the receipt is a smart move. Besides marketing your company’s logo, business address, contact information, and other details to boost sales, it will also help recipients identify which store to go to in case they want a return of their gift. Thus, recipients don’t have to guess which store to refer to because the branding details already have the address and even contact numbers.Price Information: Yes, we already reiterated that not exposing the price is the purpose of a gift receipt. But that is optional for other stores. Some establishments do include the price list and related information. It should be clear how much was spent so sellers would have an idea immediately of the amount limit that a recipient can exchange. It would not be fair for a recipient who received $100 worth of jewelry by exchanging it for a $500 replacement.Discount Info: More about the price, some gift receipts outline if any discount, coupon, or voucher was used in purchasing. This information will also clarify that if the discount has expired, there may be limits to what exchanges allow. Clearly, the pricing still matters for proof if gifts have been discounted or not.Item Description: It is important to distinguish what the gifts specifically are. Item descriptions should be detailed from the name of the product, its brand, size, quantity, and other helpful identification details. An example is when you return a gift coming from an Amazon order. As you email about the return, it is normal that Amazon would ask for what was the item gifted to you. Inputting the item description would help identify the product right away.Date of Purchase: A way to track transactions is by checking the date of purchase. The same importance applies to gift receipts where they should have a corresponding date to make it easier in tracking. The complete date should be mentioned from the day, month, and year. Suppose a receipt has a one-month policy of allowing a return, then day one starts right from the purchase date. Ensure that if the recipient wishes to change the gift, let him or her visit the store before it takes a month.Cashier’s Name: Sometimes a customer or a recipient might have complaints or questions that would concern the cashier. An example is when a cashier made a mistake on a number listed in the gift receipt. There is no need to interrogate every cashier in a store because the cashier’s name in the receipt identifies quickly.Name of the Customer and the Recipient: Some gift receipts include the name of the customer and the recipient as well. This information will clarify who is allowed to make a return or exchange which is the recipient. And the customer’s name will prove that he or she really bought the gift.Bar Codes: Adding bar codes is helpful for security purposes. The problem is when some customers create fake gift receipts to get returns for free. A bar code helps observe the validity of transactions so it is worth adding. So when the codes are scanned and tracked, it is easy to tell if a receipt is legit or not.

How to Make a Gift Receipt

Yes, gift receipts help you in being confident that whoever receives your next gift won’t have to complain because there is a chance to return it. But what if your job is to create the receipt itself? If you run a store, then this part would surely help you. Not to worry because the process is quite easy. In just six steps, you can create a gift receipt in no time. Without further ado, here are the steps in making a gift receipt:

Step 1: Pick a Sample Template

Looking for the easiest way to craft a gift receipt? Our sample templates above are there to accommodate your needs anytime. Everything is simple—just explore each template and look for whichever you prefer. The best part is you simply fill in every blank or add the finishing touches since most parts are already given or premade. Allow our sample gift receipt templates to guide you in making the document in a flash!

Step 2: Insert the Gift Receipt’s Elements

Recall the elements of a gift receipt we discussed before because they are worth adding to your receipt. So from the title down to the bar codes, ensure you labeled them accordingly. Never forget to arrange all the elements appropriately instead of just adding them in a disorganized manner. What matters most is everything added is specified, especially in the item description. Not all gifts are even tangible because some would offer services. An example is when the gift is a salon and spa package. Ensure no error is present or the receipt might be void.

Step 3: Edit the Receipt’s Format and Design

Put effort into personalizing the gift receipt. There is so much you could do from incorporating your enterprise’s branding, adding creative designs, or deciding whether you want receipts to have both print and soft copies. Others even include a short message, introductory statement, or brief instructions as a guide on whoever reads the gift receipt.

Step 4: Make It Easy to Read

It would help to observe an easy-to-follow structure. Do not make customers, recipients, or anyone concerned with the receipt have a hard time reading and understanding the document’s message. You need not include numerous words and sentences anyway since gift receipts have lesser information but they are more direct than regular receipts. A tip is to make the format smart by adding tables or charts to present visually rather than explaining with longer sentences.

Step 5: Produce More Copies for Safekeeping

A receipt in general brings acknowledgment about proof of purchase. So it is only natural that you cannot just get rid of gift receipts too easily. Some customers might lose their copies so at least your company has extra copies for safekeeping. This rule applies to all transactions even donations. In fact, Americans were known to give a lot to US charities that they were able to bring a charitable donation of $427.71 billion in 2018. Next, be aware that those extra copies help prevent scams. For example, some gift receipts might not have bar codes and are just made up. Do not fall for those fraudulent schemes.

Step 6: Remind about Return and Exchange Policies

This final step is optional. Help clients by reminding them about the return or exchange policies before they purchase gifts. You can give that errand to cashiers or add a brief message about the said reminders in the gift receipts. That way, no customer would have to be called out by whoever receives the gift they bought. Suppose a recipient wants an exchange but it did not meet the policies, that recipient would give the side-eye to who gave that gift in the first place. Rules and regulations are no joke so inform them early.

FAQs

What is the difference between a gift card and a gift certificate?

As we talked about gift receipts, some examples of gifts include a gift card and a gift certificate. The difference between the two is that the gift certificate is conventionally a printed paper or cardboard, which may be torn if not handled carefully. Meanwhile, gift cards are like debit or credit cards which are thick. And those cards have a magnetic stripe or barcode.

How long is the period for returning gifts?

Generally, retailers settle for the 28-day period of returning gifts, particularly during the holidays. But don’t be too complacent with that schedule because it isn’t the same for every store. Fun fact: The average spending of a child’s birthday in America costs $51 to $100. That is, according to Statista. No matter what the amount of the birthday present is, the return period may take shortly so don’t buy too early if it involves a gift receipt.

What is another difference between a standard receipt and a gift receipt?

You already know that gift receipts are useful for both returns and hiding the price. But another striking difference is that standard receipts often let you experience cashback. Meanwhile, gift receipts are only concerned with storing credit. That won’t be the case if the credit card number was used in purchasing though.

From now on, always insert a gift receipt to any birthday gift or any occasion where you need to send a present. Recipients will appreciate it a lot so they won’t have to hurt the sender’s feelings in exchanging the gift afterward. But before telling your head to buy now, consider two important things. First, ensure that there are enough days left to return the item. And most importantly, use organized and well-detailed receipts. Our sample gift receipt templates are just the right reference for that pursuit.