How to Purchase and Gift an Apple Gift Card
Follow these steps to purchase and deliver an Apple Gift Card, which can be used to purchase music or any Apple product. You have several options when you want to give someone credit to be used in the iTunes Store or App Store.
Physical iTunes gift cards: This is probably the most popular way people purchase gift credit from the iTunes Store. In addition to buying gift cards from Apple’s online service, you can buy gift cards at thousands of retail stores across the country. The cards come in different designs and are preloaded with a set amount of credit, typically $15, $25, $50, $100, or $200. However, if you’re short on time or the person you are giving the card to is a long distance away, this may not be the best method. iTunes gift certificates: Select the Send Gift option on the iTunes Store to give an iTunes Gift Certificate. This option allows you to either purchase credit and print a certificate or send the gift via email. Choosing the amount of credit you buy is the same as for physical gift cards, except that everything is done through the iTunes store. You choose a prepaid amount, ranging from $15 to $200. Gifting songs, albums, apps, and more: If you want to choose a specific item from the iTunes Store instead of giving credit, this method is for you. If you know someone who likes a particular artist, send them a personal gift. This feature isn’t limited to songs and albums. There are all sorts of other iTunes Store gifts you can send, including apps, movies, and TV shows. You can also compile custom-made playlists and gift those. To send a specific product, view it on the iTunes Store. Select Gift This from the drop-down menu next to the Buy button. A short form displays where you can print a certificate to present in person or email the gift to the recipient.
Does the Recipient Need an iTunes Account?
Although it is more convenient for the recipient to have an iTunes account, you can give anyone iTunes credit regardless of whether they use Apple’s online store. However, for them to redeem the gift and purchase digital products, the recipient needs an Apple ID, which is free. It is the recipient who applies for the Apple ID, which is the credential necessary to log in to the iTunes website and redeem the credit.
