6 Ways to Boost Sales with Gift Cards This Fall

When the back-to-school season hits, many family fun centers feel the pinch of the “fall slowdown.” With fewer big events on the calendar and families adjusting to new routines, weekday traffic can dip.

But here’s the good news: this is the perfect time to sell gift cards in fun, creative ways that keep your brand top-of-mind and your revenue flowing.

6 Ways to Boost Sales with Gift Cards This Fall

Gift cards aren’t just for the holidays. They can spark last-minute visits, encourage repeat business, and even help you reach new customers through gifting. By pairing them with strategic fall promotions, you can turn the seasonal lull into a sales opportunity.

1. Fall-Themed Bonus Deals

Give guests a reason to stock up on gift cards now by offering a seasonal bonus. For example: “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card.”

Tie the theme to fall, think pumpkin graphics, apple-picking puns, or back-to-school rewards for parents.

2. Bundle Gift Cards with Experiences

Pair a gift card with a free attraction pass. For instance: “Buy a $25 gift card, get one free game of laser tag.”

This not only drives sales but also ensures recipients will visit and spend more.

3. Social Media Contests & Giveaways

Engage your audience by running contests where participants can win a gift card.

Encourage them to share a favorite fall memory at your facility or tag friends they’d bring along. This boosts visibility and reminds guests that they can sell gift cards to friends and family.

4. Employee Incentive Programs

Encourage your staff to promote gift card sales by rewarding them with a small bonus or free food item for every set number they sell.

Employees are your best brand ambassadors, especially when they’re motivated.

5. Promote as Teacher & Coach Gifts

Fall means school sports, extracurricular clubs, and parent-teacher meetings. Position gift cards as the perfect thank-you gift for teachers, coaches, and mentors.

Include signage and quick talking points for your team to suggest to guests.

6. Leverage Email & Online Booking

Add a gift card upsell option to your online booking checkout and include them in your fall email campaigns.

A simple “Add a $25 gift card to your order?” at checkout can capture impulse buys.

Conclusion

Gift cards aren’t just a holiday push, they’re a year-round revenue driver, especially when paired with fall promotions. This season, get creative with your offers, lean into autumn themes, and make sure guests see your gift cards as the go-to option for fun, rewards, and thoughtful gifts.

Want to make selling and tracking gift cards easier than ever? Discover PCS Gift Cards today and turn every season into a sales season.