Turn Gift Cards Into a Branding Power Move for Your FEC

In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), staying top of mind with guests isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Your brand isn’t just your logo or your colors. It’s how people feel when they visit, how they talk about you after, and what they remember weeks—or even years—later.

That’s where gift cards come in. Yes, they’re a proven revenue stream, but if you’re only viewing them as a convenient holiday upsell or birthday gift, you’re missing out on their true potential. Gift cards are actually one of the most underutilized branding and marketing tools in your business. They can reinforce your identity, drive repeat visits, and amplify your reputation in the community.

Turn Gift Cards Into a Branding Power Move for Your FEC

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can turn a simple plastic (or digital) card into a branding powerhouse that also supports reputation management. Let’s dive in.

Why Gift Cards Matter More Than You Think

We get it, gift cards aren’t the flashiest part of your business. But behind that small rectangle lies major strategic value.

Here’s why:

• Guaranteed revenue: Gift cards generate income upfront, even before services are rendered.
• Delayed redemption = increased cash flow: Many customers redeem later, giving you a revenue buffer.
• Overspending works in your favor: Most guests spend more than the value of their card, boosting per-visit revenue.
• Easy gifts = more referrals: Every gift card sold is an endorsement of your brand. You’re getting new guests without lifting a finger.

Now imagine if every one of those cards also carried your brand messaging, your style, and your reputation.

Branded Gift Cards: Mini Billboards for Your FEC

Think of gift cards as portable advertisements. They're in wallets, birthday envelopes, backpacks, and shared across families and friend groups. But what do yours say about your brand?

Customizable gift cards from Party Center Software let you:

• Use your logo, colors, and even taglines to reinforce your identity.

• Align gift cards with seasonal promotions or themed events.

• Reflect the tone of your business—fun, family-friendly, bold, high-energy, or all of the above.

This is where branding meets guest experience. A thoughtfully designed card doesn’t just tell people they can play games or book a party. It tells them who you are, what you stand for, and why your FEC is worth coming back to.

Pro Tip: Coordinate your gift card visuals with the rest of your digital presence—website, online booking pages, signage, and social media—to maintain a consistent look and feel.

Boosting Loyalty and Repeat Visits with Gift Cards

Beyond reputation, gift cards are loyalty tools in disguise. Here’s how:

• They create emotional ties. Giving a gift card says, “I want you to experience something great.” That sentiment is now tied to your brand.
• They drive repeat visits. Even if a guest only uses part of their balance, they’re coming back.
• They’re great for promotions. Offer bonus value cards ($25 value for $20 purchase), referral rewards, or contest prizes.

Better yet, when you use Party Center Software, gift cards are fully integrated with your online booking system—so guests can redeem them while reserving a party, ordering from your online store, or planning a return visit.

🔗 Learn more about Online Booking →

Smart Ways to Promote Gift Cards at Your FEC

If you’re going to make gift cards part of your branding, make sure people actually see them. Here are smart ways to promote them year-round:

In-Center Promotions

• Display eye-catching signage near registers, party rooms, and entrance areas.
• Add “Give the Gift of Fun” messaging at redemption or check-in counters.

Digital Promotions

• Create seasonal campaigns—Mother’s Day, birthdays, holidays, back-to-school, etc.
• Promote via email marketing and social media with custom graphics that reflect your branding.

Online Booking Integration

• Add a CTA on your homepage or booking page: “Need a gift? Grab a gift card today!”
• Include a “Buy a Gift Card” option as a party add-on.

Partner with Local Businesses or Schools

• Offer gift card donations to charity raffles or school auctions.
• Collaborate with businesses for employee appreciation giveaways using your cards.

When promotion aligns with your brand voice and values, gift cards become a consistent driver of both revenue and reputation.

Gift Cards Are Just the Beginning

Gift cards might seem like a small detail in your operation, but they hold the potential for major branding impact. When done right, they’re not just a quick sale. They’re a vote of confidence. A conversation starter. A guest invitation. And a powerful piece of your overall marketing and guest experience strategy.

So, don’t just sell gift cards—design them, promote them, and integrate them into your brand ecosystem.

Discover how PC Pay Gift Cards from Party Center Software make it easy to sell, track, and promote branded gift cards both online and on-site.

Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!