How to Buy and Use a REI Gift Card

Updated

You can buy a REI gift card through the dedicated gift card page on rei.com, then use it toward REI purchases. The site's own navigation lists "Gift Cards" as a purchase link, which confirms that gift cards are sold directly through REI rather than only through third-party retailers. REI positions itself around "top-brand gear, clothing—and outdoor adventures," so a gift card is a practical choice when you know the recipient is into outdoor activities but you don't know their sizes, preferred brands, or which adventure they're planning.

Buying a REI Gift Card

The purchase entry point is the gift card page linked from REI's site navigation. The exact steps are:

  1. Go to rei.com and locate the Gift Cards link (it appears in the site's navigation/purchase links).
  2. Open the gift card purchase page.
  3. Choose the gift card type and amount offered on that page, then complete checkout.

Expected result: you receive a gift card (digital or physical, depending on the options shown on the page) that the recipient can redeem at REI.

What to verify on the page itself: the available denominations, whether digital delivery or physical shipping is offered, and any delivery-time notes. These details are set on the gift card page and can change, so confirm them at the moment of purchase rather than relying on secondhand descriptions.

What a REI Gift Card Is Good For

A gift card fits the same broad catalog REI describes on its homepage: gear, clothing, rentals, classes, and events. That makes it flexible in a few common situations:

  • Gear you can't pick for someone else. Boots, packs, and layers depend on fit and preference, so letting the recipient choose avoids returns.
  • Adventure costs, not just products. Because REI also offers rentals, classes, and outdoor events, a gift card can go toward learning or trying an activity rather than only buying items.
  • A low-risk gift for a new outdoor enthusiast. They can start with entry-level gear or put it toward a class.

Limits and Terms to Check Before Relying On It

The homepage and navigation confirm that gift cards are sold, but they don't spell out redemption rules. Before buying — especially as a gift — check the gift card page for:

  • Where the card can be redeemed (online, in-store, or both)
  • Whether it expires or carries fees
  • Whether it can be combined with other payment methods or promotions
  • What the recipient needs in order to redeem it (for example, a code or the physical card)

If any of these matter for your situation, treat the gift card page's terms as the authoritative source rather than assuming standard retail behavior.

Quick Decision Guide

Your situation Gift card a good fit? Why
Recipient is outdoorsy but you don't know their size/brand Yes They choose fit-sensitive items themselves
You want to fund a class, rental, or event Likely REI's offerings extend beyond products
You need a guaranteed-delivery physical gift by a specific date Check first Confirm shipping/delivery options on the gift card page
You need to know exact redemption restrictions Check first Terms are stated on the gift card page, not the homepage

For most gift-giving cases, buying through the rei.com gift card page and confirming the delivery method and terms at checkout is enough to complete the task.