In the Cards
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

When the task of finding the ultimate gift is too daunting, the solution is simple: the gift certificate. Fashion retailers have made these slim gifts a little more attractive by creating festive designs and innovative packaging. Our condensed guide to store policies can help with the fine print.
BARNEYS
660 Madison Ave. at 61st Street
212-826-8900, barneys.com
Barneys is celebrating the “Warholidays,” and as such, gift cards feature portraits of Andy Warhol and the artist’s iconic Campbell’s Soup cans. While it may be tempting to horde the limited edition cards (for between $50 and $1,000), the shelves are currently lined with Warhol-themed items for which the cards are worth redeeming, including totes splashed with the famous “peel slowly and see” banana and the Warhol Factory X Levi’s denim line.
Cards are also available in a classic red-and-white design and do not expire. (Gift certificates to the Fred’s eatery are good for one year after purchase.) When ordering cards on the Web, shoppers will need to enter a valid e-mail address and password as part of a one-time registration process.
HENRI BENDEL
712 Fifth Ave., between 55th and 56th streets
212-247-1100, limitedbrands.com
Bendel’s cards have no minimum or maximum dollar amounts. A gift card will allow a recipient to choose from the selection of high-end beauty products arranged on the ground floor or even a year-end appointment with a colorist at the Frederic Fekkai salon. Cards come in the store’s standard envelope, but during the holidays, gift wrappers on the 3rd floor can create more festive packaging.
Cards must be purchased in person or by phone by calling 800-HBENDEL, as no online options are currently available. They can be redeemed at one of two locations: In New York – or in Ohio (4120 The Strand, Columbus, Ohio, 614-478-9013).
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
611 Fifth Ave. at 50th Street
212-753-4000, saksfifthavenue.com
The classic credit-card style gift card ($25–$500) is packed in a black box decorated with snowflakes (a design element that abounds at Saks this season). For shipping purposes, they are tucked in a miniature version of the shop’s bag. Shoppers with buyer’s remorse and a receipt can return the cards for a full refund.
Virtual cards also are available for purchase online. Lost or stolen cards will also be replaced when a receipt is presented. No shipping charges apply to cards when purchased with other store items. Cards can be used at any Saks location, Off Fifth stores, and online.
BERGDORF GOODMAN
754 Fifth Ave. at 58th Street
212-753-7300, bergdorfgoodman.com
Cards are available in three styles: a traditional version which features a sketch of the store’s façade and comes in a sleek, silver box; a “5F” card (named for the store’s collection of upand-coming designers and second lines such as Marc by Marc Jacobs) that arrives with a tin of mints, and a virtual card (all $50–$1,000) purchased on the Web. All are redeemable both online and on site.
Last minute shoppers should note that next day delivery is not available for gift cards purchased online (a three-day waiting period exists). The store is not accountable for lost or stolen cards, or for delivery to an incorrect shipping address. Cards are immediately redeemable and never expire. Virtual cards also can be redeemed in the store and will be replaced by a plastic card if recipient fails to activate the card within 60 days.
BLOOMINGDALE’S
1000 Third Ave., between 59th Street & Lexington Avenue
212-705-2000, bloomingdales.com
Cards ($10–$500) can be redeemed in any Bloomingdale’s store or online. Shoppers can choose from a range of holiday greetings, including “Happy Hanukkah,” “Celebrate,” “Splurge,” and “Indulge.” The gift wrap department offers expert wrappers who can do magical things with a ribbon and scissors.
Cards and e-gift cards (sent via email) expire two years from the date of last value added (with the exception of cards sent to recipients living in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Nevada, where cards do not expire). Gift card balances can be monitored by calling 1-800-511-2752, by a sales associate, or online by entering the 18-digit card number. Cards can be used in-store and for catalog and online purchases. E-gift certificates can be used only online or for purchase from Bloomingdale’s By Mail. A lost or stolen card can be replaced if the bearer has secured the certificate number and a proof of purchase.
MACY’S HERALD SQUARE
151 W. 34th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues
212-695-4400
With more than 800 Macy’s stores nationwide, a gift card ($25–$500) from the shop makes for a practical gift for a friend or family member. At the bustling Herald Square flagship, queues can be long, but a coat check, powder room, and gift-wrap department, are in skipping distance of the other. This season’s selections feature a diversity of styles and accompanying boxes that double as keepsakes, including ones with silver cocktail coasters (at an additional fee of $5). Cards can be used at macys.com or any physical store, and expire two years from the date of the last value added.
The e-gift card ($10–$1,000) can be used only at macys.com. Remaining value can be confirmed by calling 800-511-2752. Lost or stolen cards will be replaced for the balance with proof of purchase and e-gift card number.
SEPHORA
597 Fifth Ave., between 48th and 49th streets, 212-980-6534, and multiple locations
sephora.com
At this beauty mega-store, signature black gift cards ($25–$250) are packaged for the holidays in a bright, mirrored compact. Sephora-brand body butter also is offered with most gift card purchases. There is no expiration date for the cards. Balances can be checked on the Web. Cards arrive preactivated and ready to use online, in the catalog, and at stores across the country. Sephora gift cards can also be purchased by calling 1-877-SEPHORA.
Adding funds to an existing card can only be done in person. Cards cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. For online orders, cards are mailed and will be wrapped and expedited by request. E-gift certificates can be purchased for between $10 and $250 and can only be redeemed online.