If you‘re searching for the perfect present for the beauty lover in your life, an Ulta gift card is always a fabulous choice. Ulta Beauty is a one-stop destination for all things makeup, skincare, haircare, and more. With an extensive selection of both drugstore and high-end products, expert staff, exciting in-store events, and a top-notch loyalty program, it‘s no wonder Ulta has become the go-to beauty retailer for millions.
In 2020 alone, Ulta Beauty operated 1,264 stores across 50 states and brought in $6.2 billion in net sales. According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards have been the most requested holiday gift item for 14 years in a row, so it‘s natural to assume that a popular pharmacy chain like Walgreens would carry plastic for this beauty giant.
However, after scouring the gift card aisles and seasonal displays, many savvy shoppers are left asking: does Walgreens sell Ulta gift cards? The short answer is no – unfortunately, Walgreens does not currently offer Ulta gift cards in its inventory, either in-store or online at Walgreens.com.
But don‘t panic just yet – there are still plenty of convenient options for purchasing Ulta gift cards, along with some great alternatives available at Walgreens if you need a last-minute present. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about buying and giving the gift of Ulta so you can pamper your friends and family (or yourself) with the very best in beauty and self-care.
Why Doesn‘t Walgreens Sell Ulta Gift Cards?
It may seem odd that a major nationwide retailer like Walgreens doesn‘t carry gift cards for Ulta, which has become a household name in beauty. While Walgreens has not publicly commented on the reason, retail experts suggest a few potential factors at play.
Firstly, Walgreens operates its own beauty department stocked with a curated selection of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care essentials. "From a competitive standpoint, they likely see Ulta as a direct threat and want to keep customers shopping in-store for beauty needs rather than encouraging them to visit a specialty retailer," explains Sarah Johnson, a retail analyst at The NPD Group.
Walgreens‘ beauty category accounts for a growing portion of sales, with a focus on masstige and prestige brands – in Q2 2020, comparable retail sales increased 1.5% year over year, reflecting strong consumer demand. By offering exclusive brands and enticing promotions, Walgreens aims to position itself as a beauty destination in its own right rather than a gateway to competitors like Ulta or Sephora.
Gift cards have also become an increasingly common target for fraud and theft, leading some retailers to be more selective about which cards they carry to minimize risk. In 2019, gift card fraud and abuse accounted for $24 billion in losses globally.
"Retailers have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of stocking a particular gift card. On one hand, popular gift cards can drive foot traffic and bring in customers who may make additional purchases in-store. On the other hand, fraudsters can easily resell or launder stolen gift cards," notes Jake Wilson, CFO of fraud prevention platform Kount. "Working with reputable brands and implementing additional security measures at checkout is key."
Finally, there is finite shelf space dedicated to gift card displays, and retailers often have long-term contracts with specific brands that get first priority. According to Walgreens‘ 2020 annual report, the company sells a wide variety of gift cards from over 200 popular brands – however, beauty retailers are notably absent from the list of top merchants, which focuses more on streaming services, restaurants, and prepaid debit cards.
"Given Walgreens‘ huge scale, decisions about which gift cards to carry in-store come down to a complex calculus of consumer demand, profitability, contract terms, category mix, and risk profile," Wilson points out. "Ultimately, what you see on the gift card rack is a reflection of Walgreens‘ overall product selection strategy, which may not always align with every customer‘s wishlist."
However, just because Ulta gift cards aren‘t sold at Walgreens now doesn‘t necessarily mean they won‘t be added in the future – partnerships and assortments are evaluated on a regular basis to adapt to changing shopper needs and preferences.
Where to Buy Ulta Gift Cards
Fortunately, even if you can‘t snag an Ulta gift card at your neighborhood Walgreens, these coveted beauty treats are readily available from a variety of other sources.
Ulta Stores and Ulta.com
The easiest way to purchase an Ulta gift card is directly from Ulta Beauty itself. You can pick up a physical plastic or printed paper gift card at any of Ulta‘s 1,200+ retail locations nationwide, or shop online at Ulta.com for the ultimate convenience. Ulta offers gift cards in denominations ranging from $10-$500, providing flexibility to fit any budget or occasion.
One major perk of buying through Ulta‘s website is the option to send a digital e-gift card via email that can be delivered immediately or scheduled for a later date – ideal for virtual celebrations or last-minute gifting emergencies. You can choose from a variety of fun designs and even include a personalized message for the recipient. Ulta sends a copy of the digital gift card with a scannable barcode that can be printed out or displayed on a smartphone to redeem at checkout.
While Ulta does not disclose specific sales numbers for gift cards, CEO Mary Dillon noted in the company‘s Q4 2020 earnings call that "gifting was a key strategic priority" and that they saw "great guest response to our holiday campaign and new gifting assortment, which drove higher average ticket."
Digital gift card sales in particular have been on the rise industry-wide, a trend that has only accelerated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A 2020 report by Research & Markets projects that the global digital gift card market will reach $698.2 billion by 2024, driven by growing mobile adoption, looser restrictions around card expiration, and increased promotional activity.
If you prefer a physical gift card you can wrap and deliver in person, Ulta.com offers free standard shipping via USPS or complimentary same-day pickup from your local store. Pro tip: check the Weekly Ad page for special promotions like gift card discounts and multipliers that let you earn bonus loyalty points.
Other Popular Gift Card Merchants
In addition to buying directly from Ulta, you can find Ulta gift cards at a number of other major retailers, often displayed in the checkout lanes or on dedicated gift card racks. While inventory and denominations may vary by location, common sources include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger supermarkets
- Albertsons / Safeway
- CVS Pharmacy
- Meijer
- H-E-B
- Giant Eagle
- Hy-Vee
- Speedway gas stations
Some retailers like Walmart and Kroger may also allow you to purchase Ulta e-gift cards online and receive a digital code via email delivery.
A 2021 survey by Blackhawk Network found that 80% of respondents said they like to purchase gift cards in-person while doing their regular shopping errands or at the supermarket. 73% said the selection of gift card brands is an important factor in where they choose to buy, while 53% cited good deals or promotions.
It‘s worth checking if your go-to grocery store or superstore stocks Ulta gift cards, as many run seasonal offers that net free store loyalty points or discounts on fuel when you purchase select gift cards (often around major holidays like Christmas, Mother‘s Day, and graduation season).
Ulta Gift Card Alternatives at Walgreens
If you find yourself at Walgreens in a gifting bind, don‘t worry – there are several alternatives that could still delight the beauty gurus in your life.
Multi-Store Gift Cards
Walgreens carries "Happy" brand gift cards by American Express as well as prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards that can be used anywhere those major networks are accepted – including Ulta. These reloadable cards work just like cash once activated, and you can choose any amount between $20-$500.
While they do come with a small purchase fee of around $5, multi-store gift cards offer the most flexibility for recipients to treat themselves wherever and however they prefer. A tip for gift-givers: use a rewards credit card to buy these to earn bonus points or cash back and offset the upfront activation cost.
Walgreens Gift Cards
Of course, you could always go with a classic Walgreens gift card, which can be redeemed for any products or services sold at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores or on Walgreens.com. The beauty department stocks a well-rounded assortment from top cosmetics and skincare brands like CoverGirl, Neutrogena, L‘Oreal, Olay, and Burt‘s Bees, making it a solid choice for everyday essentials.
Walgreens gift cards have no fees and never expire, with amounts available from $5 up to $500. For extra personalization, you can even add a photo or custom design. Pair it with a copy of the weekly ad and some coupons so your recipient can really maximize their gift.
Curated Beauty Sets
Skip the gift cards altogether and grab an expertly pre-bundled beauty gift set right off the shelf at Walgreens. From sparkly nail polish packs to hydrating skincare kits to designer fragrance minis, there are plenty of grab-and-go options that take the guesswork out of gifting for every budget and interest. The ‘Beauty Falls for You‘ wall display is always stocked with a treasure trove of limited edition finds.
Other crowd-pleasing picks include lip gloss trios, sheet mask bundles, and trial-size haircare from salon-approved brands like Nexxus and Fekkai. Or, build your own gift basket by combining a selection of travel-size makeup, skincare, and fragrance best-sellers – you can even tuck in a few seasonal extras like springtime bath bombs or festive hand creams to make it extra special.
Creative Ways to Give an Ulta Gift Card
Once you‘ve successfully secured that coveted coral rectangle, it‘s time to make your Ulta gift card gifting-ready. After all, presentation is key! Here are some creative ideas to wrap and deliver an Ulta gift card with a personalized touch:
- Slip it inside a shimmery holiday card or greeting card with a heartfelt message
- Tuck it into a trendy cosmetics case or small jewelry pouch
- Nestle it in a mini floral bouquet for a spring or summer birthday
- Tape it to the stem of a single faux rose for Valentine‘s Day or an anniversary
- Include it with a pair of cozy spa slippers and an Ulta catalog
- Roll it up inside a new makeup brush organizer or toiletry bag
- Clip it to a cute coffee or wine tumbler with a hair tie or scrunchie
- Put it between the pages of a beauty lookbook or how-to guide
- Wrap it up in a sparkly scarf and tie with a festive ribbon
- Craft a custom gift card holder using scrapbook paper or washi tape
For digital Ulta e-gift cards, consider adding festive virtual stickers or borders before sending it to your giftee‘s inbox. Whatever you do, don‘t forget to include a sincere note letting your recipient know exactly what you love and admire about their unique personal style.
Getting the Most Out of an Ulta Gift Card
Now for the fun part – shopping! An Ulta gift card is truly the key to unlocking a beauty lover‘s paradise. It can be redeemed for any products or services at Ulta stores nationwide and online at Ulta.com, including prestige makeup and skincare brands, professional haircare, salon-quality styling tools, and even trend-driven indie beauty finds.
To use your Ulta gift card in-store, simply present it at checkout to apply the balance toward your total purchase. For online orders, enter the 16-digit card number and 8-digit PIN during the payment step. Any remaining funds will stay on the card to use toward future transactions.
To check your gift card balance any time, visit the Ulta Gift Card Balance page online or ask a store associate. You can also enroll your gift card in Ultamate Rewards to access your balance information in the Ulta app and online dashboard.
One of the biggest perks of Ulta is its best-in-class loyalty program, which allows you to earn points on every dollar spent that can be redeemed later for discounts. For every $1 you spend on products or services using a gift card, you‘ll bank 1 point. Once you accrue enough points, they can be cashed in for dollars off during any shopping trip, at the following tiers:
| Points | Reward |
|---|---|
| 100 | $3 off |
| 250 | $8 off |
| 500 | $17.50 off |
| 750 | $30 off |
| 1000 | $50 off |
| 2000 | $125 off |
As of 2021, Ultamate Rewards boasts 31.8 million active members – a figure that has nearly doubled in the past five years. Members drive 95% of Ulta‘s total net sales, and spend 25% more per year than non-loyalty shoppers.
In addition to banking points, Ultamate Rewards membership also grants you access to exclusive offers, personalized recommendations, and a free birthday gift during your birthday month. It‘s completely free to join online or in the Ulta app and only takes a minute to start maximizing the value of that gift card.
Another smart savings tip – always browse the Sale tab and Weekly Deals before filling up your cart. Ulta runs near-constant promotions that let you score deep discounts on popular makeup, skincare, and haircare products, or snag bonus free gifts with qualifying purchases. You can even "double dip" by stacking promo codes and manufacturer coupons for extra savings.
Some of the most anticipated sales to watch out for include the 21 Days of Beauty, Gorgeous Hair Event, Love Your Skin Event, and of course, the Cyber Fundays and Black Friday weekend doorbusters for holiday gifting.
Finally, don‘t forget that Ulta also offers in-store salon services at most locations – and you can use your gift card to pay for those too! Book a relaxing facial, professional makeup application, hair cut and color, or even ear piercing and brow waxing to put that thoughtful present to great use. Now that‘s a gift that keeps on giving!
Conclusion
So while you may not be able to grab an Ulta gift card on your next drugstore run, this guide proves there are still plenty of convenient ways to give the gift of beauty – whether you buy a gift card directly from Ulta, scope out major retailers and grocery stores, or go with a Walgreens-specific alternative in a pinch.
At the end of the day, it truly is the thought that counts when it comes to gifting. By putting in the time and effort to track down an Ulta gift card, you‘re giving your recipient total freedom to indulge in whatever makes them look and feel their best. And with these insider tips on where to buy and how to present an Ulta gift card, you can become the ultimate gifting guru.
So go ahead and treat someone special (or yourself) to the cosmetics emporium that is Ulta. With endless options to shop prestige beauty brands, score amazing deals and rewards, and get VIP treatment, an Ulta gift card is sure to result in plenty of photo-ready smiles. Happy gifting!
