The feature allows users to buy digital gift cards valued between $10 and $500, giving recipients a simple way to shop from the app’s growing catalogue. 

Cards are sent by email and can only be redeemed by users with a TikTok account. Once claimed, the value is added straight to the recipient’s TikTok balance, ready to spend.

TikTok Shop is working to prove it can move beyond impulse buys and creator-led sales into mainstream online retail. In adding gift cards, it is stepping directly into territory long dominated by Amazon and eBay, where gifting is a huge driver of repeat spending.

What stands out is how social the process is designed to be. Buyers can choose from animated designs built for birthdays, weddings, thank-you messages and other occasions. Recipients can reply with a note of thanks or send a gift card back. TikTok says this is only the start.

A spokesperson said future updates will enhance personalisation, including the option to attach recorded or uploaded video messages. The company also pointed to an “interactive unboxing that captures their reaction in real-time,” though details were not disclosed.

For now, the TikTok Shop digital gift cards are only available for purchase in the U.S., with no timeline announced for other markets.

The rollout follows a strong showing during the 2025 Black Friday and Cyber Monday period, when TikTok Shop recorded more than $500 million in U.S. sales over four days. 

That figure represents almost 50% growth compared with the same period in 2024. Brands such as Disney and Samsung took part in the holiday push, a sign that TikTok Shop is attracting more established retailers, not just small merchants and influencers.

At the same time, the platform is widening its product mix. Alongside everyday goods, TikTok Shop has moved into luxury fashion and resale items, a clear attempt to increase average order values and appeal to older, wealthier shoppers.

Yet all of this growth sits under a cloud of uncertainty. TikTok’s U.S. operations are being restructured into a new entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which will be majority owned by American investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and UAE-based MGX. 

ByteDance is expected to retain roughly 20% ownership, while U.S. partners take control of data security and oversight of the algorithm.

The deal must close by January 22, 2026, to comply with U.S. law. If it fails, TikTok faces a nationwide ban, a scenario that would put TikTok Shop’s U.S. vision at risk just as they begin to gain traction.

November is the period most shoppers have been waiting for. Black Friday is something most people enjoy, especially now in the digital age.

Shopping for items from stores during Black Friday is much easier than it used to be years ago, thanks to the internet and smartphones.

In this article, you will learn ten amazing tips to stay ahead of most people for Black Friday Sales.

1. Plan Ahead

The key to a successful Black Friday shopping experience is planning. Start by creating a shopping list of the items you want to purchase.

Prioritize the most important items, such as big-ticket electronics or gifts, and be ready to compromise on less critical purchases if necessary. Make a budget, and stick to it. Planning ahead will help you avoid overspending and ensure you don’t miss out on the deals you want most.

2. Research the Deals

Before Black Friday arrives, research the deals and discounts various retailers offer. Many stores release their Black Friday ads in advance, allowing you to compare prices and offerings. Websites and apps like BlackFriday.com or Slickdeals are excellent resources for tracking deals and promotions. Familiarize yourself with store hours and policies, such as price matching, return policies, and any special promotions they offer.

3. Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Many retailers offer exclusive discounts and early access to Black Friday deals for their newsletter subscribers and loyalty program members.

Sign up for newsletters and loyalty programs from your favourite stores to stay in the loop and receive special offers. This can give you a head start on Black Friday deals and help you snag the best discounts.

4. Set Alerts and Notifications

To stay ahead of the competition, set up price alerts and notifications for the items you want to buy. Many price-tracking apps and websites can notify you when a product’s price drops or when it becomes available for purchase. This can help you pounce on deals as soon as they go live.

5. Ensure a Secure Connection

If you’re going to enjoy your Black Friday shopping, you must ensure you have a strong internet connection. This will allow you to make purchases faster, and you will be able to purchase more necessary items that you plan to buy.

6. Be Flexible

Black Friday deals are often available for a limited time, and some items may sell out quickly. It’s essential to be flexible and consider alternative options or brands if your desired item is no longer available. Don’t let the fear of missing out on a specific deal lead to hasty decisions or disappointment.

7. Don’t Panic

Most people often panic purchase during Black Friday, especially because of the limited time or the fear of an item going out of stock. Though these are valid reasons, it is best to keep calm during shopping. This is why it is essential to take your time, even while shopping during Black Friday.

8. Stay Safe

During Black Friday, it is easy to enter misleading sites because they may offer sweet deals that easily deceive customers. When shopping online, make sure to do so only on reputable sites to avoid theft. When you provide such sites with your payment details, it will be easy for them to steal from your bank account or e-wallet.

9. Set Up Payment Methods

Ensure your payment methods are set up and ready to go. Store your credit card or payment information on the websites where you plan to shop, but only on trusted and secure platforms. This will help you complete your purchases swiftly and minimize the risk of missing out on hot deals.

10. Plan for the Checkout Rush

Be prepared for the high volume of online shoppers during Black Friday. Popular items can sell out quickly, so it’s essential to start shopping as soon as the sale begins. Keep your list and budget in mind, and don’t hesitate when you find the items you want at the right price.

Conclusion

Black Friday online shopping can be a fantastic way to score great deals on a wide range of products, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Remember to shop safely and be ready to take advantage of the incredible discounts that BlackFriday has to offer.

Happy shopping!