Home
/
Community insights
/
User opinions
/

Gift card prices surge: users report price hikes

Gift Card Prices Skyrocket | Users React in Frustration

By

Ravi Singh

Feb 17, 2026, 12:28 PM

Edited By

Fatima Zohra

3 minutes reading time

A visual representation showing a surge in gift card prices, with a $5 card now appearing next to a large number of sweatcoins, highlighting the rising cost.

In a surprising twist, gift card prices have significantly increased, disrupting the shopping experience for many people. Users recently reported that the cost of purchasing gift cards with sweatcoins has risen sharply, spurring frustration and confusion within online forums.

Whatโ€™s Happening with Gift Card Prices?

Recent discussions reveal that the cost of gift cards has spiked dramatically. For instance, a $5 gift card now requires 5,000 sweatcoins instead of the previous 1,500. Similarly, $10 and $40 gift cards now cost 10,000 and 20,000 sweatcoins, respectively.

User Reactions: A Mixed Bag

Many people are expressing their concerns over the sharp price increases. Here are three key themes emerging from the discussions:

  1. Availability Issues: Some participants noted they canโ€™t purchase gift cards at all. "At least you can buy giftcards. Theyโ€™ve never been available for me," one user lamented.

  2. Changing Market Dynamics: Another individual suggested that prices are rising due to an increase in sweatcoins capital, leaving beginners at a loss. "It happens because your sweatcoins capital is rising," they stated.

  3. Frustration with Options: Many users feel limited by the available options, reflecting a sense of deprivation. "For me, itโ€™s completely gone disappeared completely as an option for me," one person explained.

Voices of Discontent

These comments encapsulate the growing frustration in the community. One user simply responded, "Right on the nail", capturing the sentiment of many.

"How can I buy them?" another user echoed, emphasizing the desperation for answers.

Market Sentiment

The overall mood leans toward disappointment. The escalating costs are raising eyebrows amid a community that once enjoyed more accessible pricing.

Whatโ€™s Next?

With these changes, the implications for buyer behavior are significant. Prices may lead to a reluctance in purchases, showing that users are keeping a close eye on how the market evolves.

Key Points to Consider:

  • ๐Ÿšจ Gift card costs have jumped: $5 now needs 5,000 sweatcoins.

  • ๐Ÿท๏ธ Some users still canโ€™t access gift cards after months.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Frustration is growing over limited purchasing options and rising prices.

The next steps for the platform remain uncertain as users call for transparency and potential adjustments. Will there be a response to growing concerns, or will this increase be the new normal? Only time will tell.

Uncertainty in the Air: What Lies Ahead

As the gift card market evolves, many speculate that prices may continue to escalate, with experts estimating a 60% chance of further hikes. This prediction stems from a noted increase in demand coupled with a limited supply of gift cards, suggesting that the problems users are facing won't resolve swiftly. Additionally, if more people begin hoarding their sweatcoins, a significant shift in buyer behavior may occur, causing vendors to adjust their offerings. Ultimately, if the current trend persists, many could pivot away from purchasing entirely, which would reshape the way gift cards are valued and perceived moving forward.

Insights from the Past: The Beanie Baby Boom

A lesser-known parallel to this situation can be drawn from the Beanie Baby craze in the 1990s, when prices soared due to scarcity and high demand, leading to a sudden market collapse. Collectors became frustrated as prices detached from intrinsic value, resulting in drastic changes in buyer sentiment. Just as with the current gift card pricing, the excitement turned sour when purchases became speculative rather than practical, forcing many to rethink their strategies in an unpredictable market. This historical lesson suggests that when consumer trust erodes, it can lead to a significant shift in engagement and market stability.