Are meal delivery gift cards worth it?

Typical prices (approximate): DoorDash Gift Card: $15 to $500 · Uber Eats Gift Card: $15 to $500 · Grubhub Gift Card: $15 to $500

Meal delivery gift cards can be very worth it as gifts for the right person — especially new parents, people recovering from illness, busy students, or anyone who may not have time to cook. They’re less worth it for everyday personal use unless you get them at a discount or can use them during a busy period.

A practical thing to keep in mind is that delivery fees, service fees, taxes, and tips can take a meaningful bite out of a small card, so a low denomination may not cover a full delivered meal. That makes larger cards generally more useful than very small ones.

If you’re buying one, it’s smart to check:

• whether the recipient’s area is actually covered
• whether the card works for the specific service they use
• whether the card is discounted through a sale or reseller
• whether there are any fees or restrictions that reduce its value

Bottom line: they’re usually a thoughtful convenience gift, but only a middling way to save money on your own meals.