Amazon Now Lets You Add Personal Photos to Gift Cards for Rakhi — Here's How to Create One

Most years, Rakhi gifting follows a familiar pattern: sweets, something shiny, a gadget if you're feeling generous, or maybe a gift card when you're short on time. It’s functional, but not always meaningful.

This year, Amazon Pay has made a few quiet updates that could change that dynamic a bit. Nothing groundbreaking, but enough to make gifting feel a little less transactional—and a little more personal.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

Step 1: Start with a Gift Card (But Add a Photo This Time)

Amazon Pay now lets you upload a personal image when sending an e-gift card. That could be a photo from last year’s Rakhi, a goofy selfie, or just something you know will make them laugh.

The card works the same way as before—it’s redeemable across Amazon or any specific brand you choose—but the added photo turns it into something more than just a digital code.

It's not going to change the world, but it does change the tone. And that’s something.

Step 2: Want It to Be Physical? You’ve Got Options

For people who prefer to hold something in their hands, Amazon’s physical gift cards have seen a few updates too. There are new packaging styles, including minimal envelopes, box sets, and even a plantable gift card made from seeded paper. You use it, then plant it. Simple.

This might appeal to someone who's into sustainable living or just likes keeping things tactile. Either way, it’s a small upgrade from the usual plastic card or generic envelope.

Step 3: Decide Between One Big Store or a Specific Brand

Amazon gives you two main tracks here. You can either:

• Go with a classic Amazon gift card, which works across all categories, or
• Choose a brand-specific card from over 300 options

There’s a pretty wide spread: food delivery (Zomato, Zepto), jewellery (Tanishq, Kalyan), groceries (BigBasket), travel (MakeMyTrip), movies (BookMyShow), and a bunch of others.

If you want to keep it open-ended, go Amazon. If you know what they're into, pick a brand. Either way, the card works instantly, with no extra steps or weird app setups.

Step 4: Check Out the Rakhi Store (If You’re Adding a Physical Gift Too)

Amazon’s also got a curated Rakhi section this year with a mix of gadgets, beauty kits, and food boxes. These aren’t flashy, but some of them are surprisingly thoughtful and budget-friendly.

Here are a few examples:

• OnePlus 13R with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a 50MP Sony camera – ₹39,999
• Noise Diva Smartwatch with Bluetooth calling and diamond-cut dial – ₹2,799

These pair well with a gift card if you want to send both, or they work fine as standalone gifts too.

Step 5: Send It, Skip the Panic

Once you've picked your card, added your image, and (maybe) thrown in something extra, you're done. There’s no need to hope a courier shows up in time. The e-card lands instantly. The physical card ships like any other Amazon order.

It’s not a big production, but that’s kind of the point. You avoid the “what should I get” spiral and still show that you put in a little thought.