At Starbucks, gift cards are more than transactional objects. They’re one of the brand’s most visible pieces of storytelling. Each year, millions of cards pass through people’s hands, making them a powerful canvas for illustration, seasonal expression, and cultural moments. They act as tiny pieces of brand identity, each one carrying a theme, emotion, or celebration into someone’s day.

Designing them is super fun and creatively challenging, especially when you’re blending illustration, brand design, and a whole lot of personality into something so small.