Sacramento has free $50 gift cards for shoppers. Here’s how to get one
‘Tis the season to shop locally.
The city of Sacramento is handing out free gift cards to customers of local stores and restaurants.
The Shop 916 program allows shoppers who spend at least $25 on electric gift cards to more than 120 participating Sacramento businesses to get more gift cards for free, the city said in a Monday, Nov. 3 news release.
Here’s what to know:
What is Shop 916 program in Sacramento?
The city’s Shop 916 gift card program began in December 2021 to help support local retailers that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
“We are excited to be able to host this program again to promote local shopping and gift giving and welcome more local businesses to join this great effort,” Valerie Mamone, the city’s project development manager, said in the release.
To date, more than $1.1 million of Shop 916 gift and bonus cards have been sold, the city said.
Which Sacramento businesses are participating in 2025?
Approximately 124 local businesses are participating in the Shop 916 program, including bars, bakeries, breweries, clothing boutiques, fitness centers and restaurants, according to the program’s website.
Participating businesses include:
- Acheson Wine Company, 1629 19th St. in Sacramento
- Capital Books, 1011 K St. in Sacramento
- Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Company, 1630 S St. in Sacramento
- Humani Pilates, 2760 21st St. in Sacramento
- Impound Comics, 405 K St., Suite 115, in Sacramento
- Kru Contemporary Japanese, 3135 Folsom Blvd. in East Sacramento
- Limelight Bar & Cafe, 1014 Alhambra Blvd. in Sacramento
- Sacramento History Museum, 101 I St. in Sacramento
- Strapping, 3405 Broadway in Sacramento
- Underground Mini Golf, 1028 Second St. in Lower Sacramento
How much are free gift cards worth?
Any customers who buys a $25 e-gift card at a participating business online via the Shop 916 website will get a $10 gift card for free, according to the program’s website.
A shopper who buys a $50 gift card will get a $25 bonus gift card.
If you splurge on a $100 gift card, you’ll get a $50 gift card for free, the city said.
How long does free gift card offer last?
The city’s free gift card offer began on Saturday, Nov. 1, and lasts through Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Bonus gift cards from the Shop 916 program must be used by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
How to buy e-gift cards
You can buy electronic gift cards via the Shop 916 site.
Choose from gift cards for $5 to $50, or customize the amount.
Patrons will be charged an eDelivery fee of $3.50 will be applied, according to the Shop 916 website.
Can local business owners still sign up?
All storefront retailers located in the city of Sacramento can participate in the Shop 916 program, the city said.
The program is open to all local businesses that have up to 500 full-time equivalent employees, with the exception of home-based businesses, franchises, liquor-only stores and cannabis businesses.
Businesses can sign up online to participate in the Shop 916 program.
