Keeping the Holidays Local With Downtown Fort Wayne’s Gift Card

Most people understand the value of shopping local. It supports the local economy, and it’s vital for local makers and entrepreneurs. The measurable benefits are nearly endless, with a far larger percentage of money recirculating through the local economy when spent at local businesses.

One particular study, the Andersonville Study in Chicago concluded that local businesses outperform chains in four major ways: wages and benefits paid to local residents, profits earned by local owners, purchases of local goods and services for resale and internal use, and contributions to local nonprofits. Notably, they found that for every $100 spent locally, as much as $73 stays in the local economy, while only $43 stays local when you buy through a chain. That’s 70% more money being used to improve the lives of you and your neighbors.

It’s clear that shopping locally is beneficial to communities. And the Downtown Fort Wayne digital gift card (powered by Yiftee) makes it super easy. Through DTFW’s Yiftee gift card, giftees can shop and spend at over 45 Downtown retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. 

Here’s why you should consider this local gift card for your holiday shopping:

Your Spending Stays in Our Community

When you shop local, your money doesn’t just disappear into national chains. By buying a DTFW gift card (and by spending it at participating businesses), you help ensure that your dollars truly benefit the Fort Wayne community, including its small business owners, its employees, and its nonprofits. This isn’t just spending—it’s an investment in the place we call home.

More Flexibility, More Choices

One of the best perks of the Downtown Fort Wayne Yiftee Gift Card is how versatile it is. There are over 45 participating merchants, including retail shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s like giving cash, but with more intention.

That means the recipient can choose where to spend it, or even use it at a few different places. The abundance of local options makes it a perfect holiday gift for anyone who’s community-minded or experience-focused. It’s also handy when you’re shopping for someone you don’t know well—like a colleague—because they’re sure to find something they like.  

Digital and Easy to Send—Even Last Minute!

The gift card is entirely digital. You can purchase it online, send it through email, and even include a personalized message. That makes it a super convenient option for busy shoppers and notorious procrastinators alike. No need to run to a store, pick out a physical card, or deal with gift wrapping—just click, send, and done!

BONUS: Because the card is digital, there’s less waste than with traditional plastic gift cards and wrapping. 

Fees Won’t Burden Small Businesses

Unlike some gift card programs that take a chunk of the value in fees, the Downtown Fort Wayne Yiftee Card is structured so that the full value goes to the local merchants. There is an e-delivery fee when you purchase the card, but the recipient and the business both benefit from the full amount.

Plus, by using this program, you’re helping to ease the burden of swipe fees for small businesses who shoulder them.

Encouraging Local Business Growth & Sustainability

Downtown Fort Wayne is more than just a shopping district, it’s a vibrant, growing community. The Yiftee gift card program has grown quickly, with dozens of participating businesses and thousands of dollars in local purchases. By choosing to give (or use) a Downtown Fort Wayne gift card, you’re fueling that momentum. You’re helping local entrepreneurs stay strong through the holidays and beyond.

Great for Corporate, Team, or Group Gifting

If you’re part of a business or nonprofit looking for thoughtful, community-centered holiday gifts for employees, clients, or partners, the Yiftee platform supports bulk orders, with major perks, like waived purchase fees and even custom-branded card options!

Build Holiday Cheer in the Heart of Fort Wayne

When people shop Downtown during the holidays, they’re not just buying things. They’re engaging with the community: taking the trolley, walking from shop to shop, enjoying local restaurants, and soaking in the festive spirit. That sense of place and connection is something you can’t replicate at a chain or online. Using the DTFW Yifteegift card helps keep Downtown lively. Your shoppin’ keeps it poppin’.

Whether you’re buying for a loved one, your team, or even yourself, the Yiftee gift card is a win for the gifter, the giftee, and the community.

Here’s how to buy, send, and redeem Downtown Fort Wayne’s Yiftee Gift card: 

Purchasing:

1. Go to downtownfortwayne.com and click ‘Downtown Fort Wayne Gift Cards’ in the upper left-hand corner.
   
2. Select your card’s value e.g., $50, $100 or any custom amount.
   
3. Enter the recipient’s email address or select ‘Print for Hand Delivery’.
4. Include a personal message.
5. Pay the small e-delivery fee and complete checkout.
   
6. The recipient receives the digital gift card  through the delivery method you chose. No physical card is required, unless you choose to print.
   

Redeeming:

1. Have the digital gift card ready, on your phone or in-hand.
   
2. Tell the cashier  you’re using the DTFW gift card. They’ll key in the number manually.
   
3. If your purchase is more than the card balance, you can split your payment: use the remaining balance on the gift card, then pay the difference with any other method.
4. After the transaction, your card balance is updated and you can continue using it at other participating merchants!

The Downtown Fort Wayne gift card provides plenty of perks and streamlines your buy-local, pay-local experience. So this holiday season, spend your hard-earned dollars where they’ll stay close, benefitting you and your neighbors for years to come. And when the holiday season has passed, shop small for the rest of the year too!

To see a list of participating locations or to purchase your Downtown Fort Wayne Gift Card, visit Downtown Fort Wayne’s website, and click ‘Downtown Fort Wayne Gift Cards’ on the homepage.