ECOMMERCE TIPS

How to Add Free Gift with Purchase on Shopify (and Watch Sales Soar)

by Hannah 

  • Oct 31st, 2024

  • 10 mins read

Shopify free gift with purchase
Shopify 3 months $1 trial

A free gift with purchase is like a secret handshake between you and your customers. It's a way to say, "Hey, I appreciate you shopping here. Here's a little something extra just for you!" This little surprise can go a long way in making customers feel valued and special. It is a proven strategy to boost sales, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster loyalty.


In this article, we will explore the concept of this powerful tool with a step-by-step guide on how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify by different methods, such as third-party apps, built-in features, or custom scripting. 


Let’s explore the art of implementing free gift promotions that will captivate your customers and drive your business forward with us!

1. An overview of free gifts with purchase: a powerful strategy for Shopify merchants

1.1. What is a free gift with purchase?

A free gift with purchase (GWP) is a promotional tactic where a business offers customers a complimentary item when they make a qualifying purchase. This could involve spending a specific amount, buying a particular product, or meeting other predetermined criteria. The free gift can be a related product, a sample, or a branded item, and it's designed to increase the perceived value of the purchase and encourage repeat business.

It's a common marketing strategy used by Shopify merchants. Let's explore how automatic free gift Shopify promotions can benefit online businesses.
free gift with purchases Shopify

Free gift with purchases is a good tactic to increase customer satisfaction. 

1.2. How does Shopify free gift benefit merchants?

Here are some potential benefits of using free gift with purchase promotions for Shopify merchants:
  • Increased sales: A study by Harris Interactive and IDR Marketing Partners found that nearly 60% of customers are more likely to purchase more often from a shopping website after receiving a free gift. By offering a free gift with purchase, merchants can incentivize customers to spend more and make additional purchases. 
  • Improved customer satisfaction: Customers appreciate receiving something extra with their purchase. This can increase customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of returns.
  • Enhanced customer loyalty: According to a study by Harris Interactive, a whopping 90% of consumers say a free gift increases brand loyalty.
  • Improved brand awareness: Free gift with purchase promotions can be a great way to increase brand awareness and visibility. By offering a free gift with a purchase, merchants can generate buzz around their brand and attract new customers.
free gift with purchase in product page

The free gift included in the purchase can enhance customer satisfaction.

Overall, Shopify free gifts can be a valuable marketing tool for online merchants. By offering customers a complimentary item with their purchase, merchants can increase sales, improve customer acquisition and loyalty, and enhance brand awareness.

1.3. Common types and use cases of Shopify free items with purchase

There are many different types of Shopify free product with purchase, each with its own unique benefits. Here are some of the most common types:
  • Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO): This classic strategy encourages customers to buy more of a product and is ideal for promoting new items or clearing inventory.
  • Buy X, Get Y: Offer a different product as a gift when customers purchase a specific quantity or combination of items, for example, “Shopify buy 3 get 1 free” promotion.
  • Spend an Amount to Get a Gift: Reward customers for spending a certain amount, encouraging them to increase their purchase value.
  • Buy a Number of Products to Get a Gift: Promote specific products or product lines by requiring customers to purchase multiple items.
  • Buy a Product Bundle to Get a Gift: Encourage customers to purchase a combination of products at a discounted price, often including a free item.
  • Tiered Gift with Purchase: Offer different gifts based on the spending level, creating a sense of exclusivity and encouraging repeat purchases.
  • Shopify Gift Cards: Provide customers with flexibility to choose their own gift, potentially leading to future purchases.
Free gift Shopify can be a powerful tool for driving sales and building customer loyalty on your Shopify store. By carefully selecting the right type of promotion and following best practices, you can create a successful campaign that benefits both your business and your customers.

In the next part, we'll dive deeper into a step-by-step guide on how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify by different methods. This guide will cover everything from choosing the right products to offer as gifts to setting up promotions and tracking their performance for you. Let’s go!

2. A comprehensive guide on how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify

When implementing free gift promotions on your Shopify store, you have three primary options: third-party apps, Shopify built-in features, and custom scripting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your technical skills, budget, and the complexity of your promotion.

Now we'll delve into each method and provide a detailed guide on how to add free gift Shopify by different approaches.

2.1. Using a free gift app Shopify

Shopify free gift with purchase app can offer a convenient and often cost-effective solution for implementing free gift promotions on your Shopify store. These apps provide pre-built features and integrations, making it easier to set up and manage your promotions without extensive technical knowledge.

Here are some popular third-party apps you can consider to automatically add free gift to cart Shopify and create other marketing promotions:
You can check for a full analysis of the best free gift app Shopify here!

In this article, we will use Qikify BOGO Free Gift Discount, a powerful free gift Shopify app, as an example to demonstrate the step-by-step process of setting up and configuring a free gift promotion.

Step 1: Create offer
  • Access the "Manage Offers" tab: Click on the "Create Offer" button on your dashboard or navigate directly to the "Manage Offers" tab.
  • Select "Free Gift": Choose the "Free Gift" option and click "Create”.
qikify free gift with purchase

Create the new offer of "Gift with purchase" using Qikify app

Step 2: Offer settings
  • Offer title: Set a clear and enticing title for your offer.
  • Done message: Remember to congratulate your customers once their order is valid to claim the gift.
  • Popup title and description: Set an attrative call-to-actions to encourage customers claiming your free gifts by purchasing more.
Set up the free gift with purchase offer

Create a clear and enticing gift information for the free gift with purchase offer

  • Receiving Behavior: Choose whether customers should automatically receive the free gift or select variants.
rules for free gift with purchase

Choose that customers can automatically or manually add the free gifts to cart

  • Gift tiers: Clearly set up the minimum order value that customers need to reach to claim your gifts. You can set up multiple tiers of free gifts in Qikify app.
  • Select gift(s): In each gift tier, you can select the free product that you want to offer as a gift to your customers.
trigger product for free gift with purchase offer

Set up the tiers for your free gift with purchase offer

  • Extra Settings:
  1. Limit free gifts per order or trigger item: Set restrictions if needed.
  2. Messages: Customize messages to notify customers about the free gift.
  3. Max discount uses: Limit the total number of times the discount can be used.
  4. Display conditions: Determine when the offer should be displayed.
  5. Combinations: Allow customers to combine this offer with other discounts.
  6. Advanced settings: Set active dates and discount badge settings.
display conditions for free gift with purchases

There are various options for the display conditions of free gift offers

  • Learn More:

    In addition, Qikify app allows you to create different free gift promotions, such as product bundles, tiered pricing offers, etc.

Step 3: Once you've completed all the necessary settings, click "Save" to finalize your offer.

Regardless of the Shopify free gift app you select, there are essential best practices to keep in mind when using any app to add free gift to cart Shopify:
  • Read reviews and ratings: Before installing an app, check reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of its performance and reliability.
  • Check permissions: Be aware of the permissions an app requests. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app's functionality.
  • Keep apps updated: Keep your free gift app and Shopify store updated with the latest versions to ensure compatibility and access to new features.
  • Uninstall unused apps: If you don’t use that app anymore, remove it to free up storage space and reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.
However, while many free gift apps offer basic features for free, advanced features or premium plans may incur additional costs. Therefore, if you are looking for basic Shopify automatic free gift promotions with an easy-to-use interface at no cost, you can consider Shopify's built-in features.

2.2. Using Shopify built-in features

In Shopify, the "Buy X Get Y" automatic discount is a popular option to simulate a free gift. For example, if you are wondering how to do buy 1 get 1 free on Shopify, fortunately, this platform offers a simple and intuitive way to set up this type of discount automatically. This method essentially makes a specific product free (priced at $0) when a customer meets certain criteria.

Here is a breakdown of how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify with its built-in features:
  • In your Shopify admin, go to Discounts > Create discount > "Buy X Get Y" type > Automatic discount.
create shopify free gift with purchases

Choose the "Buy X Get Y" discount type

  • Choose a clear name (e.g., "Free T-Shirt with Purchase"). This name becomes the coupon code displayed at checkout, so keep it concise.
  • Define "Customer Buys" Rules:
  1. Select "Minimum quantity of items" and set it to 1. Then, choose the product(s) the customer needs to purchase to qualify for the free gift.
  2. Or select "Minimum purchase amount" and set the required spending threshold. Optionally, choose a specific collection where the customer needs to spend. For store-wide offers, select "All Products" (create this collection first if it doesn't exist).
free gift with purchase settings
  • In the "Customer gets" section, select the product you're offering as a free gift.
  • Set the discount value to "Free" to make the product free.
  • Set a maximum number of uses per order to restrict the number of free gifts per customer.
  • Click "Save discount" to activate the promotion.
(*) Note: Some themes (e.g., Debut) display the automatic discount applied to the free gift on the cart page, showing the customer it's free. The discount code field will still be available, allowing customers to add Shopify free gift card or additional discount codes. The free gift will be reflected in the applied discount.

However, with this method, customers must manually add the free gift to their cart before checkout. Therefore, you can use pop-ups, banners, or website notifications to inform customers about the free gift and the need to add it to their cart before checkout.

Another drawback of this method is only one automatic discount can be active at a time, restricting tiered gift structures (e.g., spend $100 get X, spend $200 get Y).

To resolve these problems, you can take a look at the last method, using the free gift with purchase Shopify script.

2.3. Using custom script

While Shopify's built-in automatic discounts or Shopify apps are a convenient option, they may not be sufficient for more complex gift promotions. In such cases, you can leverage custom scripts to create tailored free gift rules.

Custom scripting provides the most flexibility and control, but it also requires significant technical expertise. This method is suitable for businesses with in-house developers or those willing to invest in custom development. It's ideal for complex promotions or businesses with unique requirements.
free gift with purchase popup announcement
By writing Liquid scripts, you can manipulate product data, cart items, and other variables to implement custom logic for your free gift promotions. You can refer to the Shopify document about Product Discount API for more information.

In essence, when deciding how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify, it is essential to consider your technical skills, budget, and desired features. 

If you're new to Shopify or prefer a simple approach, built-in features might be the best choice. For greater customization and integration, third-party apps or custom scripting can be effective options. However, these methods may require additional technical knowledge or costs. 

3. Summary: the powerful Shopify free gift with purchase

Free gifts with purchase are more than just a promotional tactic—they're a powerful tool to create lasting customer relationships and drive sales. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to add free gift with purchase on Shopify. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage free gifts to enhance your Shopify store's performance.

Key takeaways:
  • Free gifts with purchases can be a powerful tool to increase sales, customer satisfaction, and average order value.
  • Shopify offers various methods to implement free gift strategies, including third-party apps, built-in features, and custom scripting.
  • Popular third-party apps provide customizable options for free gift promotions.
  • Shopify's built-in features offer flexibility for simple gift strategies.
  • Custom scripting allows for advanced customization but requires coding knowledge.
Ready to start offering free gifts on your Shopify store? Follow our guidelines and take advantage of tools like Qikify Discount Buy X Get Y BOGO Gift. With a free plan and a 7-day free trial, it's high time to get started!

4. FAQs about free gift promotions on Shopify

1. How to add gift with purchase on Shopify no apps needed?

As we mentioned above, to add a free gift with purchase in Shopify without apps, you can use either Shopify built-in discounts or custom scripts. 


Shopify's built-in features are simpler, requiring you to set up a discount rule and select a free gift. Custom scripts offer more flexibility but require coding knowledge. 

2. How do I add a gift product in Shopify?

To add a gift product in Shopify, you can use either automatic discounts, custom scripts, or third-party apps. Here's a brief overview of each method:


Automatic Discounts:

  • Pros: Easy to set up, no coding required, ideal for simple promotions.
  • Cons: Limited customization, only one active discount at a time.

Custom Scripts:

  • Pros: Highly customizable, allows for complex rules and integrations.
  • Cons: Requires coding knowledge, potential for errors, might be more time-consuming.

Third-Party Apps:

  • Pros: Wide range of features, often user-friendly, pre-built integrations.
  • Cons: Additional costs, may have limitations based on the app, reliance on third-party support.

3. How to add a gift message option at checkout on Shopify?

To add a gift message option at checkout on Shopify, you can follow these steps:

  • Go to your Shopify Admin > Click "Online Store" > "Themes."
  • Select your active theme and click "Customize."
  • Choose the "Theme settings" tab > Click "Cart."
  • Check the "Enable cart notes" option > Click "Save."
  • Go back to "Online Store" > "Themes."
  • Click "Actions" > "Edit languages."
  • Find the "Cart" section.
  • Locate the "Note" field and modify the text as desired (e.g., "Is this a gift? Leave a special message for the recipient here").
  • Click "Save" to apply the changes.

4. How do I add a gift voucher to Shopify?

Here's a concise guide to adding gift vouchers to Shopify:

  • Go to Products > Gift cards > Add a gift card product.
  • Enter a title, description, and upload an image.
  • Choose the available gift card values.
  • Click Save gift card product.

You can check the full article about how to create gift cards in Shopify here with a comprehensive guide and helpful tips!

5. How do I create a gift code on Shopify?

To create a Shopify free gift with discount code in your Shopify store, follow these steps:

  • Go to your Shopify admin > Click Discounts > Click Create discount.
  • In the Select discount type menu, click Gift card.
  • Under Method, ensure Code is selected.
  • Enter a name for the gift code (e.g., "Shopify e-gift cards"). You can also click Generate to create a random code.
  • In the Amount section, enter the value of the gift card.
  • Choose the currency for the gift card.
  • Set any additional options, such as expiration date or restricted products.
  • Click Save discount to create the gift code.

6. How do I add gift wrapping to Shopify checkout?

To add a gift-wrapping option to your Shopify checkout, you can follow these steps:


Step 1: Create a Gift-Wrap Product

  • Go to Products in your Shopify admin > Click Add product.
  • Create a new product named "Gift Wrapping".
  • Set the price to 0 if you want it to be free.

Step 2: Create a Menu for Gift Wrapping

  • Go to Online Store > Navigation.
  • Click Add menu and name it "Gift Wrapping".
  • Add the gift wrapping product to the menu by clicking Add menu item.
  • Enter a name for the link (e.g., "Gift Wrapping").
  • Select Products > Choose your gift wrapping product from the drop-down menu.
  • Click Add and then Save menu.

Step 3: Add Code Snippet to Your Theme

  • In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes. Find your theme and click Edit code.
  • In the Snippets directory, click Add a new snippet, name it gift-wrapping, and click Create snippet.
  • Paste the appropriate code into your new gift-wrapping snippet file based on how you want to charge for the service. Save the changes.

Step 4: Include the Snippet in Your Cart Template

  • In the Sections directory, find cart-template.liquid or cart.liquid.
  • Above the closing tag, paste the following code: Liquid error (templates/article.gem-561591615557-template line 27): Could not find asset snippets/gift-wrapping.liquid and click Save.

You can check a step-by-step guideline from Shopify documentation here.

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  • Hannah

    eCommerce Specialist

    With over 5 years of experience under her belt, Hannah is an eCommerce writer who crafts content specifically for a website that deals with online sales. She simplifies technical details to assist entrepreneurs in utilizing the platform and launching their online ventures.