Ok we all have given and receieved a gift and most times we either return it or not use it.Therefore we give a gift card so that the person can purchase a gift that they will actual use and or like.
So why do so-called gift experts insist that we buy a gift knowing that the person will most likely not use it or exchange it?
And what are your thoughts about a gift card?
2006-06-24 14:29:32 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Personally, I love gift cards. Sometimes it is just the best choice for a person who is hard to buy for. I usually ask for gift cards myself, because I'd rather have something I know I'll use than a lot of the other things that people give me that will just go to waste or be thrown away. Really, a gift card is like free money, and what's better than that?
Some may look at it as "tacky" because they think it is a cop-out (the easy way out) or that the giver didn't want to take the time to look for something more personal.
2006-06-24 15:07:30 · answer #1 · answered by foxfire83s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you shouldn't buy a gift knowing that the person will not use it or exchange it! The whole purpose of giving a gift is to show some thought for the person--so you should take the time to choose something they will use and enjoy. Gifts aren't about shoving money at somebody. It's supposed to be an expression of caring and thoughtfulness. How thoughful is it if you don't even know what somebody likes?
I do think there are times when a gift card is appropriate, like for a baby shower. That can be incredibly useful, and I think shows the proper degree of thoughtfulness, because the mom could probably use diapers in the right size rather than another unwearably frilly outfit.
It's also useful when you are far away from family and can't ship a big gift--particularly if you include a note saying something like, "This is for Timmy's new bike--too big for Grandma's mailbox!"
Gifts are about caring, not money, is the bottom line. In most cases, a gift card says, "I really don't want to spend the time getting to know you and finding out what you like, so, here, just take care of all this friendship nonsense yourself, would you?"
2006-06-25 03:56:19 · answer #2 · answered by smurfette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift cards are tacky because they mean that the person didn't think you were worthy of the time it would take to look for the perfect gift or they didn't know you well enough to buy something appropriate. Either way, it's not good.
Personally, I rarely return gifts because unless it is clothing and I simply need another size, it is an insult to the person who took the time to select a gift especially for you. Gifts aren't meant to be practical and sometimes someone may not appreciate a gift when it is initially given but in time, they may really enjoy it. You miss out on what the person was trying to share with you by returning it.
2006-06-24 21:41:40 · answer #3 · answered by CleverGal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think gift cards are a great idea! The only negative thing about gift cards is they're so small that you don't get the big package appeal like you do with regular presents.
Try spicing up a gift card by attaching it to a stuffed animal, pairing it with a box of chocolates, or making a large poster board card and using the gift card as part of a picture. This will make the presentation of the gift more memorable and make the gesture seem bigger. Plus its a fairly inexpensive add-on that is a huge bonus for the gift receiver.
2006-06-24 23:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by splurge_munki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people think gift cards are tacky because they don't show any thought. When you buy a gift for someone you have to actually think about what the recipient likes and buy accordingly. With a gift card you don't have to do that so its not as personal. I don't mind getting gift cards, but imagine opening up presents on your birthday and recieving only gift cards! That would be really boring.
2006-06-24 21:39:53 · answer #5 · answered by glitz2275 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I LOVE getting gift cards... it's like a shopping spree just for me! Especially when the giver chooses a store they know I like, but a surprise store is also cool :) I don't think it's practical to make someone feel obligated to buy something that might not be enjoyed. Sometimes it's just tradition that gets in the way of being real.
2006-06-24 21:35:41 · answer #6 · answered by ~blessss♫☼ ♪♥ ☼ ♠♫ ♣☺☻ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with gift cards. It's the best, the most practical. This should become the norm instead of the stupid gifts which the receiver might not like or need.
2006-06-25 02:35:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh I just think they are great...I always use them for something I want and didn't get or something I needed and didn't get. They really come in handy. And some gift cards I have gotten are for places I wouldn't have went to on my own...too expensive. I love Gift certificates for dinning out too. I mean who can't use a good free meal at a nice restaurant?? I think the experts are silly.
2006-06-24 21:38:05 · answer #8 · answered by winterlvr66 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think gift cards are great and the *can* be personal! My in-laws love shopping at Target, so many times we give them a Target gift card. My Mom and Stepfather love movies but do not have the extra money to spend at the theater-a theater gift card would be great for them. I have a brother-in-law who loves steaks, a gift card for a steakhouse is perfect for him!
2006-06-25 23:56:00 · answer #9 · answered by marelda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love getting giftcards. I think that the "experts" are trying to help out retail giants (for kickbacks, of course) by encouraging individuals to buy gifts that people will never use, but cannot return due to store policies, and so people go back to those stores and buy MORE stuff (the stuff they really needed/wanted in the first place) and spend MORE money.
2006-06-24 22:05:46 · answer #10 · answered by Elspeth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋