Which is better as a gift? Cash or Gift certificate?

Question

For any occasion...birthdays, weddings etc.

Answer 1

I would say it depends:

Birthdays: I would give cash to kids assuming they would save it. Gift Cards for adults (So it looks like you put SOME thought into it).

Weddings: Cash, because I'm sure they could either use it for the wedding, or something they really need.

There's also the option of a Visa Gift Card, which they could use ALMOST anywhere, but I hear there a bit difficult to use.

I think it depends on how close you are to the person as well. Family, I usually give cash. Friends, usually gift cards.

Answer 2

CASH. I have gotten gift certificates before to stores that I never go to and never used. Cash doesn't expire like some gift certificates. I've been saving my birthday cash in a special high yield savings account for about 15 years (since I was 10) and I've got a a hefty amount. I also put my high school graduation money in there too. I haven't quite figured out what I'm going to do with it yet. Maybe stock market, new car, or for the day I get married. I very much hate gift certificates. Personally, I think gift certificates are the laziest way to give a gift. If you plan to give a gift card just pick out a gift at the store. That shows more effort in trying to get a gift that might be liked. Gift certificates that I will actually use are for the movie theater or a restaurant. But gift cards to stores are more crass than cash.
Pretend you are opening a card and out falls a few American greenbacks in the amount of $50. What is your reaction? Now pretend you are opening a card and out falls a gift card worth $50 bucks. You turn the little plastic card over and read the fine print (it expires in six months of purchase). I know people who give gift cards that they received as a gift. How crass is that?

Answer 3

Gift certificate is better, because it implies you at least put the effort into guessing what store they might like, even if you can't guess the exact item.

Cash is seen as rather crass is mainstream American culture, but is actually preferred in certain cultures; for example, it is traditional at Chinese weddings to gift a large amount of cash in a special red envelope.

Or you can combine the two and give them an American Express gift card; amounts start at $50 and can be used pretty much anywhere.

Answer 4

Cash is the most effective gift, but it is also somewhat rude. A gift certificate is better because it at least acknowledges the receipient's interests. You're supposed to use a gift to show how much that person means to you. If it's just cash, well... you know. But if it's a gc, it's at least letting them know you're thinking about them.

Answer 5

i like both...but i kinda prefer the cash...i can save it or choose to spend it on what i want. with a gift certificate, i tend to loose those and then find them like a year later because i never used it. and if the gift certificate/gift card is to a store i'm not really into, i'll end up giving it to a family member or something..i know, it's wrong. but i'm not gonna throw it away...i'll give it to someone who will use it. so i prefer cash.

Answer 6

Cash

Answer 7

Depends - is there a store that you know they love to shop at? Then I think gift cards are the way to go. If you're stumped completely, get a Visa cash gift card - works anywhere Visa is accepted like a credit card.

Answer 8

Niether one. A gift should never be cash or a GC - the recipient then knows exactly what you spent on them, and it shows a lack of thought and consideration. A gift should be bought and given based on an understanding the person's likes.

Answer 9

I always give cash and trust they won't spend it at the pub! Haha. Nah, I sometimes think gift certificates would be better although it restricts the recepient of where they can use it.

Answer 10

Gift cards are they greatest invention ever. Giving cash comes off as a bit crass.