Someone on one of my answers on a present to my son said I should give him a gift card for his birthday. I think for co-workers it is fine. But not for people you really know. It shows no thought or effort. That is really what it is supposed to be about. Not just money
I also think people who return most of their gifts to get what "they really wanted" or pay bills are pretty pathetic too. Unless you REALLY need the money.
2006-09-21 13:25:39 · 23 answers · asked by bjmarchini 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Gift cards are a good idea especially for teens no offense. I have no Idea what to get them or what size my nieces and nephews take anymore. but if you get them something they do not want it is frowned on. you know they like books but not sure what type get one at Barnes and Noble, my mother loves getting cards to there. besides you thought about it you just want them to have the authority to decide specifically
2006-09-21 16:54:35 · answer #1 · answered by tazachusetts 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-19 01:26:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd much rather know I could give a gift card and have that person (family, friend, or coworker) get something they wanted and will use than go out on a limb and purchase somthing I THINK they'll like. Think about it. How many gifts have you gotten that you regifted, tucked away in the deep bowels of your closet, or threw away?
Someone above stated that taking gifts back for cash was tacky. Isn't that just a bit judgemental? After you gift the item it's the receivers to do whatever they choose with it.
2006-09-21 19:18:11 · answer #3 · answered by Ms. Francoise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems like what you want is for the person to appreciate the gift that they were given, and for the giver to show care in selecting an appropriate gift. I don't think these are mutually exclusive. If the giver is aware of the receiver's needs, then giving money or a gift card might be the way to go because that's what meets their needs right then.
It seems like a person who gives a gift to someone who needs money to pay the bills should have gotten to know the person's needs a little better.
2006-09-21 14:22:42 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry pro gift card giver here. In this day and age, where I have to buy gifts for teachers, classmates, friends, neighbors, relatives, coworkers, and immediate family, a gift card is just as suitable. Now granted, I do take time to get a giftcard from a store that is favored by the recipient, for exampe a movie buff might get a blockbusters card, or someone who loves the Olive Garden, might get a diner gift card, and so on. I've never heard of anyone being able to "cash" them in and return for the money, and either way, they recieved a pretty useful item, as I see it.
Too many teachers get apple themed Christmas ornaments, and appreciate a nice dinner card, lol, and as hard as kids are to shop for, giving them a Walmart card which empowers them to go out and pick their own gift is a treat. No worries about wrong sizes, or returns either.
Win/win situation, they've made my life easier.. now,, I woudn't do this for my hubby for our anniversary,, but .. you get my point. Had to come back and edit, lol.. cause he did get a BassPro shop giftcard a few times. He didn't complain though!
2006-09-21 17:46:43 · answer #5 · answered by Manatee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's tacky or unthoughtful. It's better than giving a gift that they really didn't want or need. I don't mind getting money because it means I can spend it on whatever I want. If you're really sure that the gift you're giving is acceptable, then go for it. But if you're not sure, I don't see what's wrong with giving a gift card or money. It shows that you care enough about the person to let them choose something they're going to enjoy.
2006-09-21 13:43:52 · answer #6 · answered by rockdahouse85 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never look down on people who give me gift cards. It is the thought that counts.
Actually, I like receiving gift cards. Since it is just like money, I can buy whatever I want, or even something I may be in need of at the moment.
Gift cards are cool.
2006-09-21 15:54:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I'd much rather get gift cards than anything else. Most of my friends and family know the types of things I'm interested in, but since they aren't for the most part, they have no idea what I already have and what I need. By giving me gift cards, they ensure they're not giving me yet another copy of something I already have three of.
2006-09-21 13:35:50 · answer #8 · answered by Perk1973 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be very thoughtful, some people are hard to buy for, they are choosey, or wear a hard to find size, or are lucky and can afford to buy whatever they want for themselves. A gift card solves the problem. My friend gave me one for my birthday, she knows I buy a lot of things at Wal-mart, and got me a Walmart card. I loved it, and her for being thoughtful.
Another friend asks for one every year, for the hardware store, she is rehabbing her house. If she is not bored, I am not either.
Last year I got a card for my favorite restaurant. I didn't think at the time , but she sounded me out, and inquired where I like to go to eat, then got me a gift card for my birthday. Sneaky, but I liked it and used it.
I used to love to go buy gifts, and wrap them up pretty, I thought like you, gift cards were for lazy, clueless people to give. After my friend opened a package and was obviously disappointed, after I had searched the world for this gift, I changed my mind. This year she is getting a cetificate to the craft store. She will use it.
And I can still wrap up the card, it is still a gift!
2006-09-21 17:36:49 · answer #9 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in giving a gift card to someone you love to their favorite store is saying. I want you to buy something you want. Sometimes we just don't know what to give them. I would want them to pick up something they really wanted instead of exchanging the gift I got them.
2006-09-22 22:08:58 · answer #10 · answered by purrfectsandcastle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋