Do people prefer gift cards as opposed to an actual item?

Answer 1

Gift cards are okay, but I much prefer seeing the lovely paper and ribbons on the gift, feeling the anticipation, and then opening it. I like that someone spent the time and thought to buy me a gift, and I like doing that for others as well. I have never bought anyone a gift card, and it's doubtful that I ever will.

Answer 2

I usually prefer a gift card, just because then I know its something I want, and I don't have to worry about hurting the other person's feelings if I don't like the actual item they gave me.

Answer 3

Personally, I give gift cards to the people I don't really know or don't really like (as in family, lol). They're just an easy out. They show you either didn't want to take the time to go shopping or you didn't feel they were worth your time to go shopping. Now if someone specifically says they'd like a giftcard then by all means feel free to oblige. This usually applies to preadults (high school to college) where money is the only useful gift for any occasion. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & a Joyful Kwanzaa!

Answer 4

I think the very concept is gift giving is faulty. Even the highest ideal of gift giving, the "thoughtful gift," which you're apparently attempting to provide, misses one important point: Were someone to want something, they would buy it for themselves anyway, and if they haven't, do they even really want it? It's worse if they have to ask for or mention it.

If the holiday of Christmas is based on the ancient northern traditions of people coming together in the dead of winter to exchange their meager supplies of food and supplies with each other, to get something they're lacking, for something they have in abundance, to last them all until the spring, then I think the only gifts we give should have a similar quality: A real Christmas gift must be something only we personally can provide. Which is why I'm making my very special, secret recipe fudge for almost everyone this year.

The exception is gifts for your kids, whom you are raising, and require stimulation, i.e. toys, and other supplies, clothes, etc. which probably should be given any time they're needed, but can be offered wrapped, and in front of guests, on Christmas, for a little extra punch, and to share the joy with all.

Also, gift cards are the foulest evil, really no better than cash or grandma's check from across the country. No better than what I call "random gifts" such as re-gifts, candles and fruit cake type junk you give as a blatant obligation with no feeling behind it.

Answer 5

I think imagery on cards for holidays create an impression that makes a unique memory. My partner-in-life has collected postcards his whole life and these are new, used, vintage historic scenery as well as modern advertising. He sells these on ebay and the cards that get the best bids are scenery of places and seasons usually drawn and illustrated over photographs. My mom keeps a wooden suitcase from the forties full of almost every card she has ever received and I have my own new tradition starting a new and second career as a illustrator and online artist.

I remember gift-wrapping nights with decorated paper while eathing my moms cookie-cutter Christmas cookies and this was my inspiration for 100% original GIFTS to you and anyone visiting my blog online. I made gift-wrapping inspired 'traditional' and playful banners for the HOLIDAYs. You can visit the blog and follow the links to your high-res full 1000x300 banners for printing your own gift cards, wrapping papers and sending virtual memories online.

Just leave a 'hello' at FLICkr or blog comment...and share the link with other people by email and tell them to say 'happy holidays.'

SOme great mp3 to listen while you choose.

Answer 6

You people that like gift cards suck. All you talk about is getting things or money. What a load of selfish crap. So you get something you don't necessarily want, need or care for, so what. The person that gave that to you, spent the time and the effort to think specifically of you, go out, find an item they thought you would like, or they liked for you, and they wrapped it and got it to you. What the freak is wrong with you that what's inside the box is more important than what's inside the heart. Get a life. If you have someone that cares enough about you to waste their time on you, perhaps you could waste a little time on them and actually think about them, think hard, pretend you are them, think about what they like and get them something they would like. And if you screw up, you screw up. That's what returns are for. But politely say thank you, write a thank you note, send it by mail, (yes snail mail, handwritten is always much better) and then move on. Is your life so void of human emotion that you cant take a few moments out of your day to think about what someone else would want? Is it that hard to graciously say thank you with no buts attached? Get a life.

Answer 7

If it is coming from my family, I prefer the actual item. We are very specific in our Christmas lists so I know that I'm going to get something that I will like. The reason I prefer to get the item itself is that the sales tax rates are significantly lower in their state than mine and I know they can get it cheaper (unless I order online which you typically can't do with giftcards). Even though the savings are only a dollar or two, it really adds up in the long run. Plus, it saves me the burden of having to go shopping.

Answer 8

Gift cards are easy, but I end up never using them and going for cash. I prefer a gift I can use because it is more thoughtful, but gift cards are nice. only get gift cards if you know it is a place they commonly go.

Answer 9

I like both...but probably prefer gift cards that way I can get what I like and not worry about getting something I dont like and then having to pretend I like it.Plus Im picky when it comes to clothes so I would rather have gift cards for that.

Answer 10

well to make a good gift from my point of view I like gift cards such as sears i use tools all the time and you may not know what i need so instead of spending 20 dollars on something i already own get me a card, but for other items such as clothes its different so good luck to you