How do you feel about gift cards?

Question

Well, it's really getting that time of year where more and more of us will be thinking about getting folks some Christmas presents. My question is how do you personally feel about giving out gift cards?

To me, their kinda a cop out just to go straight for them. I feel it's more like saying you're not gonna even try to learn what folks might like to get, just say get them a bunch of gift cards. I prefer to make gift cards a last resort, trying to find folks something they'll enjoy without having to resort to what is bascally saying go to this place to get your own present from me. Only when I run out of ideas do I even begin to consider a gift card.

Sure, it's easier to just get a gift card and let them pick out something their probably gonna enjoy. But how much thought really goes into that? I tend to think that actually picking something out shows that you actually thought about the person and what they might want.

Answer 1

I agree it seems like a lazy issue or a cop out, something that dosent require much thought, and hey atleast people can buy all their own stuff, It ruins all sentementality( or however you spell that) and its just not the same as a real present, however people like me just dont know what we want for christmas and a giftcard is nice because I can decide later when I find something I really want, but I agree theres a warm and fuzzy feeling you get for getting a hand picked present that just cant be replaced by a giftcard.
Oh ya and its really annoying when people give me one to a place I dont want it for.

Answer 2

I personally love getting gift cards. I have a quirky personality and am picky about things, so people usually have good intentions when they get me gifts but I often don't like them or have something a little different in mind. I don't care at all if the idea of gift cards makes it seem they didn't put any thought into it, better I get what I like than they put in all that work to pick something out that I would return anyway.

As for giving people gifts, I stick to the strategy of a gift card AND an actual small present that I put thought into. For instance I'll give my cousins bookstore giftcards as well as some specific foods I know that they love. Then its the best of both worlds; easy AND thoughtful!

Answer 3

There are many demands for ones time during the Holidays, and it seems as if shopping has been elevated to the #1 position on the to do list. There are other things to participate in more in keeping with the reason for the season. Gift cards, especially generous gift cards are a very nice thing to give anyone other than spouse/significant other and ones time can be spent WITH the people you love rather than second guessing what gift they want and would use. Granted, some really love shopping and for them the effort is gratifying. Others are stressed by it, and the cards should not be considered a cop out.

Answer 4

Actually, to me, it depends on HOW you obtain the gift cards. If, of course, you purchase them at face value (Example: 30$ gift card for 30.00$,), and hand those out as a gift, then its really like saying "Instead of me giving you 30$, im going to limit it to what store you can spend it at" Oh. Yeah, its alot more compact than cash, but you can use the cash wherever. When you buy gift cards from other people for less than their worth (Example: 30$ gift card for 25$) Then, at least, you know that if they spend all the money, you've saved yourself 5$ which wouldn't of been wasted away.

Answer 5

Gift cards are nice. Not everyone has time to think so deeply about one gift.
If its a Guys gift make sure its for a guys store or something you know he needs from that place.
If its a Women or a Girls, make sure it can be used on clothes, jewelry, hair ,nails etc...things a women would want.
Or at a place you know she will use it. " I want a new Spot light " lol "The difference "

A food card is cheesy @ Christmas unless asked for other wise.

Just take the time to think about "WHERE"

Answer 6

Gift cards and cash are fine by me. As long as it's from a store I'll actually shop at, I don't care who gives me a gift card. I prefer cash and I don't think it's impersonal. I feel you're trying to please me by letting me pick my own gift which is best. I hate when people try to buy gifts for me and I end up with a bunch of junk I don't want.

Answer 7

I usually don't want them every year. But this year I don't mind getting gift cards. I don't know want I want for christmas a gift card I could get want I want. But I don't know exactly want I want or need. I have to many stuff around the house.

Answer 8

Gift cards are GREAT...but I do believe they should be given along with another small gift. For example...a purse or wallet with a gift card inside...a tool kit with a card for Lowes or Home Depot...a set of cookware with a gift card for a grocery store or restaurant (for those times when they don't want to cook)...a book with a gift card to Barnes & Noble, etc. That way they receive the gift you chose along with a gift card to use they way they prefer

Answer 9

I don't like gift cards, but if someone didn't know what to get me, I wouldn't want them to just GUESS what I would want. I'd prefer they just give me money. As for me, I ask people where they would want a gift card from.

Answer 10

We live far away from our families and it is easier for them to send us gift cards. Then we can pick out what we need and they can save money since shipping is getting so expensive.