Why should you say "NO" to gift cards?

Question

As a recipient, there's nothing you can really do but take them.

But as a giver, think twice. Please try this experiment. Take out a dollar from your wallet.

Notice how it says "THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE?" Also notice there are no expiration dates, nor any mice type terms and conditions or hidden fees?

Cash is good anywhere for anything at any time. It carries no restrictions. It doesn't expire. So why do people take cash and voluntarily convert into something less useful, that may eventually disappear altogether by expiring or with hidden fees?

Just say "NO" to buying gift cards this year.

To Winter_s: You should check again. Visa, AMEX and MC gift cards all charge fees. Many states prohibit gift cards from expiring, but many do not. There are cards to stores and malls that do expire if not used within a couple of years, or maintenance fees start kicking in after a period of time, until the card has lost all its value.

Answer 1

if i buy a gift card for my wife to victoria's secret it is in hopes of influencing her to purchase something she normally wouldn't buy for herself.

Answer 2

It is a compromise between a gift (Most personal, least flexible) and cash (Least personal, most flexible).

As much as I dislike gift-cards and many gifts, the point should be an expression of goodwill, and an exercise in receiving such expressions graciously (it amazes me how many people are not taught to receive gifts graciously).

We could simply boil it down to cash exchanges, but then why bother to exchange $100 bills?

People should give fewer gifts. Give them when it matters and it means something. Don't shop the kids up to a dollar amount. Don't buy things for people you don't care about. Break the absurd cycle of mutual holiday guilt. If you and your brother have everything you want, agree to exchange cards.

Some jobs may be lost in the crappy 'all-in-one dartboard / toolkit / sewing machine' industry, but it is a small price to pay.

Answer 3

I never buy gift cards or give cash gifts because to me they seem like a copout. Like "I don't know anything about you or your interests/hobbies and I'm too lazy to take the time to do so, so here is a generic gift card instead".

Gift cards don't have fees and they don't expire. That may be the store policy for a gift certificate which is something else entirely.

Answer 4

Personally I am in favor of getting gift cards. I don't know what size clothes to buy. Or is that tie a good gift? Next to giving cash a gift card is best. At least the person can get what gift they want without having to take the gift back and exchange it for something they want.

Answer 5

This may be the first time I have ever disagreed with you and Dead Marxist.

I like gift cards. Especially when dealing with someone who is hard to buy for.

When someone in my world does not tell me what they want and I have no specific idea, then gift card it is.

I also find them handy for people that are involved in hobbies, it is hard to know exactly what a golfer or hunter needs for his hobby but a gift card can help them fill the gap.

I like getting them because I read alot; usually political books which are dated, so my friends and family likes the gift cards so that they do not get me duplicate copies.

Answer 6

Never have seen these alleged hidden fees you mention, but one of the major reasons we give gift cards instead of cash is that mailing cash is a really bad idea.

Answer 7

I agree 100%

I have always been opposed to the idea of gift cards, for the reasons you cited plus, it seems like someone was too lazy to pick out a real gift

Answer 8

I kind of like gift cards because I'm forced to use it only on myself. Whenever someone gives me money I get stuck using it to pay my bills. You make a good point though.

Answer 9

Come on now when you get a gift card and give it to someone. Majority of the people will spend that gift card the next day when they go for sales.

Answer 10

I agree with your reasons for the most part but if it's someone you don't know too well then its a good i dea. if its a relative you never see but you know they like to shop then it works well. but yeah. for a freind or close family member it does seem kinda of thoughtless and pointless.