Why I Am a Fan of Gift Cards

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

People love 'em; people hate 'em. So how do you feel? Here's the way I look at them.

Sometimes it is easy so I give them. Sometimes I don't know the person well, so I give them rather than a gift that might disappoint. It's easy for the $10 little thank you.

Most often, I look at it as a way to do something for someone. It's maybe a few dollars they need, or some extra cash to buy or do something, even a coffee special drink or a splurge on nail polish they've eyed.

It may be that I don't get the fun of picking out a gift in some cases, but it is the one gift I think fits all sizes. And not another gift that delights the giver but not me.

I have done the dangerous "gift they wouldn't give themselves"--and wound up embarrased because it's the gift they wouldn't give themselves because they didn't want one. Oops!

MaverDaver · ‎06-28-2013

Count me in for gift cards -- always. Giving them I try to find their favorite store or restaurant wherein I know they will use them -- eventually.

Regarding receiving gift cards, I prefer the generic version -- CASH -- to do with what I choose.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

QVCkitty1 · ‎05-23-2015

I'm a fan of giving and receiving gift cards. If I really know the person I will try hard to choose the perfect gift, but often that is not possible. I like choosing my own gift and the important thing is to either pick an all inclusive card or a business that the you know the recipient likes. People usually like Amazon gift cards because there is so much to choose from.

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan

deeva · ‎03-09-2010

We used to send gift cards to our grandchildren. I always bought the universal ones too, either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

I only bought them at my bank.

I would have preferred to give them cash, but since our grandkids lived in another state, this was not possible.

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

I prefer to give a cash gift. The recipients appear to appreciate the gesture.

Desert Lily · ‎06-24-2011

My SIL was a teacher who recently retired. She had told me that every year when students brought her Christmas gifts, she & the other teachers donated the gifts or tossed (mostly food items) them in the garbage before leaving for winter break.

(Once she told me a teacher donated her gift of Philosophy soap to the teachers' restroom to share.)

They kept the gift cards.

She said although they were thankful for the thoughts & appreciated being remembered, teachers didn't really need more candles, flashlights, teacher mugs, etc. And in today's world, they were hesitant to eat food items.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I can understand the practicality of giving gift cards and agree that at time, they're the logical choice. However, i personally hate to receive them. I always feel cheated, like somebody couldn't go to the trouble of selecting a gift. I have money to buy most anything I want, I don't get a thrill out of getting more.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

I like gift cards and feel they are a good idea. I don't have many to buy for at the holidays but I always include a substantial Amazon card for my adult kids along with some smaller practical gifts. It's a win win as they can buy whatever they need for themselves or their homes.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

@Kachina624 wrote:
I can understand the practicality of giving gift cards and agree that at time, they're the logical choice. However, i personally hate to receive them. I always feel cheated, like somebody couldn't go to the trouble of selecting a gift. I have money to buy most anything I want, I don't get a thrill out of getting more.

The "Thrill" is gone.