Community Chat

[tototwo]

I have some opinions about gift cards, but would love to hear yours.  Love them?  Don't love them?   Want to receive them, or not?  Give them?

[Group 5 minus 1]

Gift cards? Those you use at the store? Restaurant cards?  Those used on the computer? Explain a little more.

[Suziepeach]

I don't have a problem with giving or receiving gift cards- this year is my preference for 4 people.  If we get any gift cards, we use them.

PS  our gift card of choice for giving is American Express

[Ruby Laine]

Four of my grandkids (these four are ages 12 to 17) ask for them. One says, Surprise me!  The other three ask for specific ones. I love to get them. My family (and a couple of friends) knows which ones I like. Husband enjoys getting them, too.

I know people are divided on this, and I don't buy them unless I know someone wants them. 

[Effie54]

For myself, I don't like them. It says "I went to CVS and just bought you this gift card because I can't be bothered to shop for you". Unless, a person needs groceries (then a grocery store gift card is fine). I just don't want any. Too many businesses going bankrupt and the person is stuck with a dead gift card. Bottom line - its impersonal. 

[Iwantcoffee]

I usually give cash for graduation but othewise try to give something based on the person's interest. I do not recall giving a gift card.

[Shanus]

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@tototwo wrote:

I have some opinions about gift cards, but would love to hear yours.  Love them?  Don't love them?   Want to receive them, or not?  Give them?

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@tototwo  I used to give Target gift cards, but my kids get more selection and  better prices with Amazon cards. I give those to my stylist, too. 

[Shanus]

I think this year people will be more understanding if we didn't feel comfortable pounding the pavement in stores looking for the perfect gift. Our loved ones would prefer we stay safe, right? Sometimes there's too much emphasis on gift giving anyway. It's the thought, not the gift.

[happycat]

I would rather give someone a gift card than some item they may never use. I also have no problem giving people cash. 

If we weren't dealing with covid, I would go to the store and buy gifts, but I have nearly 20 nieces and nephews to gift, they will either get gift cards or cash.

[tototwo]

Thank you, @Effie54 -- that's exactly how I feel about them!    When I receive a gift card (whether it's for a restaurant or retail store), I'm a little tiny bit insulted.   If a giver doesn't have the imagination or desire to buy a real gift, then don't buy me anything.  

Then again, I realize some people love to receive them.