Do you like receiving gift cards?

[koalabeer]

I am ambivalent about them -
On one hand, I feel a bit disappointed if I receive a gift card from a close family member, because it feels a bit as if they don't care enough to put thought into the gift. In addition, even as an old guy, I still get a kick out of unwrapping a present.
On the other hand, I know how difficult it is to shop for others, especially when you don't see them often and can't be sure of their likes and dislikes. So I can see how gift cards allow you to get "just what they want." For that reason, much as I prefer presents, I myself am giving gift cards to some family members this year.

 

[caitycaity]

i love getting gift cards! i am getting goift cards for 3 il's this year. 1 because she said that's what she wanted, and the other 2 because i've asked them what they might like and have gotten no response.

 

[nmudisneyfan]

I enjoy getting gift cards, but I also enjoy shopping. It's hard for me to think of things that I need when I get asked around my birthday and christmas, so with the gift card when I see something I want I can buy like. For my birthday this past October, I got a total of $50 in Wal-Mart giftcards. Those then went to purchasing seasons 1 and 2 of Sex and the City, which I had been toying with actually buying.
I love like gift cards, because it saves me that hasle of taking back gifts I don't like, want, or need. And I've taken back quite a few gifts that I didn't like.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

i love them!!!

 

[skuttle]

I love giftcards! DH, on the other hand, doesn't care for them. He likes opening a present...even if it's a bad one. He also has a thing about wrapping...he hates bags!

 

[Missy1961]

I love to get them and love to give them.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

love them!!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

I love getting gift cards. Even a $10 card is great - that's 10 less dollars I'll have to shell out for something I want. I guess the "thoughtfullness" comes in when determining which store to purchase a gc for. I think it's extremely thoughtful to remember a restaurant I like or a store I shop in regularly and help me lighten the bill.

 

[Samirella]

I love them. I am VERY picky when it comes to things I like. My mother learned when I was young to take me Christmas shopping early, have me pick out what I wanted, then hide everything in the closet until Christmas. That way I'd forget what we bought until I opened it. I'm trying to teach my MIL that gift cards are ok. She thinks they are not personal. She is a knick knack collector. I think knick knacks are only good for collecting dust. Not to mention, she doesn't know my tastes. So, I have a box of "gifts" waiting for our next garage sale.

 

[crcormier]

I don't think they're impersonal if it's for a store that person likes. I love getting 'em, then I get the DVDs I REALLY want.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I love them!!! To me, it's like 2 gifts...the card you get when you open the present and then you get the gift of going shopping!!!

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

To me, it's like 2 gifts...the card you get when you open the present and then you get the gift of going shopping!!!

I am the same way. I know people who say they are impersonal but anyone who really knows me knows the best gift they can give me is allowing me to do some guilt free shopping for me! Although our budget would allow for me to do more for myself, I always end up doing something for the family as a whole. But a gift card ensures I will spoil myself a bit too. This year we already exchanged presents with the IL's and I was able to go spend $$ on nice makeup (something I love but would never spend my own $$ on) and get a gorgeous outfit to wear to a dinner party at my dh's bosses house (when I would have otherwise pulled something out of the closet and felt uncomfortable about whether it was right for the occasion). Yes my IL's could have given me the makeup or outfit, but then I would have missed out on the shopping, which as the mom of two little ones... shopping by myself and for myself is practically the best part of the gift!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I love them!

 

[mallcat]

I love gift cards. I don't like a lot of clutter in the house...so the last thing I need is more stuff to sit around. I like gift cards so that, even if it is a small amount of money, I can apply it to something that I really need instead of getting something that will go into next summer's yard sale. I like getting restaurant, movie, event gift cards. I think they make nice gifts.