"Gift" cards ARE NOT "gifts"?

[Brianne]

To me, money is money, even if it comes as a gift card. I'd be happy with it in any way, shape or form.

 

[minniecarousel]

Obviously, there are times that GCs are not appropriate, but they certainly have their place. I would take Christmas, for example, to give our grown DSs money, but would also give them GCs to Costco, or Target or even the grocery store. They are short on cash & would appreciate either $$ or GCs. By the same token, I would NEVER give my DM or one of my sisters a GC!

 

[disneysteve]

agree or disagree?

I think it depends on the situation, and the particular gift card.

When I first started working, I used to give my coworkers gift certificates to the local mall - good at any store in the mall. Was that thoughtless? I don't think so. I just didn't know these people very well and didn't know what they would really appreciate.

I hate getting presents I don't want and don't need. It is too much hassle to figure out where they came from and run around returning them. I usually just end up selling them at the next yard sale, probably not what the giver intended.

As I got to know people better, I learned what their likes and dislikes are, where they like to shop, what their hobbies are, what they collect, etc. I still got them gift certificates, but to specific places that I knew they would appreciate. And they would often come in sometime later and show me/tell me what they got with my gift.

Of course, numerous times I've been the recipient of a gift card to a store that I never shop at. That was more of a pain than an unwanted item. It's like handing someone $25 cash and telling them they can only spend it on something they really don't want. Some gift that is.

So if gift cards are given with proper thought as to what the recipient would actually like, I think they are perfectly fine. But if they are just given out blindly, they can be lousy gifts.

 

[liamandcaili]

I disagree with the article.

People buying gift cards are just trying to please the recipient...they are trying to get someone something that will be liked and that is called a gift. Most people buy gift cards to stores they know the recipient likes...perhaps even to ones they couldn't shop at were it not for the chance to splurge with the card. If we attack gift cards, then what about people who buy off registry lists? Are they just as thoughtless because they aren't personally picking out a gift for the happy couple...or new mother...or birthday child? Okay, registering for gifts has gotten a little out of hand, but that is not the gift-giver's fault. Perhaps the person who is more at fault is the receiver. How many have read threads on this board from brides who complained that guests gave gifts that weren't on the registry? How many have witnessed children roll their eyes about presents that they didn't ask for and didn't want? How many people have been less than appreciative of the really tacky serving bowl, vase, throw pillows, etc that they have been given. Gift recipients complain about their gifts...even if it is subtle. At the grand unwrapping ceremonies, you can tell the gifts the recipient truly enjoys and the ones that are simply being indulged. If yours is among the indulged, you feel bad. And so the gift card. While it may not be oohed and aahed quite as much as some unexpectedly terrific gifts, it will always be greeted with sincere thanks. And isn't that better than, "Oh...thanks. I always wanted one of these..."

 

[olena]

I consider them gifts, but I don't generally give them. I've become less fond of them because their values will deplete over time. Every time I get one, I go use it as soon as I can.

 

[MinnieM21]

I don't like buying them for people if they didn't ask. One Christmas I got a Starbucks gift cards from every one of my relatives. I like coffee but not that much! At least I got something but it was obvious they didn't put much thought into my present and that's what upset me.

 

[Talking Hands]

My daughter's love gift cards especially the one in Ohio. With a gift card she can get what she needs. I usually get her a Walmart card so she can buy what she needs since I know that they have one near her.
I wouldn't mind a gift card to Walmart, a craft store or places like Avenue, Sears or JC Penney. Even to B Dalton or any other the local books stores would be nice.
My husband on the other hand would just use it to get something for me so I try to find out what he needs and get that for him. Black, navy or khaki slacks, guaybara shirts, socks, polos, a nice classic country CD.

 

[SPAM]

disagree, i love gift cards. i can get something i want. my favorite is my amc card becasue i love to go to movies but not spend my money. so i can go to lots of movies guilt free lol.

 

[MinnieM3]

I think GC are great gifts and do show some thought! That being said, I just realized that I rarely give them but LOVE receiving them! Go figure!

 

[Papa Deuce]

The more I think about it, the more I have come to think that GC's to places that you know a person has an interest in, would be really welcome.

Like if someone gave me a GC to the Apple store, Musician's Friend, or maybe video game store, I would really appreciate the thought and the actual gift. If it was just a GC to Target, Walmart, Costco, Kmart..... well then I "might" feel like the present was just given to fill a "requirement"....

 

[C.Ann]

I use them for people who are extremely hard to buy for..

As for me - I LOVE them - and would much rather have a gift card than a Chia pet; hand-clapper light; etc..

 

[chell]

I'm one who loves gift cards. I like to buy them for others and I like to receive them. I'm hard to buy for and so are my sisters so they work well for us.

 

[disneysteve]

would much rather have a gift card than a Chia pet

Now you tell me. Well, I guess I've got to return that gift I got you.

http://www.chia.com/simpsons.html

 

[pearlieq]

Disagree big time! Gift cards are my preferred gift. I have more "stuff" than I'll ever need, and most of the time things people give me are nice enough, but not anything I really wanted.

Gift cards are a double bonus. Not only do I get a gift, but then I get the fun and anticipation of going shopping and figuring out what to do with it.

Ideally, I'd never get anything but gift cards!

 

[pearlieq]

would much rather have a gift card than a Chia pet; hand-clapper light; etc..

Hey! Don't knock the Clapper. Of all of the actual "gifts" we got for our wedding, it's my favorite and we use it every day!

 

[The Wife of Bath]

Love gift cards. People always give us disney dollars or gift cards. then, we can either use them for what we really want or need...not what someone thinks we want or need.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

I love receiving gift cards. I have been reducing the clutter in my home, and rather be able to pick something I love.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i love gift cards!!

 

[diznygirl]

Actually, you still have to put a lot of thought into getting just the right gift card for each person....

Last year I got Build-a-Bear gift cards for all the kids in California. It was easy to mail and it was really appreciated - because it meant a trip to Build-a-Bear for the kids - an experience they wouldn't have had without my gift card. So that was a really thoughtful gift.

I wouldn't recommend it in every case. But it some cases it really is the best "gift."

 

[marybet]

Of course a gift card is a gift. We don't live close to our family and if we don't go home for Christmas I will send GC. The cost of postage is outrageous, the last time I sent Christmas boxes to the grandchildren the postage was $50. Last year they each got a $50 GC and they loved it. When we go there for Christmas I buy them presents but if I have to mail it then they will get a GC. Plus you can take advantage of the after Christmas sales with your GC.