Opinions on gift cards vs actual gifts

[happybratpack]

Every year I spend a ton of time and effort trying to find "perfect" gifts for everyone and totally stress myself out. (and end up spending too much) This year I'm really considering gift cards for those on my list that I'm not super close to. (nephews, their kids/spouses, etc) I always avoided buying them because it seems more fun to open actual presents plus it seems like I can find more for the money through all the deal sites.

So would you rather get gift cards or something that was picked out for you? These wouldn't be large amounts, probably $25 each. My other thought was to do $20 gc's then use the $5 for something else, like a candle for my niece, but not sure what all I would do for everyone. I have to admit, the ease of buying gift cards sounds appealing vs holiday shopping for weeks.

 

[donac]

My youngest neice is now 9. I started to doing gift cards a few years ago. I also include a small gifft. Last year I knitted scarves for everyone. One year we got everyone a magazine of something they like. I am trying to think about what I want to do this year.

I get the Visa cards. Last year I got them at TD bank where my son has an account. There is no service charge if you have an account. With the Visa cards they can buy anything they want anywhere they want.


I do wrap up the gc in small boxes so that they do have something to open.

Buying gift cards have made my Christmas shopping easier.

 

[Marionnette]

Every year I spend a ton of time and effort trying to find "perfect" gifts for everyone and totally stress myself out. (and end up spending too much) This year I'm really considering gift cards for those on my list that I'm not super close to. (nephews, their kids/spouses, etc) I always avoided buying them because it seems more fun to open actual presents plus it seems like I can find more for the money through all the deal sites.

So would you rather get gift cards or something that was picked out for you? These wouldn't be large amounts, probably $25 each. My other thought was to do $20 gc's then use the $5 for something else, like a candle for my niece, but not sure what all I would do for everyone. I have to admit, the ease of buying gift cards sounds appealing vs holiday shopping for weeks.

I like to give gift cards along with something small that the can be used with the gift. If I give a starbucks gift card then I might also give a coffee mug and some dove chocolates. Or if I give an itunes card then I also give some earbuds or an ipod case. It shows the receiver that I put more effort than choosing a handful of gift cards at the grocery checkout and giving them one of them.

 

[HM]

I also try to buy gifts, and it is hard if you don't see the person very often. Find something kind of generic that you really like and buy a bunch of them to give out. Last year I found some fuzzy blankets (really really soft) at a great price and gifted them with a DVD that I thought each particular person would enjoy.

Myself? I don't like getting gift cards. I find it hard to remember to use them. I'd almost rather get something I can't use (and try to re-gift) than a gift card.

 

[sksjasams]

I think that is the perfect situation to give gift cards. I would go with the $25 gift cards, rather than $20 plus a $5 gift. Its been my experience in both giving and receiving, that a gift card is better, more practical, more appreciated and more often used, than many other gifts.

If you wanted to make it seem more personal you could choose a gift card for a restaurant they like, or movie theater they live near, or i-tunes card for teens. Something like that rather than a card for a specific store or a visa card.

On a side note, for my 3 grown step-kids we always give cash. I always find some cute cards to put the cash in and then also get them each a box of Andes Candies (the kind in the holiday box). They love the candy and open it immediately, plus this way I feel like we are handing them something other than just a card. You could do this with the gift cards too.

 

[lindsmom]

We give gift cards to the nieces and nephew that we're not really close to; since we don't really know them, at least we know they'll use an itunes card or amazon card etc. I used to ask for a wish list, but that rubbed me the wrong way because it doesn't make the gift any more exciting or surprising, and if I used the list as an idea for their interests and got something not on the list they'd act disappointed. Not worth my energy, imo.

My husband and I specifically ask for gift cards because (a) we have to travel a significant distance on Xmas Eve to see my family, and the less stuff in the car the better, and (b) we already have too much stuff; we know the few things that we really need, and our family already purchases in approximately the same $ every year. I know it's not very exciting, but it's easier for all the adults involved. For example, this year we're asking for best buy GC's because we need a new computer.

 

[budbeerlady]

Dd is 10 and really into being able to pick out her own things. She received a gift card to a local bookstore for her birthday and the kid was over the moon excited! When I give them I include something else small, like a starbucks card I include some of their little treats with it.

 

[Brandi1leigh]

I'm a big fan of gift cards! My mom is not...she feels that they are impersonal. I see her side, but I love being able to pick out something I really want but would not otherwise buy. I like the idea of a 20 dollar gc and a smaller present along with it. That seems to satisfy us both.

 

[elgerber]

I love getting gift cards, as do my kids.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I like getting gift cards to places people know I like such as JoAnn's or a knitting shop. Seems more personal.

That said, I am contemplating getting everyone a walmart gc this year because I feel like I try hard to pick out stuff they would like and half the people don't really care.

 

[disneychrista]

I think if you aren't sure what to get someone a giftcard is much better than something they may or may not use/want. And deffiently better than cash.

 

[thebeesknees]

I love gift cards. It allows me to splurge on something I wouldn't normally buy for myself. My BIL loves to get gift cards, but refuses to give them because he feels that it shows that you didn't put much thought into it. I feel that if you give a gift card to a place that person would enjoy, then it shows just the opposite! A Michael's card for the crafter, an itunes card for a teen, etc. I always have fun going out after Christmas to spend my gift cards. I like to let the giver know what I purchased when I write my thank-you note.

 

[windycitymom]

I like to receive GC's - especially one to restaurants! I like to give them too. Sure beats some "stuff" that I don't really need.

 

[pearlieq]

Love, love, love gift cards, especially for those "outer circle" gifts like for cousins, co-workers, and service providers.

I hate "stuff" and I don't need smelly candles or lotion. I would much rather have a $10 card for lunch at Panera--that would be a wonderful treat!

I've always thought of gift cards as two gifts in one--not only do they get to enjoy receiving the gift additionally, but they get the extra fun of picking out just what they want and enjoying it.

 

[anna_chronistic]

I love gift cards. It allows me to splurge on something I wouldn't normally buy for myself. ... I feel that if you give a gift card to a place that person would enjoy, then it shows just the opposite! A Michael's card for the crafter, an itunes card for a teen, etc. I always have fun going out after Christmas to spend my gift cards. I like to let the giver know what I purchased when I write my thank-you note.

Absolutely agree. I love getting gift cards because it practically forces me to get a treat for myself that I normally wouldn't. I love getting gift cards to the really nice car wash that I usually can't afford, or to a bookstore (swoon!) or a restaurant or for iTunes (I'm easy). Heck, even Target and WalMart GCs are fabulous -- I could pick up a movie, ice cream, frozen pizza, nail polish or one of those single-use mud facemasks, and I get to have an evening at home to pamper myself, all courtesy of someone's very thoughtful (IMO) gift card!

Of course, part of this is dependent on the person to whom you give the gift card. I love them, but if you know that one of your relatives hates to get gift cards or thinks they are inconsiderate/impersonal, then get them something else. Personally, I think a hand-knitted or crocheted scarf is a great gift, too, and very thoughtful because you put your time and effort into it.

I dunno, I think all gifts are great, but perhaps I mentioned that I'm easy?

 

[Michelle and crew]

One stop at Giant Eagle where I get a gas discount makes it even sweeter, lol. I love gc's because they mean a day out shopping, or a movie, or new songs... Besides everyone I know has what they really need.

 

[ilovejack02]

I give movie gift cards to the younger kids in my family and the two older cousins get starbucks and sephora cards. They always seem very very happy !

 

[edk35]

Love, love, love gift cards, especially for those "outer circle" gifts like for cousins, co-workers, and service providers.

I hate "stuff" and I don't need smelly candles or lotion. I would much rather have a $10 card for lunch at Panera--that would be a wonderful treat!

I've always thought of gift cards as two gifts in one--not only do they get to enjoy receiving the gift additionally, but they get the extra fun of picking out just what they want and enjoying it.

I agree!! I love them and our kids do too.

 

[Belle5]

Absolutely LOVE gift cards!

 

[Janepod]

Another "love them"!

Last year my brother was laid off and ended up out of work for 14 months. For Christmas and his birthday he received a lot of Target and Amazon gift cards and later told us those were the best gifts he could have possibly gotten -- he didn't need sweaters or video games, but toilet paper, cereal, underwear, etc.