Ask the Readers: Do Gift Cards Make a Good Gift?

Honestly, gift cards are the gifts that give TWICE--first when you recieve it and second when you use it. They are my favorites!

Thanks,
Jill

Jill's recent post: My Funny Valentine.

Almost all of our family and friends are not local. We don't travel to them (who can afford 7 plane tickets?), and they don't travel to us, so gift cards are the perfect no-stress gift to mail. And I appreciate them in return. I have one or two relatives who still prefer to send cash (checks), and while that's nice it does usually go to bills. At least a gift card I know I'll get something out of it, even if it's stuff for the house - I consider a well-stocked cleaning closet a gift in and of itself. No extra shipping costs, no lines at the post office or UPS/FedEx store, no finding a perfect-sized box and filling material, no early deadlines. I'm all about reducing stress in December.

I think that, as with gifts, it's best for a gift card to reflect the likes and interests of the person receiving the gift as opposed to the giver imposing his/her likes and interests on the receiver (trust me, my parents did the latter for many years).

My teen-aged nieces love to receive Barnes and Noble gift cards because they can pick out the books that they want to read, whereas if I gave them Discover Store gift cards, they would likely not get used (or the gift that was purchased would languish).

When a cousin was going through a tough time medically, financially, and emotionally, I sent her an e-gift certificate for Amazon.com with a couple of suggestions for items that I thought might be helpful and a request that she get a little something for her young son. I don't think that gift was perceived as lacking thought or care.

Assuming you know the person you are giving a gift to that should be the determining factor, for some it makes sense for other… maybe not. Giving my brother a gift card it perfect, he can use it and doesn’t have to move it. Just don’t give me one (unless the alternative is something I don’t want or need), I treat it like cash and therefore have a very hard time spending it. If and when I do- it’s most likely on a “practical” item. If I like you I would much rather spend time together and DO something together. That way I don't have more 'stuff' do deal with to a holiday or birthday.

but you need to know your recipient.
I don't give gift cards to my mother in law, for example. She has everything so sentimental items like jewelry are appropriate for her but my nephew, who loves iTunes get Apple gift cards and is happy to be able to choose his own music, books, etc.
There are also unique gift cards, like your local sports team. It's more convenient to buy a gift card for a ballgame than to choose a date and buy a ticket for someone else.

First of all, i think it is so funny that the giveaway is for a gift certificate. too funny. Now that that is out of the way, There is nothing more thoughtful than a gift card. less clutter for my house, less hassle for buyer- perfect for folks who live far away- saves on shipping!! I think they can be thoughtless but that isn't always the case. I get and give giftcards even on anniversaries. My music loving husband always as things he wants to buy at iTunes or Amazon. They aren't given as thoughtless gifts or received as such when they truly reflect the receiver's goals and interests.

Gift cards are a good idea if any of the following apply:

- The person in question likes shopping. You are essentially giving them a shopping trip.
- The recipient is unemployed or in financial distress. In this case, gift cards are a GREAT idea.
- You know of a really great store that the person in question would like, and you're pretty sure he/she doesn't yet know about it. It's fun to visit a new store and have money to spend that isn't yours.
- The recipient is saving for a large purchase, and your gift card can be put towards it.

Otherwise, they are at best too much of an easy out, and at worst, just thoughtless. My father really dislikes shopping and often had unused gift cards after the holidays until we agreed to spend his gift cards on his behalf. This is just a waste.

I think gift cards are great for teachers and other such recipients to whom you want to express your appreciation for your services but you don't know them well enough to pick out something personal, but cash is too tacky.

For others, if I don't know what to give them (such as teenage relatives) I will just gift them some cash. I would only give someone I know personally a gift card if it was for something I knew they loved: a specific bookstore; a massage; their favorite restaurant; etc.

I am a giver of gift cards mainly because I usually can't think of the perfect gift. On occasion I will find something that is just right for a particular person but that is a rareity. Reading the comments previously written, many people are stating that gift cards are impersonal and that they feel slighted by the giver for not having put effort or thought into the gift. I think it depends on where the gift card is from. I am usually a practical gift giver because that's normally what I like to receive. If I can't use it for something, the item has much less value to me. My husband has tried to teach me that a gift can be special if it is a luxury or treat. Something you wouldn't normally do for yourself. My favorites are Starbucks & Victoria Secret. Even though I love the overpriced cappucinos at Starbucks I can't in good conscious pay $5 for a cup of coffee. However if someone has given me a gift card--well....
I think you can put just as much effort into a gift card as the item itself.

I like knowing that a person is really REALLY going to like what I get them, so if I can't find something, I get a gift card for them. I don't think they're tacky. In fact, I rather enjoy them myself. It allows me to buy things for myself that I ordinarily wouldn't spend the money on.

A few years ago I discovered a gift certificate that any store accepts; it never expires; its balance never decreases; it is completely transferable; it can be mailed or given in person or over the internet; and it's existed for centuries. And I'd bet 99.9999% of you have at least one of these certificates on you right this very second. Heck, banks have automated machines to dispense these wonderful certificates.

Not only do all stores take them but there are vending machines that take them as well!

And you wouldn't believe me if I told you but people have been killing each other for centuries for them.

They're really cool too as they are usually decorated with famous people and have intricate artwork on them and everyone recognizes them instantly.

They're brilliant!

I wouldn't give one to my mother--she finds them impersonal--but my brother understands perfectly that I don't love him the less for giving him the choice. The Internet sort are also great for last-minute presents when someone's far away.

Gift cards are more of a gift to the store than the Person receiving the gift. Most are pure profit as they are not redeemed. From my perspective a gift card is the best way possible to say that I don't care about you, who you are or what you need but for various reasons I am forced to give you a present.

I'll give a gift card--usually along with a homemade treat of some kind--as a gift to a friend. And I like getting them myself. Trader Joe's or Barnes and Noble or Amazon are the best for my friends; like me, they use them for little luxury purchases that they wouldn't necessarily make themselves.

Giftcards work fine with me and Cash is even better!

I don't mind gift cards, and sometimes I specifically ask for them from friends and family. I am reluctant to buy them for others unless they ask for them, but I do agree that some people are just tough to shop for.

On the other hand, I heard of a service the other day which lets you donate gift cards, which are in turn used to benefit a charity. If I end up with ones I don't want, I may consider it.

I think gift cards can be great gifts, but as with any gift it helps to know your receiver at least somewhat. Cash is nice but it's very easy for it to get rolled into bill-paying money. With a gift card you can let someone know you are thinking of them, and would like to buy something for them at a retailer you think they would like, but they get to pick out the actual gift. I don't see that as thoughtless at all. If you know your recipient really doesn't like to shop or has mobility issues that make it difficult for them to do so, I probably would not go for a gift card. I'd much rather receive a gift card so that I can carefully pick something out, rather than receive a gift that I don't want or need. Even if I "spend" the gift card on a gift for someone else, I would be grateful and consider that a good gift. It took care of a need for me and did not add to my clutter!

One area where gift cards are really helpful is in buying media for the recipient; I have no way of knowing which books my mother has installed on her Kindle, or what music my best friend has in his iPod. (Well, not comprehensively). A gift card allows them to expand their media library, in a way that generates no additional physical traces.

All gifts should be mindful gifts, and if you've thought long and hard and think that a gift card is the best option to give someone, go for it! I would never give one to my Mother-in-law who's 90 and would never redeem it, because it wouldn't be a thoughtful gift. But my nephew at college, it's perfect for. And if I give him a gift card to someplace like Amazon, he can use it for some music or electronics item that I would have no idea about. But that same gift card to my MIL - that would put me in the dog-house for the duration! As long as it's a thoughtful choice and not an excuse for being lazy, they are perfect!

Gift cards are the only way to go for teenagers. Even THEY don't know what they really want!

I treat gift cards as any other gift -- if it's something someone wants and would use, then it's a good idea. If they think it's thoughtless or convenient, than it's not a good idea.

I usually ask before I buy. A lot of friends and family have a favourite hobby supply store and enjoy treating themselves to something new (and they get to shop the seasonal sales too!)

Perfect gifts for service personnel such as Mailman, paperboy and teachers. For family and good friends I prefer a personal gift that some thought was made in the purchase or making.

I like giving them because I'm lazy, and I like getting them because they're just as good as cash. And if they're for some luxury or fun store, they give me an excuse to "splurge" on myself with something I wouldn't normally buy, and I get to choose what it is.

Agreed, generally not for spouses or friends/relatives you know would be offended.

However, my parents, for example, need nothing--they are downsizing their home & are desperately trying to get rid of stuff. Buying them a physical gift (and alas, they don't drink and can't eat rich food, so even foodie-type gifts won't fly) would not be appreciated. So what does that leave? Restaurant or theater gift cards, ideally chosen to suit their tastes.

You are giving the gift of an experience--a "splurge" dinner, a play, etc. Also nice for people who are perhaps a bit too practical. You could get them that new vacuum or you could "force" them to have some fun and relax with a gift card to the spa or beauty shop.

That being said, I get reliably good gifts from very few people in my life--my mom, my husband...and that's about it. If I want a decent gift I won't have to try and return, I either have to ask for it specifically (ie, wishlist), which feels rather rude and pushy to me, or hope for a gift card.

When I was a kid, my parents used to give me money instead of presents for birthdays and holidays. As a child, I really hated that because there's really nothing like a beautifully wrapped present that contains a well chosen gift.

That said, how many people will actually be able to select a non-monetary present for someone they're not especially close to? While I'd be disappointed if my husband gave me a gift card, I'd be perfectly delighted with one from someone else who would have otherwise chosen something ugly, useless, bulky or all three.

My kids are very happy to receive gift cards from their friends and more distant relatives. Unless it's for a store that they really don't like, they ALWAYS find the opportunity to cash in their cards.

Accepted anywhere and for anything. Sure, a well thought out gift is preferred and often cheaper, but cash gets spent gift cards kinda sit there. And if I've received a greenback from someone, when I see what I do want (often at a store with out credit card abilities let alone gift cards) I am more likely to go for it and classify it in my head "so and so's birthday present to me". :)

I love gift cards. They are great gifts, especially when they are for something you know the recipient loves and spends a good deal of money on. They're also great if you need to get a gift for someone you don't know very well. I can't think I've even been disappointed when receiving a gift card.

I love gift cards. They are great gifts, especially when they are for something you know the recipient loves and spends a good deal of money on. They're also great if you need to get a gift for someone you don't know very well. I can't think I've even been disappointed when receiving a gift card.

They come in handy for wants and NEEDS. There have been times when things were going less than perfectly that I've been grateful to have that Home Depot gift card in our possession or to be free to splurge on the Monopoly deal game and some sodas because I had that Kroger gift card. While some may turn up their noses at the idea that they aren't personal enough I find it just as thoughtful to tell someone that they can choose their own book from Barnes and Noble as it is for someone to pick out a book that I might like (but also might have read because let's face it I go through a bunch of books). That's just my personal opinion though.

They're a total cop-out, but I really enjoy receiving them for some reason. It gives me an excuse to go to Borders or Starbucks when I usually wouldn't. :) Cash is always better, though.

I love receiving gift cards, even from close friends and family. For me, gift cards are like receiving two gifts -- one gift when I receive the card, and the other when I use the card.

Plus, since I am a bit of a frugalista, I can do some research before my purchase to make sure I get the most out of my card.

Gift cards are great, as long as the giver gets one for a store that the giftee will enjoy.

They're like cash, but conditional. I fail to see why a $20 gift card to The Gap is better than a $20 bill.

With a gift card:
-It will probably get lost
-You will probably forget to take it with you when you go to the required store
-The longer you take to use it, the less value, both from outrageous usage fees, expiration dates, or plain old inflation
-The receiver is forced to use the card at the store of your choosing. Maybe they don't even *like* The Gap but are now required to spend money there
-The user is often required to shell out their own dough to get the item they really "want" (but probably would not have purchased if you hadn't given them this "gift")

With a $20 bill:
-They spend it on whatever they want, whenever they want.

Our money culture is completely ridiculous in considering a $20 gift card a "gift" whereas a $20 bill is somehow insulting or didn't require enough thought.

Oh, and I guess you shouldn't get me started on Hallmark either...

When I was younger (16-18yrs) I loved getting gift cards, because I had all the time in the world to shop for the things I *really* wanted. Now, if I'm given one as a gift I often forget about it because I don't often go out to shop for myself. Except for gas cards, I try to avoid them.

I love gift cards. The kids in my family are at the age where it is hard to buy for them and they would rather have gift cards to go get what they want. Most of what they buy are computer games and I have no idea what games they already have. It is just easier.

Gift cards can be thoughtful if they are tailored to the receipient. I like to do a gift basket with gift cards - for example, I'll put a really nice travel mug together with a Starbucks gift card for a coffee lover, or a handmade shopping bag with a Target gift card.

Like other posters have commented, you have to know the person you're gifting, and whether or not it will be appreciated. Personally, I like receiving them because I'm a frugal shopper and can get great bargains! I love the feeling of not spending my own money!

I personally like to receive a gift card. In fact I just used two to purchase a nice leather purse I've been admiring for over a year at the local mall. Without the gift cards I probably wouldn't have spent the $$$.

My in-laws refuse to give gift cards because they feel it is not personal enough. They would rather give ill-fitting sweaters, small appliances, and other things I don't need or want. They ask every year for a Christmas list but never get anything off the list. . .very frustrating. After a year I either give these items away or sell them at a yard sale.

Sure it's more fun to rip off wrapping paper and ribbons, but for mailing things long distance, (all our relatives are), nothing beats gift cards. Some family members are always strapped for cash and if I can "earn" gift cards from survey sites, we can give them bigger, more flexible gifts (think Kmart or Walmart) than we could with just the cash we have. We still send a little homemade something with the cards, so it's not impersonal, but we don't end up blowing our entire gift budget on postage either. Some years have been heavy hitters, where postage is more than the gift. OUCH

I personally like receiving and giving gift cards.

We have lots of friends and family who choose to shop online. Some companies waive their shipping costs so the person gets to choose their gift without extra cost and can get more with online deals.

Actually getting a gift card, helps me do two things I love. It can help me get a great deal. And I love giving to others, for me it really is a treat. So gift cards rule for me

I would rather have the cash instead of the gift card. I have received gift cards to movie theatres (I hate the idea of spending money to see a movie), Wal-mart (I don't like to support that company with my business), the local mall (I rarely buy anything there), and so on. I find that I am having to work awfully hard to spend these gift cards. If somebody thinks they need to give me a gift (which I don't endorse anyway) then I would rather just have the cash so I can spend it in a place and a way that is meaningful and helpful to me. I rarely give them, either, for the same reasons.

As long as its to a place they know I frequent, gift cards are great for me! At this point in my life, cuttind down on expenses is more important than having a nice new candle or bath bubbles. I give them if I think someone is in a similar situation, but prefer handmade or more personal gifts when it's appropriate.

I admit it, I have gifted gift cards to my nephews because I simply don't know what they want. For their birthday this year, I knew that they wanted a new video game each but I didn't know which was the latest and greatest video game, I didn't know what their mother would approve of, and I didn't know what system they were using at the moment.

It's a cop out, but I decided to give them a gift card and let them pick out what they wanted.

Problem is, it's neither personal nor memorable. I won't remember their birthday gift this year and either will they.

Gifting is tough for 10-13 year old boys, in my opinion, and gift cards are easy.

Best,
Kim

I personally love getting and giving gift cards. I am extremely too picky and I like practical gifts not just stuff that will take up more room and make more clutter. Give me a gift card so I can buy what I need, not just something that won't be used.

I love to get gift cards myself and have resorted to gift cards for the younger generation in my family. Many times I have bought a gift only to hear "sighs" and then "Thank you" that was not very heart felt. I would rather give the gift card and get a resounding "Oh Thank you" and a great big hug.

Gift cards are like cash, only not quite as good. Especially scary this Christmas as stores teetered on the edge of oblivion.

I like getting gift cards, but often I do end up using it to buy gifts for other people.

This year, I made a wishlist on amazon.com and etsy.com, so people know what I want. I have things ranging from $10 to $100. Also, people can get a sense of what I like to receive. I encourage all my friends to do the same, so I know what they want.

I feel that gift cards are a bit thoughtless. They are an easy out when you are unable to think of a gift for someone.

I know some people who adore and prefer receiving gift cards, however, because they get to buy exactly what they want.

I personally believe that the gift of reading is wonderful for recipients of all ages. I have stopped purchasing books for the most part but when I receive a gift card for a book store, I get to buy those titles I covet but would not normally buy for myself. Is the gift card impersonal? Perhaps it is but I am happy that people remember me and am not slighted that they didn't go out to hand pick something which I may have no use for, may not be to my taste and may cause the giver more insult when I don't use or wear it or need to exchange it.