I love gift cards as long as they are to places I like. Often I get a card from the giver's fav store, not mine...so just be sure you are looking at their interests not yours!
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.
Gift cards have a more effort presentation the cash but are nearly as good whereas many other gifts may or may not be a hit. Personally I enjoy giving restaurant.com cards bc it gives lots choice to your giftee to find a place they want to eat at wherever they are. Visa cards are just annoying.
I used to be a big couponer, but have pretty much given it up. Most of the coupons are for things that I wouldn't buy anyway. So I just watch the sales, and dollar store prices are quite reasonable all the time. It's harder out here in the boonies, no big box's for bargains.
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 believe giving a gift card/certificate to a specialty store or for a specific service (mani/pedis are always a delight) is a thoughtful solution to the conundrum.
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.
I find that knowing the market place and price is the best way to go. I don't like to buy anything today...rather I would far rather follow the price of items that I "need", ok really, really want for a considerable amount of time. Patience can really pay off. I have found the items used on Craigslist, reconditioned online, ebay, or even retail on clearance. I learn to really know the prices and know when it is truly a bargain. I had an instance last week for instance on an item that I waited over a year...pushed my old equipment for that year while I waited and watched...and was able to acquire the item for half price literally on ebay. I noticed that unlike this time last year, there were no competing bidders on the item. Knowing your prices is something that applies to any and every product.
Philip, you've struck on an issue I think about a lot -- the irony when those of us who profess to be frugal spend so much of our time and money chasing deals. Sometimes it's more about the rush of the deal than the actual financial goals we'd like to reach.
That said, I adore the deal blog Wantnot.net because the author has good taste and often posts unusually good prices on things that make good gifts. With a social butterfly 5-year-old in the house, I am on the hook for a birthday party gift every 6 weeks or so. When I see a great price on a toy on Wantnot or W00tkids, I buy a bunch of them and that's what kids are getting for the next few months.
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 really think gift cards are not the way to go when looking for a present for someone. A gift card is basically restricted money in a card which can only be used in one specific store (unless it is a VISA gift card which is AWESOME). I really feel people use gift cards as a way to easily get a gift after spending 5 minutes looking around a store not knowing what to get.
When people give gift cards, the amount is usually more than someone would like to spend on somebody. Since I am in college I try to be frugal and try to spend as little as I can. If I see a present somebody could possibly want, I will get it if it is cheap, $20 or less, because it shows that I care enough to get them a present rather than a gift card. Additionally, say I end up giving them a present that is $15 plus tax, which will be another $1.50 or so depending on where you live, I would be saving $3.50 if I ended up giving her that present than a $20 gift card.
My advice? Go to Target and find a gift. Hopefully you'll spend less money than giving a gift card they might not even shop at!
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...
I'm a broke college student, and I love gift cards! sometimes I use them for myself, and other times, they mean I can actually get gifts for others. gift cards have meant at times I am able to buy groceries, or I'm able to have necessities that I was desperate need of but couldn't get otherwise. Then there are also times that I get to have fun things. One gift card was randomly given to me for a place that I'm not a fan of, but one of my best friends loves. I was broke but wanted to give her a graduation gift because I love her dearly. The card meant I was able to give her something she'd like and let her know that I care. I know regifting isn't always nice, but when you have nothing else and you want to give something, it's better than not.
I personally hate shopping, but when I do need to buy something, I feel like I'm not getting the best deal possible because I'm not an avid deals shopper. So while I don't like trolling deals sites (and deals lists like we have at Wise Bread), I very much appreciate the folks who do, because when I do need a TV or jacket or flight to Berlin, I ask one of my savvy deal hunting friends to find the best deal for me. It's awesome. :)
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.
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 say this will a grain of salt; gift cards can be great. However, if it's a gift card to a place the person rarely shops or eats at, then not so great.
For instance, I love receiving Starbucks gift cards for my birthday and over the holidays. I'm there everyday, and if I can save my $2.50 on a daily basis for a few days, that's money in my pocket.
However, I've also received gift cards to places I don't shop or eat. Then, I have to decide if I'm going to sell them on ebay or stick them in a drawer for another person's gift. (I've done this before, re-gifted 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.
Thanks so much for posting this, your thoughts really crystalized for me what annoys me so much about the wisebread deals of the day posts! I've looked through them a couple of times, but it's never anything I need, and always felt like a total waste of time - to the point that now I just skip past them in google reader without even reading. They actually feel more like a negative aspect of the blog to me than anything else...
When I decide I need to buy something, I use froogle, and then (for a given site) retailmenot to try to get the best deal... But I pretty much never just go trolling for random deals. Although sometimes friends who do find stuff that they know I'd like, and send me the link - that can come in pretty handy...
I love giving and receiving GCs. Some of my friends and family members are just so picky that I'm extremely limited in what I can give them, so GCs work very nicely. It may not be the most creative or original present in the world, but it is still thoughtful. Many people enjoy shopping and can treat themselves to something they may not otherwise buy with a gift card or they can get something they need but may not have been able to afford. GCs also work well for acquaintances that you don't know super-well but you'd feel a bit tacky or awkward giving cash to. I always use up my GCs. I don't mind getting them as gifts at all.
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 as long as they are to places I like. Often I get a card from the giver's fav store, not mine...so just be sure you are looking at their interests not yours!
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.
Gift cards have a more effort presentation the cash but are nearly as good whereas many other gifts may or may not be a hit. Personally I enjoy giving restaurant.com cards bc it gives lots choice to your giftee to find a place they want to eat at wherever they are. Visa cards are just annoying.
I used to be a big couponer, but have pretty much given it up. Most of the coupons are for things that I wouldn't buy anyway. So I just watch the sales, and dollar store prices are quite reasonable all the time. It's harder out here in the boonies, no big box's for bargains.
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 believe giving a gift card/certificate to a specialty store or for a specific service (mani/pedis are always a delight) is a thoughtful solution to the conundrum.
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.
I find that knowing the market place and price is the best way to go. I don't like to buy anything today...rather I would far rather follow the price of items that I "need", ok really, really want for a considerable amount of time. Patience can really pay off. I have found the items used on Craigslist, reconditioned online, ebay, or even retail on clearance. I learn to really know the prices and know when it is truly a bargain. I had an instance last week for instance on an item that I waited over a year...pushed my old equipment for that year while I waited and watched...and was able to acquire the item for half price literally on ebay. I noticed that unlike this time last year, there were no competing bidders on the item. Knowing your prices is something that applies to any and every product.
Philip, you've struck on an issue I think about a lot -- the irony when those of us who profess to be frugal spend so much of our time and money chasing deals. Sometimes it's more about the rush of the deal than the actual financial goals we'd like to reach.
That said, I adore the deal blog Wantnot.net because the author has good taste and often posts unusually good prices on things that make good gifts. With a social butterfly 5-year-old in the house, I am on the hook for a birthday party gift every 6 weeks or so. When I see a great price on a toy on Wantnot or W00tkids, I buy a bunch of them and that's what kids are getting for the next few months.
I think gift cards are good when you aren't going to see the person and are just sending a gift.
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 really think gift cards are not the way to go when looking for a present for someone. A gift card is basically restricted money in a card which can only be used in one specific store (unless it is a VISA gift card which is AWESOME). I really feel people use gift cards as a way to easily get a gift after spending 5 minutes looking around a store not knowing what to get.
When people give gift cards, the amount is usually more than someone would like to spend on somebody. Since I am in college I try to be frugal and try to spend as little as I can. If I see a present somebody could possibly want, I will get it if it is cheap, $20 or less, because it shows that I care enough to get them a present rather than a gift card. Additionally, say I end up giving them a present that is $15 plus tax, which will be another $1.50 or so depending on where you live, I would be saving $3.50 if I ended up giving her that present than a $20 gift card.
My advice? Go to Target and find a gift. Hopefully you'll spend less money than giving a gift card they might not even shop at!
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...
I'm a broke college student, and I love gift cards! sometimes I use them for myself, and other times, they mean I can actually get gifts for others. gift cards have meant at times I am able to buy groceries, or I'm able to have necessities that I was desperate need of but couldn't get otherwise. Then there are also times that I get to have fun things. One gift card was randomly given to me for a place that I'm not a fan of, but one of my best friends loves. I was broke but wanted to give her a graduation gift because I love her dearly. The card meant I was able to give her something she'd like and let her know that I care. I know regifting isn't always nice, but when you have nothing else and you want to give something, it's better than not.
Basically, the practicality of them win me over.
Gift cards are great, as long as the giver gets one for a store that the giftee will enjoy.
I personally hate shopping, but when I do need to buy something, I feel like I'm not getting the best deal possible because I'm not an avid deals shopper. So while I don't like trolling deals sites (and deals lists like we have at Wise Bread), I very much appreciate the folks who do, because when I do need a TV or jacket or flight to Berlin, I ask one of my savvy deal hunting friends to find the best deal for me. It's awesome. :)
I prefer cash to giftcards. If you don't know me well enough to get me a "real" gift... why are you giving me a gift at all?
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.
Yes, gift cards are a cop-out but I think people would rather get a gift card than something they can't use or don't want.
Gift Cards certainly make giving a gift easier for me. I love receiving them!!!
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 say this will a grain of salt; gift cards can be great. However, if it's a gift card to a place the person rarely shops or eats at, then not so great.
For instance, I love receiving Starbucks gift cards for my birthday and over the holidays. I'm there everyday, and if I can save my $2.50 on a daily basis for a few days, that's money in my pocket.
However, I've also received gift cards to places I don't shop or eat. Then, I have to decide if I'm going to sell them on ebay or stick them in a drawer for another person's gift. (I've done this before, re-gifted a gift card :) )
-Little House
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.
Thanks so much for posting this, your thoughts really crystalized for me what annoys me so much about the wisebread deals of the day posts! I've looked through them a couple of times, but it's never anything I need, and always felt like a total waste of time - to the point that now I just skip past them in google reader without even reading. They actually feel more like a negative aspect of the blog to me than anything else...
When I decide I need to buy something, I use froogle, and then (for a given site) retailmenot to try to get the best deal... But I pretty much never just go trolling for random deals. Although sometimes friends who do find stuff that they know I'd like, and send me the link - that can come in pretty handy...
Thanks for the great post!
I love giving and receiving GCs. Some of my friends and family members are just so picky that I'm extremely limited in what I can give them, so GCs work very nicely. It may not be the most creative or original present in the world, but it is still thoughtful. Many people enjoy shopping and can treat themselves to something they may not otherwise buy with a gift card or they can get something they need but may not have been able to afford. GCs also work well for acquaintances that you don't know super-well but you'd feel a bit tacky or awkward giving cash to. I always use up my GCs. I don't mind getting them as gifts at all.
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.