I think cash is the way to go. It's just infinitely more flexible, including saving and investing the money. With gift cards, all I ever think is spend or regift.
ah yes, but i've asked the water co. for a new cover to go over the hole (that's 2 feet deep) in my yard...several times...THEY DESERVE MY WRATH, but i'm going to be nice at the water co. meeting 2moro night...hubby wants to know if he needs to get bail money together
I prefer to spend cash but as a gift I think a gift card is far more personal. It tells a person that you took the time to figure out their interests and took that into consideration. In my household I am a regular recipient of Barnes and Noble gift cards (because I gobble up books and magazines and it is easier for my family to not have to guess whether or not I have already purchased a publication) Panera(I am a sucker for a chain that uses local produce and that donates its leftovers to food banks AND I positively LOVE their lowfat mango smoothies and french toast bagels) and Starbucks gift cards(I probably need to attend a 12 step program for the skinny mocha frappachinos and the petite desserts, for the sake of frugality I limit myself to a once a week jaunt without those gift cards.)
Don't get me wrong if someone gave me a 20 dollar bill I'd be grateful and I totally get that not having it tied to a gift card gives the freedom to choose the above options. I just think that as a gift it is incredibly impersonal. I , as a recipient, like to think that the person providing me with the gift, thought about me as an individual and took the time to look at what I like.
I personally prefer cash, as it is far more flexible. That being said, I usually ask for gift cards, since my family dislikes the "impersonal" feeling of giving me money as a present. Another plus of gift cards is that I generally use them on something I would not otherwise get myself, rather than on everyday items.
I like giving and receiving gift cards! I received a gift card for a store that I rarely get to shop. It gave me an excuse to go & look "just for me". I wouldn't give a gift card to someone for a store or restaurant that I'm not sure the recipient will love!
"I do however think some people are way too harsh sometimes, especially on servers at restaurants who actually have nothing to do with how the food was prepared."
Agreed! I think constructive complaining is great, but I have a huge dislike for people who take their anger out on the wrong people.
Good Lord, Devon, the reality that I've found is exactly the opposite. Banks, big ones at least, are doing away with free checking. It's all about maximizing shareholder profit with them!
I've banked with small banks and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. But those small banks get absorbed by huge banks. That huge bank is a nightmare to deal with, with new fees every time you turn around. Since I had to switch anyway, I switched to a credit union and I'm not going back!
I'll admit that a lot of the time if my level of dissatisfaction is low or unimportant, I'll mostly keep my complaints to myself. However, if I believe there was a blatant disregard for my (as a customer) needs without any regret for my dissatisfaction, I will certainly voice my opinion. As I get older I hope to become more assertive in this area, as complaining not only does all the things you listed here (makes management aware, and possibly improving for other consumers) it can also get you much farther in certain situations, for a much lower costs. My friend is a major complainer, and he always seems to land awesome deals and upgrades from customer service. I do however think some people are way too harsh sometimes, especially on servers at restaurants who actually have nothing to do with how the food was prepared.
I prefer to get gift cards because when I receive cash as a gift the cash tends to get frittered away on daily expenses that pop up. I tend to save a gift card and use it for a specific birthday or special occasion splurge, which I generally think is what most people that give gifts intend the gift to be.
Gift cards are fine if, and only if, there is a store near you and it is a store you would shop at anyway. Otherwise I'd prefer cash. That's why you can't go wrong with general internet companies that sell anything and sometimes mass merchandising stores. Knowing the recipient is important too. Don't give a card for a pedicure to someone who doesn't want that sort of thing or a $5 gift care to a Neiman Marcus store where you can't get anything for that amount.
It depends. I like Amazon cards, I can always use those, but sometimes you get cards from places the giver likes and not necessarily where the recipient wants to shop. Cash, however, is more versatile and can be used on anything.
I think that both are great to give and receive. There are times when a gift card allows you to buy something more specific for yourself that you might not otherwise allow, like receiving an Amazon or B&N gift card and buying a good book or two that you've wanted for a while. In other instances, receiving cash that can be used towards spending money for a vacation, a nice dinner out or saving up for a bigger goal can also be appreciated. When deciding whether to give cash or a gift card, if you immediately know what gift card to choose and you know the person will use it, go with the gift card, if not, and you find yourself rummaging the gift card rack at the grocery store, you might be better off using cash...
Any gift is great, but cash is always best:)
I think cash is the way to go. It's just infinitely more flexible, including saving and investing the money. With gift cards, all I ever think is spend or regift.
Either are absolutely wonderful, and infinitely nicer than getting something like a cat shaped canister with a removable head.
gift cards namely Amazon, my favorite!
ah yes, but i've asked the water co. for a new cover to go over the hole (that's 2 feet deep) in my yard...several times...THEY DESERVE MY WRATH, but i'm going to be nice at the water co. meeting 2moro night...hubby wants to know if he needs to get bail money together
I love Cash!!
I prefer to spend cash but as a gift I think a gift card is far more personal. It tells a person that you took the time to figure out their interests and took that into consideration. In my household I am a regular recipient of Barnes and Noble gift cards (because I gobble up books and magazines and it is easier for my family to not have to guess whether or not I have already purchased a publication) Panera(I am a sucker for a chain that uses local produce and that donates its leftovers to food banks AND I positively LOVE their lowfat mango smoothies and french toast bagels) and Starbucks gift cards(I probably need to attend a 12 step program for the skinny mocha frappachinos and the petite desserts, for the sake of frugality I limit myself to a once a week jaunt without those gift cards.)
Don't get me wrong if someone gave me a 20 dollar bill I'd be grateful and I totally get that not having it tied to a gift card gives the freedom to choose the above options. I just think that as a gift it is incredibly impersonal. I , as a recipient, like to think that the person providing me with the gift, thought about me as an individual and took the time to look at what I like.
Christine
I personally prefer cash, as it is far more flexible. That being said, I usually ask for gift cards, since my family dislikes the "impersonal" feeling of giving me money as a present. Another plus of gift cards is that I generally use them on something I would not otherwise get myself, rather than on everyday items.
I like gift cards, because if I get cash, I feel like I should spend it on getting out of debt instead of something fun. Gift cards are guilt free.
Def. cash!
I LOVE the shoe bag herb garden idea. So much fresh-herb deliciousness in one neat little package!
My tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/julesann/status/195203112573743104
I liked your link to this post on FB.
I like giving and receiving gift cards! I received a gift card for a store that I rarely get to shop. It gave me an excuse to go & look "just for me". I wouldn't give a gift card to someone for a store or restaurant that I'm not sure the recipient will love!
"I do however think some people are way too harsh sometimes, especially on servers at restaurants who actually have nothing to do with how the food was prepared."
Agreed! I think constructive complaining is great, but I have a huge dislike for people who take their anger out on the wrong people.
I like getting Visa/MC/Amex gift cards that I can use anywhere!
Good Lord, Devon, the reality that I've found is exactly the opposite. Banks, big ones at least, are doing away with free checking. It's all about maximizing shareholder profit with them!
I've banked with small banks and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. But those small banks get absorbed by huge banks. That huge bank is a nightmare to deal with, with new fees every time you turn around. Since I had to switch anyway, I switched to a credit union and I'm not going back!
I'll admit that a lot of the time if my level of dissatisfaction is low or unimportant, I'll mostly keep my complaints to myself. However, if I believe there was a blatant disregard for my (as a customer) needs without any regret for my dissatisfaction, I will certainly voice my opinion. As I get older I hope to become more assertive in this area, as complaining not only does all the things you listed here (makes management aware, and possibly improving for other consumers) it can also get you much farther in certain situations, for a much lower costs. My friend is a major complainer, and he always seems to land awesome deals and upgrades from customer service. I do however think some people are way too harsh sometimes, especially on servers at restaurants who actually have nothing to do with how the food was prepared.
I prefer to get gift cards because when I receive cash as a gift the cash tends to get frittered away on daily expenses that pop up. I tend to save a gift card and use it for a specific birthday or special occasion splurge, which I generally think is what most people that give gifts intend the gift to be.
Gift cards are fine if, and only if, there is a store near you and it is a store you would shop at anyway. Otherwise I'd prefer cash. That's why you can't go wrong with general internet companies that sell anything and sometimes mass merchandising stores. Knowing the recipient is important too. Don't give a card for a pedicure to someone who doesn't want that sort of thing or a $5 gift care to a Neiman Marcus store where you can't get anything for that amount.
It depends. I like Amazon cards, I can always use those, but sometimes you get cards from places the giver likes and not necessarily where the recipient wants to shop. Cash, however, is more versatile and can be used on anything.
Money! I can use it anywhere, anytime. I can put it away and not worry that it will expire.
I think that both are great to give and receive. There are times when a gift card allows you to buy something more specific for yourself that you might not otherwise allow, like receiving an Amazon or B&N gift card and buying a good book or two that you've wanted for a while. In other instances, receiving cash that can be used towards spending money for a vacation, a nice dinner out or saving up for a bigger goal can also be appreciated. When deciding whether to give cash or a gift card, if you immediately know what gift card to choose and you know the person will use it, go with the gift card, if not, and you find yourself rummaging the gift card rack at the grocery store, you might be better off using cash...
I like you on facebook!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/Monzarts/status/195133842745589760