What's your feelings on Gift Cards?
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11643)
United States
December 15, 2009 12:24pm CST
This is actually a very controversial topic. I hear it all the time. There are a couple different ways people feel about giving/getting gift cards.
Some people say it's lazy and inconsiderate to get someone you care about a gift card.
Some people say gift cards are bad because if they aren't used right away they get eaten up with monthly fees.
Some people love to get gift cards because then they can get themselves the items they truly want.
ME? I think they're great. I give gift cards all the time. Sometimes because I have no clue what would be a good gift for someone who has everything. Sometimes it's out of convenience - if I have to mail it to them. Every year I get my son gift cards. It's great now because you can buy them specific things. I got him a Golf gift card so that he can go play golf for free. I also get him some to local restaurants - so he can take a date to a nice place. iTunes gift cards are great for kids because then they don't have to bug their parents for money to buy their music.
I would probably not buy my husband a gift card, I'd just tell him to go buy what he wants! And since I don't buy for EVERYONE, I wouldn't just buy gift cards so that I had gifts for someone. If I didn't know what to get for someone, they don't get anything from me.
6 people like this
31 responses
@eddify (412)
• Pakistan
17 Dec 09
Yes a good and new thing to be introduced by you into the family. Once me and a friend purchased a gift card to dine out , the only issue is when you give it away you dont know the person to whom it is given would he be able to use it or not. You must have heard abotu buy and get one free? I purchaed it for someone and then it was not used at all, so all your money goes down the drain.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
You do have to be a little bit aware of what the people like to do. Otherwise they wont use it and it does end up being a waste.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
17 Dec 09
I don't think there is anything at all lazy or inconsiderate about gift cards...but I would never buy one for a small child, as they love to open and use gifts right then and there.
But for others...people who are hard to shop for, people who seemingly have everything, or people who live far from you, they are perfect.
I've both given and received them, and no one was disappointed. They are also great for those who have trouble getting about to do a lot of shopping to give.
Karen2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
You are right - little kids should not be given gift cards. I do think they're great for teenagers though!
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
I do remember when I was a kid and I'd get something that was totally not my taste. I wish there had been gift cards back then!
@edu4625 (188)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I love the idea of gift cards. I feel that it gives an individual the freedom to use the card when they want and to purchase what they desire.People are so busy trying to work and support themselves and maynot have the time to go shopping and looking for a gift.
On the negative side I can see how some people may want a person to choose an actual gift for them as it is more personal and perhaps creative.
So this is probably one of these subjects that have as many positive reasons as negative reasons.
Obviously on some level it probably works more than it doesn't work because people are purchasing them and using them. If it didnot the companies simply would not make them and sell them.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
So far, only one person has not liked buying or receiving gift cards. Everyone else likes them. I think they're a great idea.
@LiveLove (443)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I don't mind getting a gift card. If I give out gift cards then it would have to something like a bank gift card where the card can be used anywhere a visa is accepted and doesn't limit the person to a specific store. I just hope that people know me well enough to know what type of stores I shop. Otherwise, the gift card giving is a fail.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
See, you do still have to put some thought into a gift card. If you buy a card for a place they don't like then it's just not a great gift.
@sahsports4883 (441)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I love receiving gifts cards, especially because I can then purchase something for myself that I want and I know I'll use. I think it's a great gift to give someone because sometimes your just not sure what to get for someone or your not sure if they already have it. I think it's one of the best and most simple gifts to give and I don't know many people who hate it, I love the fact that their around because you might end up buying someone something they hate when you could have just purchased a gift card for the same amount you spent. The only problem I've noticed with gift cards is if you purchase one for a place that might be or has gone out of business than you can't use it, this problem came up a year or two ago and people we're screwed out of the money on them. I believe if this happens you should be able to use them at another store like it, they should have a better policy or plan in motion if that does happen.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Well, that did happen to me. The gift card I bought my son for playing golf has gone out of business over the winter. Now that it's nice enough to play golf, it's worthless. He did call the phone number to see about getting a refund or something. I'm not sure what happened though.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
16 Dec 09
Gift cards are good when you are nt sure what to get the Person I totally agree, specially in the way you buy them
I normally give my Son and Daughter money and then buy some little Gifts to go with it and that is it
As Adults then they can buy what they need or put it towards something that they want and still have a few Bits on Christmas Day to
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
It is nice to have things to unwrap and I try to do that as much as possible. I just don't like buying something that wont be appreciated.
@derek_a (10874)
•
16 Dec 09
Sometimes gift cards are very useful especially when you have no idea of what to buy for someone. I have both given them and received them and find it preferable. I wouldn't buy one for my wife though, and I much prefer to find out what she wants and then surprise her with it.. But it doesn't always work out that way, as sometimes I take her to choose her present. - Derek
- Derek2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
It can be very difficult to buy a decent present for someone no a days. I think that's when a gift card comes in real handy.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Dec 09
I guess in principle gift cards are all right, what I think would be better maybe are those pre-paid credit card type things that would allow a person to use them anywhere for anything. I say this since years ago my aunt from Calif sent me a gift card for a gourmet type candy store..the problem? There weren't any near me--so couldn't use it at all
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Unless we really know where the person likes to shop, we do usually get a Visa gift card so they can use it anywhere. One year our nephew asked for Best Buy cards so he could buy a laptop.
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
22 Dec 09
I like getting gift cards - for certain places (like chapters or specialty shops) that way i can choose what i really want. Especially places i go to a lot or things i use alot. Like books - people have a hard time choosing books for me because they dont know what I've already read. By giving me a gift card for chapters they are saying i know you like to read but i understand that i dont know what you havent read yet! They know me well...and i like being able to peruse the book store!
I however feel a tad....hmmm "cheap" in the sense that by giving a gift card its saying hey i was only willing to spend this much on you. But If i do give a gift card or a gift certificate I make sure that its going to be for something people will enjoy. Like tickets to a show...or a really nice meal out...
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Yeah, it is kinda weird with the recipient knowing exactly how much you spent on them. But a lot of times there's already a limit placed on the gift-giving - like at work or something.
@rane247 (78)
• Philippines
16 Dec 09
I love gift cards it's like a temporary cash. It is really helpful especially when you're out of ideas of gifts. It is somehow a replacement to material gifts but no matter what you give it's always the thought that counts. Its how you're sincere in giving that gift. You're the only one who'll know if you are full heartedly giving that gift to someone. I agree some people were not into gift cards but gift cards or not like I said "It's always the thought that counts" Have a good day!
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Yes, the fact that they thought about you is what is important.
@daliaj (5674)
• India
16 Dec 09
I never got a gift card as a gift. I would prefer to get a gift card of my favorite store. The only problem with gift card is that they have certian restrictions. If the gift card is for Rs.500/- sometimes the shop won't let you to buy for Rs.200/- once and the rest later. They will redeem the card only for the whole amount. Some shops won't allow you to pay usin gift card for some items.
I would prefer to give gift card to a person who is very particular about selecting things. My room mate is getting married next month. I have planned to get a gift card for her because she may not like something I get for her. But, I prefer to buy gifts other than gift card if I know the person and if I am confident that I can get something which the person likes.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
I like buying "regular" gifts for people too. Sometimes it's just hard so a gift card does make more sense. I try to make sure that there are no restrictions on the card though. I know that can be a hassle.
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
15 Dec 09
I love getting gift cards, especially gift cards to bookstores! I also like getting credit card provided gift cards because you can use those anywhere, even online. I usually buy books with them. But of course, it would depend on the person. I think you should get gift cards that fit the person you are buying for. For instance, someone once gave me a gift card to some obscure jewelry store, and it was nice of them, but I didn't know what to do with it for a good ten months.
If you know exactly what to get a person, get them that. But if you don't and you know they'll enjoy a gift card to a certain place, then it's still a great idea.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
We love to eat out and get receive a lot of restaurant gift cards. A couple times we've gotten gift cards to restaurants that we don't like. We use them thinking it'll be different since it's free, but we usually still don't like it. Hey, it's a free meal though!
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
16 Dec 09
Gift cards are ok. Although it may seem impersonal, it actually is great for someone who's picky. At least they will surely like what they are getting. They are also good gifts for people not really close to you, and you don't know much about what they like.
As far as receiving gift cards, I like it too. You can always turn them around and give them to someone else. Saves a lot of time!
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
16 Dec 09
Hi bounce: I know i am little picky but hey i know what i want at least. And as you mention there are sometimes a better decition to give a gift card and not to take the risk to give something the other person would not like and that is something that could happend if you are not related to this person, or even if you don't have a lot of imagination. Lol. XD. Thanks for your answer. Have a nice day.
-Alvaro.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
16 Dec 09
Hi bounce: I know i am little picky but hey i know what i want at least. And as you mention there are sometimes a better decition to give a gift card and not to take the risk to give something the other person would not like and that is something that could happend if you are not related to this person, or even if you don't have a lot of imagination. Lol. XD. Thanks for your answer. Have a nice day.
-Alvaro.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
I also think that sometimes it's actually more thoughtful to get a gift card than something they have no use for or don't like.
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
17 Dec 09
My sister gave us a gift card from our favourite coffee shop, and we loved it. Believe me, between the coffee beans that we buy to bring home, and the coffee we drink in the store (they have really great mocha lattes!!) that card will be used in no time flat. The people who give us gift cards know which ones to give us and they give us ones that we will use A S A P, so as long as the gift card matches the recipient, I have no problem with them at all.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Gift cards aren't as impersonal as people seem to think...
@crimsonladybug (3112)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I think it depends on the card. I find it terribly frustrating when someone gives me a gift card to a store I would never go to except now I have this gift card that I can't use anywhere else. But if it's for a store (or restaurant or whatever) that I would really go to then I think they're pretty cool. One of the best things ever is a Starbucks gift card because I am in there ALL the time and it gets kind of expensive. But I wouldn't buy one for someone unless I knew they liked Starbucks.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
I won a Starbucks gift card on one of my web sites. I've never been to Starbucks - I don't like coffee - so I raffled it off for a charity fundraiser.
@maezee (41997)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I try not to buy gift cards, because for some reason people tend to put them down. I personally think they're a great idea! But some people find them to be unoriginal and not creative enough to be a "sincere" gift or whatever. But I think it's super sincere, because chances are the reason you're buying it is so the person you're getting it for.. doesn't have to return something that you bought them that they don't like! I have too many picky relatives NOT to buy gift cards for. Sometimes practicality overrides creativity, in my book anyway.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
Very true! I think gift cards will be around for a long time for those reasons.
@lindiebiz (1006)
• Canada
16 Dec 09
I like giving gift cards to, it helps you not to give the wrong gifts. I think people appreciate a gift card more that a gift they dont need
1 person likes this
@jewels49 (1776)
• United States
16 Dec 09
I think sometimes a gift card cn be the perfect gift. I buy all of the teenagers on my list gift cards for gasoline and gift cards for restaurants they frequent. The kids adore me for them. My older nieces that love to shop get them to their favorite stores they look forward to them every year, and usually have their shopping trip planned by the time they receive them. For the ones that live far away they fit neatly inside the card and ost me no extra for shipping. I always include one in my best friends gift basket, hers is to the bath and body shop she loves. I buy her the gift card because she's a single mom waiting tables, getting her masters in education and would never take 40 or 50 bucks to spend on herself on those kind of products.a gift card to that specfic store means she will have to.
None of the gift cards I have ever bought had fees or expiation dates attached to them, so that's always been a non-issue.
1 person likes this
@saritharani1236 (6)
• Singapore
16 Dec 09
According to me greeting card is one of the best way to express our feelings. It reflects our feelings to the other person. But expressing our feelings in one paper which is floded and kept in a cover is difficult. So I usually give 3 or 4 greeting cards to whom I'll wish. I feel that satisfaction not not fully.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
22 Jun 10
I was talking about the gift cards that you purchase from a specific store so that the recipient can shop there on their own and get what they'd like.
I will always give a greeting card - even if it's empty :)
