Do you give them? Do you like receiving them?
After finding out that 20% of them are never redeemed I vowed never to give them and instead give cash.
I voted for option b, however I think it really depends on context.
A gift card for someone you ostensibly know seems pointless to me, but they’re a good way to show appreciation for a more remote acquaintance, like a co-worker or client.
Cash is better
Liquor is quicker.
I think they’re great in theory, but I don’t like to give them; not because they’re impersonal but because the recipient knows exactly how much I spent on them. It’s like leaving the price tag on the gift. Also, I’d rather find some bargain that looks more expensive than it was.
I don’t really mind getting them, but often I either misplace it or forget I have it until some of the value has dwindled away. Another problem is that you can’t use them to the last penny. Either you leave a little money on there that is eventually forfeited, or you have to buy something that costs more than the card’s value and pay extra.
I would prefer not to give either gift cards or cash as a general rule, but I am auntie floddy to - let me check the count here - thirteen nephews and four nieces, and generally don’t have the time or energy in the pre-Christmas run-up to make the teens give me a wish list that includes more than “cash” or “gift cards to one of the following stores”.
I hate getting them.
I pretty much never remember to redeem them, or choose not to, because some stores are really slow and bad at it. So I don’t give them either, but sometimes they are probably a good choice. My daughter just got a gift card to her favourite jewellery store and she was stoked.
I prefer them, mostly because then I get exactly what I want in the right style/color/when it’s on sale so I can get other stuff too. Love love love Target or Walmart cards just in case any of you are trying to decide whether to send me towels or a Target card. I don’t really need more towels, thank you.
I think the point of gift cards is that they, like anything else, still need to be personal. Before my uncle died, he used to give me the same gift every year: a gift certificate to a book and record store. Since I loved books and music, half the fun was poking around the store. But if he had given me a gift certificate to some other type of store, I probably would have a lot more disdain for gift cards.
I said I didn’t care.
I don’t usually give them, unless it is to a specific store that I know the person receiving them frequents. Something like a GC to the comic book store because I know my brother likes comics, doesn’t usually spend the money for them himself, but I don’t know exactly what he wants. Ditto the quilt shop for my mom.
Love getting them, sometimes love giving, depending on the person. Some people feel it’s impersonal, and so for them, I will get a gift. I don’t see what the hubbub is, though; sure, they’re not personal, but they’re useful, and therefore awesome. The only problem is if you give a gift card for a specific place, if it’s one the recipient would have not otherwise patronized.