20 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

Georoc01 mentioned 'gift cards' in the other thread on xmas shopping online vs 'in line' and I noticed more and more people are asking for gift cards.

They seem so impersonal....and they used to expire...do they still expire??

How does everyone else feel about them?

Are they too impersonal? Reek too much of a 'last minute couldn't figure out what to give you' present or are they 'just the ticket' since they are easy, and allow the recipient to get exactly what they want?

[georoc01]

Georoc01 mentioned 'gift cards' in the other thread on xmas shopping online vs 'in line' and I noticed more and more people are asking for gift cards.

They seem so impersonal....and they used to expire...do they still expire??

How does everyone else feel about them?

Are they too impersonal? Reek too much of a 'last minute couldn't figure out what to give you' present or are they 'just the ticket' since they are easy, and allow the recipient to get exactly what they want?

I think it depends who you are buying for. In my case, my mother has made it clear she doesn't need any more stuff at her age. But a gift card to buy books for her Nook or a gift card to pay for her starbucks habit for the next couple of months is great gift in her eyes.

I try to personalize it, say in a local starbucks mug so it isn't as bad as it sounds. Or in the cast of the Nook, a nice cover/accessory for it with the gift card inside.

I try to mix it up so there is something material + the card.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Like George, I think it depends on the individual.

For my son-in-law, he loves to add to his music collection and I have absolutely ZERO idea what he already owns....so a hefty gift card to a local music store that has plenty of his favorite genre is perfect.

But, I would never do that for my 4 1/2 year old grandson....it's just WAY too fun to buy presents for him, 'cuz I get to buy toys that I can play with too!

I'd rather receive a gift card than yet another knick-knack to dust.....

[peterbj7]

My favourite gift cards come in gold or black, with lots of numbers embossed on them and a little electronic thingy on one side.

[ScubaHawk]

Welcome to the 2000s. Gift cards are now perfectly acceptable with the younger crowd. Us more mature individuals might still see them as impersonal but the 30 and younger set don't seem to see them that way.

Strange twist: It is now as important to to pick the right gift card and it was to pick the right gift back in the ancient times. It is seen as impersonal to send a generic money card.

IE: "OMG I lolled when my bff got me a card to VS, she sooooo knows me!"

[shadragon]

Last time I went to VS I slipped my credit card to the sales lady while she was in trying a few things on. When she finished deciding what she wanted, it was paid for, bagged up and handed to her with a smile. Good surprise factor and lotsa points scored.

Plus, I got to hang out in a VS for half the afternoon. I struggled through.

[WreckWench]

OMG.... I am getting so old....

[peterbj7]

What is "VS"?

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Victoria's Secret....a renowned ladies undergarment store, with very attractive models in their print ads.

[peterbj7]

Last time I went to VS I slipped my credit card to the sales lady while she was in trying a few things on. When she finished deciding what she wanted, it was paid for, bagged up and handed to her with a smile. Good surprise factor and lotsa points scored.

Plus, I got to hang out in a VS for half the afternoon. I struggled through.

So do you have a thing with the sales lady at VS?

[uwfan]

I don't think gift cards can expire anymore, I seem to remember something about that last year.

When I think of teenagers in my life, I tend to think of iTunes gift cards. I hope they are happy with them... never exactly know...

For others it depends on the person, sometimes I give thank yous to the office staff (people who MUST be your best friends if you work at a school) in the form of something yummy to eat... sometimes I give a gift card to somewhere I think they might want to eat. I figure food is always a good bet.

As for me, anything given to me I appreciate, though when I can see that someone really connected with something about me -- that's extra special.

[Bubbles]

I think gift cards are the best option for people who are difficult to buy for or they already have everything they need. Over the last several years gift cards are what my nephews and niece have requested. Their favorites are from Best Buy (video games for the boys) and Barnes And Noble (books for girl).

My favorite around Birmingham is from a shopping center near me called The Summit. My staff at work gets me one from there every Christmas and for my birthday. You can use it at any of their shops, restaurants, nail salon, spa etc.

Personally I've never held onto one long enough to worry about it expiring!!!

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Personally I've never held onto one long enough to worry about it expiring!!!

'atta girl! It's your present....go and pick it out!

[Itsa]

I have to say, one of my favorite gifts is an Amazon gift card. I got several for my birthday last year that bought everything from e-books, a sexy pair of heels, and my Halloween costume. As much as I love receiving them, I'm more inclined to buy them for younger people than for my parents (though this year all of my siblings are getting $100 Apple gift cards for my parents to put toward a new IPad). Also, I love hearing what people bought with them. I make sure to let people know what I got in my thank-you notes.