Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Gift Ideas #4: Gift Cards, Good or Bad?

I'm sure this relates to many of you reading this.  Often times we might wonder if getting a gift card for a certain someone is appropriate, and how they would feel about getting one rather than an actual gift.

In my opinion, it really depends on who you are giving a gift card to, and in what situation.  For example, I think it is a very bad idea to give a gift card to a boyfriend or girlfriend, as it implies you didn't put too much thought into the gift.  Since they're your boyfriend/girlfriend, you should know what they want!

If you are finding a gift for a close friend and they're always saying "it doesn't matter what you get me", or "I don't know what I want", then a gift card is probably your best bet.

In my situation right now, I have several gifts to buy; a few for my family, and a few for my friends.  For my siblings, gift cards may be appropriate because they never indicate what they want.  For my parents, probably not, since it would probably be more appropriate if I put more thought into what they need and want, as they would appreciate it much more (whereas my siblings would probably just want gift cards so they can choose themselves).

For my friends, most of them are into video games, computer related stuff and such.  It is tough to decide what to get them most of the time, because I don't know exactly what they want... a console game?  a computer game?  a tech gadget?  shampoo?  Personally, I don't want to just give money, it just seems wrong to me, and they just tell me "just get me anything".  So for my friends, I might give them either a mall gift card, or maybe a Best Buy gift card.  Since in my area, there are many Best Buy stores around, it makes it convenient for me and for my friends if I get a Best Buy gift card.  I guess it depends which one is more convenient for me to get to.  My friends will appreciate it since I suppose they aren't high maintenance, and it saves me lots of stress too.
There are many options you can choose to take, but really be careful who you buy gift cards for!  Some people like it, some people don't.  Even when deciding to get a gift card, make sure you buy it from an appropriate store!  

Happy gift(card) shopping!

38 comments:

The Angry Man said...

Meh. Gift card are kind of pointless. I'd much rather get money.

Suciô Sanchez said...

Thankfully my extended family is strictly kids only for presents. Adults exchanging presents seems a bit pointless.

Mister Sharaf said...

hm, and what you think about gift card and present :D?

Max said...

I saw this just as I closed a tab out of anger that I couldn't find anything to get a few of my friends. I guess I know now!

The Champ said...

Cash is better. Can't spend a gift card anywhere!
Followin :)

Mr Bouchard said...

Money is way better than gift cards unless you're giving it out to a junky!

Unknown said...

I hate how people automatically think that giving money as a gift is lazy or unrefined. Cold hard cash is the ultimate gift card. If you don't what to get a person, let them pick out their own gift later.

Alex said...

I really think this is a good idea.. but the available ones are always to low or to high

cooperlife said...

Best Buy sucks. I went there recently to buy a TV. Even though the salesman doesn't work on commission, he was still giving me this faggy I'm-Better-Than-You attitude and pushing the extended warranty on me (which is a complete rip off when buying electronics). At checkout he sneered at me for declining the warranty so I put to the TV down and left the store.
PROTIP: Never give into a pushy salesman. Find another store that treats its customers with respect. Many stores will even offer to match the price of the competition. I will never ever shop at Best Buy again.

Gurney said...

those and money are the best gifts

Major Mack said...

I agree with the reasoning that adults shouldnt get into sharing gifts, X-Mas is for kids;
But if any of you want to get me something I'll take cash or gold

Anonymous said...

I only receive gifts

Jeff said...

some people are a pain in the ass to buy for, just give em money and let them blow it however they see fit.

000 said...

that's actually a pretty decent advice!

The Angry Vegetarian said...

Another thing to look out for are gift cards that expire. A lot of them don't these days, but some still do. Retail stores make billions each year in gift card sales, some of that money is basically just given to them from cards that are never redeemed or have expired.

Bart said...

cash is king!

noog said...

i HATE gift cards... if you're going to give a giftcard, you should just give them an envelope with money... i can't understand why people think restricting the possible places you can spend your money is a good idea.

MArk said...

I think you should give cash and just put a picture of the store you suggest they spend it at so they can ignore it

Rick said...

LMAO, I agree with MArk, but instead of a store pic give them a dick pic so they can't ignore it.

Monster Madness said...

It CAN be a good idea.

mind said...

i think its good but if i give a gift its all or noting

SpringyB said...

Gift cards are good in the place of clothing. Otherwise I'd rather have a surprise.

Tal Zahn said...

Don't forget the credit card gift cards, those can kick some serious ass. :P

My family has learned not to give my mother giftcards because she will just spend them on us at a later time and not for herself. :P

I love food giftcards, personally. I love it when I get chik 'n fil-a and coldstone creamery giftcards. :)

Come At Me Bro said...

I need some gifts!

HSP said...

I think gift cards are great. It depends on which store you got the gift card from and how it relates to your interests. For example, I wouldn't be too happy if my bf gave me one to use at a hardware store.

Anonymous said...

My family is mostly kids only, and then older "kids" (I'm 19, but seeing as we don't have many young cousins anymore I'm still considered a kid) get moneys :D

Telia Tuli said...

Never go wrong with GC's
Amazon ftw

The Game Store Guy said...

I'm a big fan of inventive that I know they will like gifts; however this stems from having a very small and close-knit group of friends and family. But, like you said, for those people that I don't quite know as well, they will be getting gift cards this year.

Tsipise said...

C'mon, a good gift is something that you bought that you thought was nice to receive by your giftee.

Seion said...

I'd much rather have the money, but I guess gift cards show that they at least put some thought into what you'd like.

caretaker said...

i like cash better

Anonymous said...

I think getting anything in general means you care :D

level85nerd said...

a good idea, i think :)

Anonymous said...

good !

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

A gift is a gift, and a gift card is a great pick for anyone whose indecisive. It gives them the freedom to use it as they please and not be tied down to an item. Only con though is (well it applies to me atleast) I tend to misplace them or just forget to use them in general... just my thoughts on all of this! Keep up the great work!

Travis Brockett
www.baselineslam.blogspot.com

Reason said...

I cave in to laziness and buy gift cards every year, haha. Even though just giving money would be a better idea, as people tend to forget to spend their gift cards. :\

Anonymous said...

Cash over gift cards any day!

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