Gift Card or No Gift Card?

Every year around Christmastime, people debate the use of gift cards and whether the cards make a thoughtful present. To sum up the two sides of the argument:

No to gift cards. I know a lot of individuals feel that gift cards are not a good present to give or receive. First, they feel that giving a gift card does not show thought or effort. The giver didn't bother to consider what gifts the recipient may want to receive, and instead takes the 'easy way out.' In addition, gift cards are not fun to receive. Instead of surprise and joy at opening a present, the recipient instead gets a small card and then has to fight the crowds and malls to redeem. Also, gift cards can expire or get lost. The recipient also knows how much to spent on them. Lastly, the recipient almost always has to use some of their own money in order to use the full amount of the card.

Yes to gift cards. Meanwhile, many people are fully in support of the use of gift cards. Its so hard to figure out what recipients may want or enjoy (or what size they wear!). By giving a card, the recipient is able to buy something he or she really wants, rather than receiving a present they don't want, will never use, or need to return. Giving a gift card also lets the recipient take advantage of after Christmas sales and possibly get more bang for the buck than if a present was bought before the holidays. As for the opinion that gift cards are impersonal, the giver is still giving a gift and sending well-wishes. Its not the gift itself, but the thought behind it.

Final decision. I admit, I buy gift cards. I have family that lives across the U.S. that I rarely see, but still want to give a present to let them know I am thinking of them. Yet, I have NO CLUE what to buy them. Other family members have specifically asked for gift cards for Christmas. But for family and friends who I do see or talk to regularly, I try to buy gifts that I think they would enjoy (and make sure to include a gift receipt!).

As a nice compromise between the two gift card extremes, I want to share a story. When I was a kid, I received a gift card from my aunt and uncle to a toy store. Then, to cap off the gift, they took me to the store, helped me shop, and then took me out to lunch. I was thrilled to have my own 'money' and the ability to pick out anything I wanted (within the card limits!). And my aunt and uncle made it into an experience that I still remember today. What a great present!