Gift Cards as Christmas gifts?

[Sonya]

I'm trying to think ahead for Christmas. Every year it gets harder and harder to decide what to get my teenage/young adult nieces as well as my husband's sisters who still live with his parents.

My nieces are 16, 17, 22. I can't pretend to kow what girls this age like to wear...so clothing is kind of hard to buy, although I have in the past. Since we live hundreds of miles from each other, I always wonder if what I buy just sits there. I'm thinking this year visa/mastercard debit cards so they can buy anything they want, be it online or in any store, plus maybe some lotions from vicotria secrets (I know they love those). Do you think it's impersonal to give a debit/gift card?

My husband's sisters are older, 25 and 29. They still live at home with his parents, so I'm again thinking the debit cards for them also. What do you think?

I don't want the gifts to seem impersonal, but I don't want what I buy to be a waste either. What do you think? Would you like getting a visa debit card as a gift?...or would you think I didn't put any thought into it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kathy2m]

I often wonder that too. I like getting them, my sister just gave me a American express gift card for my birthday and I loved it, because I'm taking it with me to the National Drive in KY. I gave her one for a local Dept. store she was so happy because she doesnt often buy herself clothes. Kathy

 

[Sonya]

Thanks Kathy, I too like getting gift cards. Any younger members reading this please reply also, that if you would like getting a gift card instead of something your middle age aunt/sister in law picked out?

 

[Gizzmoe]

Personally I like them. I rather be able to get myself something I like rather then getting a gift I will never use. I am not trying to be harsh but over the years I have ended up with stuff that either got thrown away or given to Goodwill because I just was not using the item.

 

[Gini]

Gift cards are wonderful. I think that's the way we are going this year. I will be giving gift cards that can be used everywhere as some need it to help with food etc due to the economy and the job situation.

 

[RockRiverTiff]

I know in the past they were considered impersonal, but these days there's such a variety in gift cards that I think they're an above passable gift. I have 16 cousins--it'd be impossible to guess what any one of them is into at any moment--so when we do our gift exchange it's pretty common to see a request for a gift card. Heck, even my grandmother has said "Just get me a gift card." You can still write something special and personal in the card, and I think sending the lotion along too shows that you did give it some consideration.

 

[SampleMM]

I love to get gift cards!! It beats getting candles and perfume that I never wear or use.

 

[Marty]

Sonya, Gift cards used to seem to me very impersonal; like you didn't take the time to think out a nice gift. But I don't think that anymore. My extended family of 4 little kids had nothing, no clothes, nothing at all, so we went shopping. They are 6, 8, 12, and 13. I was very surprised to learn how hard these kids were to get fitted right in anything! I was so way off on sizes. If they weren't with me, I would have had to take everything back. Then of course they have their favorite colors, and styles, and things they like too. This Christmas, its going to be gift cards all the way. They love them and they appreciate getting to pick out what they want and what they need. I did ask them if they thought gift cards were better than me picking out their gifts and they all told me they really like that idea a lot.

Also Sonja, with them now back in Florida, I can choose a store that we both have such as Walmart or JCPenney etc. And just think of all the postage saved! YES!

As for my boys, for Graduation, they got lots of gift cards. They got gift cards to Auto Zone for car parts, Walmart, Sonic and McDonalds, and a couple of their favorite stores in the mall. That way everyone gets what they want and I"m not frazzled having to take back things to exchange. Dan will be getting more gift cards for Christmas too. We also do gift cards for Michael's pastor and his wife, usually to Cracker Barrel or some other restaraunt.

 

[Sonya]

Also Sonja, with them now back in Florida, I can choose a store that we both have such as Walmart or JCPenney etc. And just think of all the postage saved! YES!

that is another good point...sometimes I Christmas shop online because of my goofy work hours...I'd have to pay shipping to my house, wrap it and then pay shipping again to send it to my family (everybody is out of state)...I was spending approx. $100-$150 just shipping gifts out to them from my house, not counting what I was spending with the online store sending it to me.

gift cards that can be used everywhere as some need it to help with food etc due to the economy and the job situation.

Good point also....they all have cars for their school activities/jobs, so I'm sure gas $ is an issue. I honestly don't care what they use them for, as long as they are used. I do send them a check for their birthdays and they seem to love that.

So far, I'm definately thinking gift cards...thanks so much for the replies, keep em' coming.

 

[Shelley]

I love to receive gift cards!

And I like to give them sometimes, not to everybody on my list, but I do like them

especially for teenagers. SO hard to pick out things they will like! I always

get a Best Buy gift card for the teenaged nephews and they look forward

to them...they even know what they're going to use them for ahead of time.

Even my 7 year old son loves a gift card so he can go pick out what

he wants. Gift cards to the book store make great gifts as who doesn't

like to go pick out a good book that they might not otherwise splurge on for themselves?

Gift cards for a night out to dinner and a movie also seem to make a big hit.

A couple years ago mother in law got me a gift card for Christopher & Banks.

I was hoping for the same last year but she got me a nice but clunky necklace that I will never

wear. A big waste of money on her part.

Shelley

 

[Mona]

Personally, I DO think they are somewhat impersonal, but also, I understand where you are coming from. I have bought gift cards for people and I feel even though they may seem/be impersonal, at least you know they will buy themselves something they want and/or need! Money well spent!

 

[Miniv]

I think gift cards are a great idea!!! Just for all the reasons everyone else has already stated.

 

[Sixstardanes]

Personally I think gift cards are great when paired with a lil trinket.. something cute or silly of something you know they like.

Like maybe a small plush or PVC figure of a horse for someone who likes them.

Not expensive just showing thought.

 

[Bunnylady]

I have a standing request for gift cards with my family, saves them a lot of hassle trying to figure me out and saves me trying to act grateful when I'm really wondering "what were they thinking?!"

Don't we all have at least one family member like that?!! I love "spending" gift cards too, I can indulge a whim without the guilt trip! A word of caution, though, there are some scams involving gift cards. The one I know about plays out like this: The crook copies down the code on a card on one of those handy racks near the checkout. He then waits 'til after the holiday season, and enters the number when on-line shopping or some such. When the actual recipient of the card tries to use it, they are told the card has already been spent. The way to avoid that trick is to ask for gift cards at the service desk, that way, the only people who could have had access to the card are store employees.

 

[Charley]

I see two problems with gift cards. One is it limits where they can spend them so you need to be extra careful that you choose a place that they like. The other problem is that some are no good if not used in a certain period of time, and if the store goes out of business they are not refunded. With the economy as it is, that is a big concern....I've heard that Sears may not be around much longer among others just as a for instance. Also, many people don't use them. Put them aside and forget about them.

I think cash or if mailed, checks, are just as happily recieved. jmho

Lois

 

[Gini]

I see two problems with gift cards. economy as it is, that is a big concern....I've heard that Sears may not be around much longer among others just as a for instance. Also, many people don't use them. Put them aside and forget about them.I think cash or if mailed, checks, are just as happily recieved. jmho

Lois

Lois good points. The people I give the cards to usually go right out and spend them so I'm not too worried. The gift cards like American Express can be used just about anywhere. AmEx will be the ones I give this year.

 

[bingo]

I think they are great to get and give! The best is the MC or Visa cards that can be used anywhere at any store or even saved for a emergency.

Wonderful gifts.

 

[billiethekid40]

I love getting gift cards, as the whole gift or part of a gift (like SixstarDanes I like to pair them with something small and usually silly and inexpensive, or slip one into a gift basket or homemade card). Think about it, not only does the person get something from the money, but they also get to go out and have fun picking it out! Not to mention, they usually get more bang for their (er..your lol) buck because everything goes on sale after Christmas!

To make gift card giving more "personal" for the people you're spending a little more on, consider a "themed" set of cards instead of just one big one... a gift card to their fav. clothing or department store, one for a nice salon to get their hair or nails done, and one for a nice place to get themself something to eat for lunch or dinner, and if you want to go for broke throw in a gift certificate to their local cinema or bowling alley etc... then its not just a gift, its a whole day out! Or do a "girls night in" theme... Send a pair of cozy PJs and a gift cert. to their local video rental place to stock up on flicks and treats.

Or, if you're looking to save money on shipping parcells to relatives or friends that you know well enough to know what they like, consider buying them a card for their fav. hobby store or put it towards lessons in something they might enjoy (arts and crafts, sports, music, etc). Or have a gift basket sent from THEIR local grocery or specialty... there are places that you can order online, or by phone and pay by credit and have it shipped directly to their house, and even many grocery stores will do up a personalized basket for you (by phone) so you can fill it with the treats you know they will enjoy (instead of just apples and grapes LOL) Its not a gift card, but it saves on shipping costs!

But honestly, as far as the younger neices and nephews, cousins etc today... they don't give a hoot how "personal" their gifts are, they're just happy (and if you're lucky appreciative) to be getting something from you!

 

[Marty]

Lois they still work at Walmart because after two years, I still am using mine from Christmas 2006! I also have some from McDonalds from a couple years ago too so I think its a good idea when purchasing a gift card to ask if there is an expiration date.

Today I noticed at Walmart checkout that they are carrying gift cards for a variety of places, Ruby Tuesdays, Olive Garden, Home Depot, Lowe's, and atleast 20 more!!!!!! Check it out!

 

[Sonya]

Thanks again everyone for the replies. I'm definately going to go with the gift cards. I'm going to do the Visa ones (I know even more impersonal) but they can use them anywhere Visa is accepted and I will also get them something small they like...one is into horses, one music, one swimming...so some kind of little trinket or something like someone else mentioned.

I checked with my local bank and they have them, so I don't have to worry about that scam like someone mentioned and since they will not be for any certain store, I don't have to worry about things like it not being enough or store going out of business. They do not expire and they can call a phone # and get a pin for them if they want so to just get cash out of an ATM, although there is a fee for that, it will be their choice.

I will feel better knowing that they will be using their gift even if it does seem a little impersonal. I know I have clothing items (from MIL) in my closet that I've never worn, either because I don't care for it or it doesn't fit just quite right. I've given some of them to goodwill like Gizzmoe said and even returned some, but there are still things that I have stuffed in my closet. I feel bad that I don't wear it or like it.

For my Birthday, my hubby's sisters gave me a gift card for ebay (I didn't even know they had them)...that was a great idea on their part, I love ebay..it is pined up by my computer, just waiting for that certain breyer horse!!!!