Why are gift cards so popular when they have some major disadvantages compared to plain old cash or checks?

1 Answer

Answer :

answer:They have some advantages, too. When I get straight money, I just put it into the pool for bills and food and such. I feel guilty not doing that, because I live chronically in debt. It’s still a very welcome gift, because it helps me take the load off. But if I get a gift card, I’m usually “forced” to spend it on something that’s not a basic need or debts, and then it is more of a tangible, “real” gift. Maybe they are becoming more popular because more and more folks are having money troubles?

Related questions

Description : What are some gift ideas, other than gift cards/certificates, for some male co-workers that I don't know that well on a personal level?

Last Answer : That is a tough one without knowing the people. Ask if you really want to know what there interests are.

Description : Gift cards: Yay or Nay?

Last Answer : answer:Give because you want to give, not because someone gave you something. When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is ... and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Khalil Gibran

Description : How do you keep all of your gift cards organized?

Last Answer : Perhaps using them would clear up some of that mess.

Description : How do you feel about receiving gift cards as gifts?

Last Answer : answer:I like gift cards. I especially like vouchers for indulgent treatments such as massages, as I wouldn't normally make time for such things, but do if someone has gone to the trouble of ... about adding something more personal and inexpensive to go with it, like a framed photo or mini album.

Description : How late is too late to cash a gift check?

Last Answer : Don't cash it. If they ever ask, lie and say you framed it. :-) I generally think after 2 or 3 weeks, it's sketchy whether or not it's acceptable to cash it. I mean, I'm anal ... their mind, so cashing it a month or more later will be an unexpected deduction from their account. Just my 2¢

Description : Can you suggest a birthday gift for a 25 year old girl who is very fashionable and health conscious?

Last Answer : A Keurig single cup coffee maker/

Description : What's a good INEXPENSIVE gift from a 17 year old boy to a 18 year old boy for his birthday?

Last Answer : Video Games.

Description : What Birthday Gift for Mechanically inclined 4-yr-old?

Last Answer : They the electronic lego kits. Also they have a robotic dog. This one is really updated and they sell it at Target.

Description : Which is the most valuable gift / award you have received so far?

Last Answer : I hate gifts. They too often reflect what others think you like, and that is limiting. However, my Mom bought me a gift a few years before she died that is quite precious to me. It is a replica of the Maltese Falcon. It’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Description : Etiquette question. We are going to an engagment party - the son of not-so-close friends. What is appropriate to spend on a gift?

Last Answer : If they are not-so-close friends, why are you going to the engagement party and wedding? You are not required to attend a party when invited by a casual acquaintance. Do you even know the young ... means you can send a note saying, Thank you for remembering us, but we have a prior commitment

Description : How long do you keep birthday, Christmas cards for?

Last Answer : i use them as fire starters in my wood stove after Little Christmas

Description : How would you feel if you bought a well thought out gift for someone and they gave it to someone else and replaced it with a better version?

Last Answer : answer:Not hurt. Next time probably would give them money, or try to find out exactly what they wanted.

Description : If someone gives you a gift for which they paid nothing, do they have any right to demand a gift in return?

Last Answer : A gift does not come with conditions. Tell her she is SOL.

Description : Would it be fair to say "they were out" and then give the item as a gift?

Last Answer : Sure, I don’t see an issue with it. He’ll still get it eventually, just make sure he doesn’t get it himself some other day. Also, he can call the store to check when they’ll have it again and the store will say they were never out.

Description : Have you ever given someone, an adult, a gift, and they actually told you they didn't like it?

Last Answer : Wow, screw that. No, I’ve only ever gotten gracious remarks of thanks for the gifts that I give.

Description : Why do some people think that the amount of money you spend on a gift is the most important aspect gift-giving?

Last Answer : Because a great deal of people are shallow, and greedy.

Description : What are some holiday gift suggestions for my daughter's pre-school teachers?

Last Answer : For all my kids' teachers I go with a gift card, usually to a coffee place or Target. I always figure that it doesn't have to be too much money - especially a coffee place, five bucks will let ... at the time always influences the amount I spend more than the number of days my child is in school.

Description : Do you have any interesting/sweet sympathy gift ideas?

Last Answer : You can send a chocolate, or fruit, gift basket. Or ask if she needs anything; Like a maid service, or a delicious casserole dish? Or you can pay for an extra long distance phone call? Or let her ... house until she gets on her feet? Sorry for not being helpful. I don't handle death and loss well.

Description : What is the best or most favorite gift you have ever received?

Last Answer : My mom gave me the best sweaters, very warm and comfortable.

Description : What should I buy for a house warming gift?

Last Answer : A furnace?

Description : What is a reasonable amount to give as a wedding gift?

Last Answer : It depends on the giver…...there are no rules.

Description : Can you help with a gift idea?

Last Answer : Do you know any of her hobbies or your mom might have interacted with her might know what she likes? Have you met her outside or at home which can also give some clue what kind of art she likes etc ... what you're looking for. She might be thrilled to hear that and agree to help you with your cause.

Description : What will you bring to the ask-public White Elephant Holiday gift exchange?

Last Answer : I’ll bring it. I have The Beach Boys on vinyl. I think it’s a ‘best of’ album. I’d check but it’s in the bedroom and Jon is sleeping. It was one of my mother’s favorites.

Description : What is the most disappointing gift you have ever been given?

Last Answer : Yes, the “gift” of life! Nothing more tragically disappointing!

Description : Do you re-gift gifts that are given to you that you don't like or want?

Last Answer : I never do that, if it is a gift for special occasion like my birthday. That’s disrespectful to the giver. But if the gift is just casually given to me, and if it’s of little value, like a pen, I may give it away.

Description : Any ideas for a wedding gift?

Last Answer : How about a gift certificate for a stay at a bed and breakfast that they could go to on a random weekend?

Description : Would you give used garage/rummage sale item as a gift to a loved one? Would you tell them?

Last Answer : Depends on what the item is, if it’s a toaster probably not, but some rare hard to find item sure I would have no problem telling them where I got it.

Description : What is a good hostess gift for vegan friends?

Last Answer : Organic chocolate? Does sit need to be food related? Why not flowers or wine or soaps?

Description : How do you nicely return a gift?

Last Answer : Sure sell on ebay.

Description : What does this odd Christmas gift mean?

Last Answer : It’s hard to buy gifts for people you don’t know well. It might be simply re-gifting something he had on hand. Regardless, I would assume the best, that he wanted to give you something.

Description : What will be the best and unique birthday gift for mom?

Last Answer : answer:Assuming you are not a spammer – somewhat unlikely – the question is impossible to answer. We have no idea what your mom likes. Is she a clothes horse? Does she like arts and crafts? Does she read books? Does she listen to music? Give us some guidance, not a URL.

Description : What's a thoughtful gift for someone moving into their first home/apartment?

Last Answer : The toolbox is a good idea but also putting together a care package of sorts with all the incidentals one needs that add up quickly. A plastic storage tub filled with paper towels, TP, napkins, ... the storage container to use for other things to, turned into a laundry basket in her closet. haha

Description : Would you send a gift through the post office postage to be paid upon receipt?

Last Answer : It obviates the meaning of “gift”; it invalidates the meaning of “friend.”

Description : What would you do with an anonymous gift?

Last Answer : I’d wait a bit, to see if it was an error, and then pull it out and do some good with it. If I get a windfall like that, I want to help someone else out. But I’m guessing someone screwed up, so go slow.

Description : Nerdy Valentines Gift?

Last Answer : Oh! And also the two of us are into Dr. Who, if that helps.

Description : What gift would you give?

Last Answer : A portrait of myself.

Description : How to handle an inconvenient but expensive and unrefundable gift?

Last Answer : answer:Ooh, boy. I think you need to tell them exactly what you are telling us here. To foist an expensive trip on you without your permission is not very nice, when it comes right down to ... plans (particularly with time constraints) for you. Have there been similar incidents or is this a one-off?

Description : Any ideas on a birthday gift?

Last Answer : What does he like? What did you get tickets too? What is your budget?

Description : Should I give a "good bye" gift to the babysitter, the way we give a gift to the teacher at the end of the school year?

Last Answer : I think it is a personal choice? If you feel you would like to gift her, then gift her. It need not be elaborate. You could even take her to a farewell lunch with the kids.

Description : Is it right that a gas station considers their gift card as a credit card?

Last Answer : answer:Depends. Was it set up like a credit card? Some cards are actually visa cards, but called loosely gift cards because they are prepaid, but fees and interest are deducted from it. Total rip off in my ... have a different price for gas for cash vs credit? I haven't seen that in a long time.

Description : What should I place in these "gift envelopes"?

Last Answer : I made a gift basket for a guy in my office that was leaving. I was friends with him and his wife and had also dog sat for them. I put in some things that I thought would make their new home a ... the things I mentioned in an envelope. Hmm, the only thing I can think of for envelopes is gift cards.

Description : What is a great idea for a person's 100th birthday gift?

Last Answer : I’d have thought a large proportion of family in attendance would be a fine gift for someone of such a grand age.

Description : What is the proper etiquette for gift giving for a wedding?

Last Answer : A gift registry was enclosed in the envelope with your wedding invitation?

Description : Should I give the gift before the birthday?

Last Answer : Wait. He’ll enjoy it even more on his actual birthday.

Description : What would you include in a vegan gift basket?

Last Answer : Barley, couscous, brown rice, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachios, packet of sunflower seeds, rice crackers, hummus, salsa, pita bread, dark maple syrup, steel cut oatmeal, box of rice milk, high end cocoa powder, quality loose tea, immersible tea ball, Krups coffee grinder and good beans

Description : To whom does a gift belong (see details)?

Last Answer : answer:Among equals or peers, the gift always belongs to the reeiver. The issues between parent and child are much murkier and rather hard to sort out.

Description : How do you tend to react when you are given a gift?

Last Answer : Like I’m embarrassed.

Description : Can someone suggest a Christmas gift for a stranger? Please read the details.

Last Answer : A gift card for food should be fine (as long as it is convenient for him to use). Who would complain about that?

Description : What's the best random gift you have ever received?

Last Answer : A hug.

Description : Would you want a very expensive gift?

Last Answer : answer:I hate all gifts that have been purchased for me. I don't accept them. It took many years for people to accept this, but eventually I would say, Oh, thanks. That's great. I'm sure I ... then did they stop. The only gifts I accept are works of art or homemade food from friends and my kids.