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Are Gift Cards really gifts?

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Are Gift Cards really gifts?

from JoeUser Forums
I was listening to the radio on my way to work, where they are playing non stop Christmas music all the way till Christmas day, and one of the DJ's asked an interesting question to the audience. Do you think Gift Cards are really gifts? According to the DJ a lady (who's name I can't remember) claims that Gift Cards are an excuse to give something because you didn't trust in your own judgment for not knowing the person well enough to know what to get them. Ouch, talk about a smack of truth in your face.

Basically she is trying to say shame on you for not trying to get the know the person. So what do you think? What is your opinion on giving and getting Gift Cards? I will give my opinion in the comments section.

BTW, this concept, I believe, would apply to Gift Cards for any occasion, not just Christmas.
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4,734 views 29 replies
Reply #26 from JoeUser Forums Top

but I've been given gift cards on many occasions to places like Red Lobster or the Olive Garden; places I'm usually too cheap to spring for, but where I can enjoy an occasional NICE dinner courtesy of a thoughtful friend.

I was going to say that Gift cards are a lousy gift (give a check instead) - until I read Gideon's reply.  Yes!  For the special ones, it means you have to treat yourself (as money or a Wal Mart one can just be used for every day purchases).  So, yes, some gift cards are gifts and good ones too!

Reply #27 from JoeUser Forums Top
What's better - getting a gift card and losing it, or getting a gift of the same value you really hate and WANT to lose but can't because it was a gift? :D

The amount of thought put into a gift is the big deal - whether that gift ends up as a thoughtful gift card or a thoughtful other gift doesn't matter. It's the thought that counts. The ability to get someone a gift-card without thinking at all is the problem with them.
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Reply #28 from JoeUser Forums Top
If you give me a gift card for a book shop, I'm over the moon. It shows the person has thought about my love of reading but leaves the choice of book to me. If you gave me a Mitch Albom or Stephen Covey book as a book gift I'd throw them in the trash. Gift vouchers are great and very thoughtful gifts.
Reply #29 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm coming back after asking my son about his preference of receiving either a gift or a gift card. He said he'd rather receive a gift card. I asked a friend when we were perusing the books at Barnes & Nobel and she said "get me a gift card here anytime and I'd love it."

I told my husband he could get me a gift card at IZOD if he wanted and I'd love that.

I love to read as well and would love a gift certificate to a Borders or Barnes & Nobel. I have received large coffee table books before that I didn't have an ounce of desire to read. One time I got a large coffee table book for a Christmas gift that had pictures of food in it. What the heck? Did nothing for me. I found someone to give it to.