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Seven words you never want to hear at Christmas: “WHAT!!! YOU GOT ME A GIFT CARD?!?!?!?” On the other hand, if someone really wants a gift card, why fight the crowds and spend hours looking for the perfect gift? It’s easy and it will be easier to have a debt free Christmas if you know exactly what you are going to spend on gift cards. The fact is, some people will accept a gift card as the perfect gift and others will consider it a poor excuse for a Christmas present. So, do you think gift card is the “perfect gift or a lazy excuse?
Is a gift card a good idea? This can only be answered by the intended recipient. Since you can’t really ask them (or can you?) you’ll need to be the judge. Here are some general guidelines to help in the process.
History: In a casual conversation ask them what some of their favorite gifts have been from Christmases past. You might even ask them if they have any gift giving pet peeves. Somewhere in the conversation they may make a mention about gift cards – pay attention.
Spenders: Other than the fact that you are fueling their addiction — gift cards are generally good ideas for spenders. Spender will (1) have an item in mind that they want to buy, and (2) will spend every last penny from the card.
Savers: Savers often don’t like gift cards. Savers will do the same thing with the gift card as they do with cash — save it. These are the individuals who six months after Christmas are still carrying around the card.
Age: In general, younger people tend to be happier with gift cards than older people.
Thoughtfulness: As the old adage goes –- it is the thought that counts. If a gift card is purchased to excuse you from thinking, it won’t be received well. My wife, for example, always knows if I’m trying to get out of the hard work of choosing the perfect gift. As a result, I’ve stuck with making my own homemade Christmas gifts. If you are going to go out looking for gifts, follow these 9 smart holiday shopping tips.
Know the recipient: This guideline applies to all gifts. So, for example, you may not want to give an anti credit card person a $100 American Express gift card. The last thing he wants anyone to do is to give a person a ‘gift’ that supports an industry they loathe. I, on the other hand, think there are advantages to credit cards (as compared to debit cards) so you are more than welcome to give me an AMEX gift card.
Don’t use it as a lazy last minute idea: I’m telling you, some people can just sense this stuff. It’s like you’re sweating laziness and they can smell it. Buy a gift card when you think it is what the recipient would most enjoy, not because you want a lazy man’s exemption from Christmas shopping. Why not try these money saving tips for online shopping if you want to buy a gift but don’t want to go to the mall.