Are Gift Cards a Good Gift
Gift cards are not usually a good present. You are essentially giving money, but restricting exactly what it can be spent on. This means you have all the impersonality of a money gift, without the one big advantage. For teenagers and older children you really are best off giving money instead. However there are some circumstances where a gift card would be best.
For somebody who refuses to buy themselves treats
You want the recipient to go and choose something really nice for him or herself but know if you give money it will be spent on treats for their children or their dog, or saved. If you are determined to somehow treat this person then a gift card to an appropriate shop works.
Obviously don’t provide a gift card to a department store. You know the recipient will end up using it for toys for their children and a designer basket for their dog. Instead try one for a clothes, accessories, beauty, or music shop. Pick a specialised shop full of things your friend secretly would love. And nothing their dog would like.
For somebody who has a favourite shop
If your friend has a favourite store and would love an excuse to go shopping there then a gift card is a bit more personal than money. It also means they can’t possibly feel guilty about getting things from said store, since they haven’t got a choice. Add a tiny present from the store in question and you have a real gift.
When one or both parties feels uncomfortable about giving or receiving money
Some people really do not like to receive money. It might make them feel like a charity case. This is especially likely to be so when the recipient is the same age or older than you. Giving a younger person cash is fine, giving cash to an older person can be very awkward. In this case a gift card has the same purpose, but without the stigma. Choose a gift card to a department store or other shop that contains necessary items as well as luxuries.
Gift cards are basically a way to give money, and if this is what you want to do then they can be a good option. However they are certainly not the same as an actual present. If convenience is the aim then there are other ways to make shopping for gifts easier while providing ‘proper’ presents.
