When I lived out of state and our entire family lived here in New York, gift giving became expensive. After purchasing presents for our family, wrapping, packing and shipping, it really wasn’t worth it to me. I just couldn’t afford to do it anymore with our large family. Plus, I never knew if I was giving the perfect gift. This is when I started to purchase gift cards.
With gift cards the recipient can purchase whatever their heart desires, shipping costs are low and they are convenient. There is something for everyone out there from national retailers, department stores, beauty, restaurants and more. I know some consider them impersonal, however when you have no clue what someone needs and you have a hard to buy for person on your list, they are wonderful.
Give the gift of date night
Couples with children yearn for date night with their partner. They are few and far between. Giving a couple a restaurant gift card, theater movie pass or entertainment gift is a fabulous idea. This is an affordable gift for you and gives the couple a night to themselves, for free! Olive Garden, Red Lobster and LongHorn Steakhouse gift cards are the perfect restaurant gift card as they are redeemable at any of the eight Darden restaurants. The couple can choose their favorite restaurant for a quiet evening to themselves. Also now through December 31, purchase $25 or more in Gift Cards in a single transaction and receive a $5 bonus card!
Give the gift of apparel
Kids grow like crazy, so giving loved ones a gift card to Gymboree, The Children’s Place or Target are great options for long distance children such as grand-kids, nieces and nephews. Parents can purchase what the children need without having to return something that didn’t fit.
Give the gift of beauty
Teens are probably the most difficult for me to buy for. Their likes change often. Pick the teen girls up a gift card to Bath & Body Works, Walmart or Amazon.com
Give the gift of toys
Instead of buying a child a toy, pick up a gift card to Toys “R” Us, Walmart or Target. With the hot toys of the season, you wouldn’t want grandson Michael to have 4 train sets like my son received when he was three.
Give the gift of games
I wonder if they have that video game? Would they like this game? Will the parents approve and is it age-appropriate? I know this all to well with my sister who tells me every year she would like a new DS game. With that, she makes me a huge list of every game she owns. And every year she gets a gift card to Walmart or GameStop. Much less stressful for me and she can buy the game she really wants.
The gift card for anyone
Target, Walmart, iTunes and Amazon are a great option for anyone, any age giving them the option to buy what they specifically need! Don’t forget about Visa and American Express gift cards as well!
Do you give out gift cards as Christmas gifts?
I agree, I give gift cards, it’s great to let the recipient get exactly what they want!
There are some cases where a gift card is DEFINITELY a great option.
I know some people think that giving gift cards is impersonal, but I prefer to both give and receive gift cards. Some people ARE just that hard to buy for and letting them go get what they want is definitley easier for them.
I hate giving gift cards but sometimes it’s just the best idea. my favorite is for something indulgent like a dinner out or movies but if someone wants something specific then I have no problem.
I have found as the kids get older, it is harder and harder to buy for them! This year we bought Mall gift cards for our three oldest nieces and nephew. They can just get what they want without suffering through what I would choose , lol! I love getting gift cards myself!