The Giftcard

So, giftcards can be OK in some circumstances... despite the fact that they shout, "I don't know you well enough to pick out a present for you," or perhaps, "I didn't feel like taking the time or energy to find something meaningful so I'm giving you money but you have to use it here."

Yes, a giftcard allows you to go ahead and choose your own gift. It also eliminates a potential return or exchange. But what about the excitement of tearing open paper to reveal something substantial? That's gone right out the window!



In essence, giftcards are "the easy way out" because they allow the gift giver to:
1. Make it look like they put thought into it by driving to a store to turn their green bills into a little plastic card of equal value.
2. Avoid browsing through stores.
3. Get something quick and simple.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Buying a gift for someone should be an enjoyable and thoughtful experience... duh!

And if it's a small amount, doesn't it irk you to know how much money seemed reasonable to the giver? A giftcard of $10 buys you absolutely nothing. Yes, it's a gift... but what could I possibly buy with a lousy $10 in today's economy?!

If you insist on giving monetary gifts... just stick with the cash ("Give me the money!"). Then, you can avoid the effort of getting the giftcard in the first place and allow the recipient to buy something of their choice anywhere they want (not like the restriction of a giftcard) or even put the money in the bank (Gasp, who would've thought?).