What do you think of all these articles saying that gift cards are pathetic excuses for gifts?

I've seen many articles saying that gift cards are the pinnacle of laziness and perhaps should even be seen as an insult to the receiver.





Keeping in mind that giving gifts at all is purely optional, regardless of the situation, what do you think?

What do you think of all these articles saying that gift cards are pathetic excuses for gifts?
When I get a gift card, typically I am overjoyed at the fact that I'll be picking out something that I either (1) really needed or (2) really wanted. You don't end up with repeat items, or items that you absolutely don't want. It also takes the pressure off of having to act like you like something when all you can really think is... "Is this gift for real?" Overall, I find gift cards to not be lazy at all. I think it's simply a way to say, "You deserve something that you really want."
Reply:Gift cards and cash are certainly convenient, but they do sort of imply that you can't be bothered to pay enough attention to your friends to at least guess what they'd like.





I can buy stuff for myself any time of year.
Reply:I think gift cards are great especially when a person your buying a gift for request one.
Reply:I'm thinkin' these people never had a hard time getting around. LOL _______ and have too much time on their hands.
Reply:I think its a ploy to get people to spend more money. Buying gifts usually cost people more money then just a gift card.
Reply:I'm a practical person, so I love gift cards instead of getting the wrong gifts..
Reply:I saw that article on MSN today and my first thought was what's wrong with them? I like them. SO does everyone I gave them to. In fact, they were thrilled.
Reply:It all depends on the person giving the cards, the likes and dislikes of the person receiving it etc. There are way too many variables for me to sit here and say that gift cards are pathetic excuses for gifts because in all fairness, the person didn't have to give anything.
Reply:I love gift cards! A gift is a gift :)
Reply:In my opinion, these articles are just that: opinions. It really all depends on the person receiving the gift.





For instance, every year for Christmas, my aunt, uncle and cousins give my husband and me a gift card to the local movie theater. We love it! If they were to give us cash to see a movie, we might spend it on something like groceries. They want us to go out and have a good time. They know we love movies at the theater but can't afford them often. That gift card ensures we'll definitely get to go see a movie.





Personally, I'd rather have a gift card that I know I can use instead of a sweater that I'll just look at, try to give my best smile and say, "Oh, how thoughtful! You really shouldn't have!" And then toss it into the back of my closet where it will remain until I donate it to the local homeless shelter in five years.





I suppose the rule of thumb would be to know who you're getting a gift for. A gift just for the sake of a gift that shows no consideration for the recipient is a pathetic excuse for a gift. I like gift cards and so do many of my relatives. It means that the person who got them for us knows where we shop. They're paying attention to who we are and what we like. In the end, that's what giving someone a gift is all about--making them happy.
Reply:Umm, I love gift cards to the right store. Any questions about that, I'll just take cash. I think the magazines just want you to buy what their advertisers are selling, to be honest.
Reply:I personally am happy with any gift I am given. It does however take more thought to give a more personal gift. They are always nice. I think a middle ground is giving a gift card to a store that carries things that a person specifically likes... like the art supply store, craft store, sports supply store, etc. It just adds a little more personal touch than a Wal-mart or Target card.
Reply:Sometimes it's a good gift for someone who's hard to buy for, or who's tastes you don't know that well. A couple of times I got gift cards for art supplies and I thought that was terrific. It was better for me to choose my own and better for the giver who didn't have to try to gaze into a crystal ball and see exactly what colours and brands I would want. Maybe if it was a gift certificate for a clothing store where I don't even shop, and if it was from a close friend or relative, I would think the giver didn't put any thought into it, but say if it was a gift from co-workers I would appreciate it because they probably didn't know what I would really want.
Reply:Giving gift cards isn't lazy. Some people are notoriously hard to shop for...a gift card allows that person to buy whatever their heart desires. Sometimes it is easier to send a gift card than a huge package. It's cheaper also.





I certainly don't mind receiving gift cards...it's the thought that counts after all.
Reply:I love to give and receive gift cards, but I only do so if the other person hints that they want one, or I know for a fact that they are addicted to the store, lol.


I would rather receive a gift card to Bath and Body Works, than to open a package to find a scent that made me sneeze or was one I dislike. This rings true with clothes as you may not know what size the other person wears.


I love that I can use gift cards to buy what I want. I have never gotten a gift card I haven't wanted, so I don't see a problem.

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