As Chad mentioned in a comment on my last post…
it’s time for a new post.
Well, inspired by Chad, I wanted to bring up a question for everyone to think about and respond to. Are gift cards an appropriate gift? According to an article that Chad saw on MSN, they are not. What do you think? For the link to the article see below:
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/FindDealsOnline/GiftCardsAreNotGifts.aspx
The only time I buy gift cards are when I don’t know what that person “really wants”. Or when the person wants something that may be out of my price range(the gift card comes in handy and cuts the cost on whatever that person wanted…especially if someone else gets them a giftcard to the same place). I enjoy buying people stuff…things they want. I like picking them out and wrapping them in pretty/cool paper and packages.
Growing up..(as we got older)….if we didn’t make a list for Christmas gifts or Birthday gifts my parents would give us money or giftcards. How many times have you gotten something from your parents growing up…you wished you hadn’t? “Oh another sweater”..”Oh what a nice pair of socks”…etc. ya get me?
I enjoy buying someone something that I know they’re going to really like. It brings me joy. I seem to be pretty good at knowing what one of my close friends or family members would like.
I definitely prefer buying an actual item instead of a gift card. An actual item is a lot more personal of a gift, mainly if the other person ends up really liking it.
I guess there are just some things that jump out at you that you “know” just “says” the other person. Those are the things you buy for the people close to you. But, sometimes nothing jumps out at you, I feel this is the time that you should go the “Gift Card” route. Your still show your love and appreciation for your friend or family member and they will be glad they didn’t get anything that they really didn’t want.
As Gabby said, a lot of times, it is better to receive “Gift Cards” from family members than that sweatshirt that you really wouldn’t ever wear.
I’m actually looking forward to receiving some Gift Cards from my family this year so I can buy some new clothes and stuff! But of course, if any of you, my friends want to give me something that you know I’ll love, I think you know me good enough that you’ll be right on.
With that being said, I think it does have to do with being around someone enough or in communication with enough to know what they’re into right “Now”.
Ok, I think I’ve rambled on enough! That’s my two cents.
Personally I dont mind gift cards (poor college student) BUT I do think that its rude to give gift cards-especially to someone you know as a Christmas or birthday gift-unless they are really thoughtful. I like the challenge of finding something that I think someone would like, and I generally make everything I give as gifts. To me its fun. The only time gift cards are appropriate is when you dont know the person-or there is a great distance between you-like if someone lives in another state.
Michele,
I glanced through your Design website and was very impressed with the quality of the site. I also enjoyed looking through the portfolio. Your an amazing Graphic Designer, Michele. I already knew that, though.
Thanks Chad! That means a lot coming from you. 🙂