Comments on: Why I Buy Gift Cards

By: Fiscal Musings

Fiscal Musings — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:19:21 +0000

While I would also appreciate cash a gift, I understand why people don’t give it. As to the Chinese argument, there are a lot of things they do that we don’t, and I’m glad. Just remember that gift cards are just that, a gift. If you don’t use it in time or whatever, it’s on you. Just be grateful you got something. And as far as giving them yourself, it’s a nice way of showing that you put some thought into it without assuming that you know exactly what they want and their tastes.

By: Brip Blap

Brip Blap — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:46:49 +0000

I think by the time you get to exchanging gift cards – as escapee said – you might as well just give up and stop the madness. Cash is great for weddings, etc. but it’s tough in a “gift-exchange” setup like Christmas.

The whole system is just driven by consumer madness. I tell every single person I know every single Christmas and birthday that I just want them to donate money to one of my 3 charities, and absolutely positively nothing else. Nobody manages to do that – they feel bad because love means buying THINGS…

By: K

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:45:26 +0000

Under WASHINGTON state law gift cards issued by merchants cannNOT have an expiration date OR maintenance fees.

But gift cards sold by malls and by banks are not subject to those same restrictions.

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:58:05 +0000

I’m very fond of gift cards to my favorite craft store. While sometimes giftcards seem impersonal, Joann cards seem to say “I know your favorite hobby is crafting and your favorite place is the fabric store. Now go have fun making something pretty or practical or whatever you want!!!” Fabric gifts are greatly appreciated, but most people are too concerned to pick them out.

By: escapee

escapee — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:20:01 +0000

I’m going to have to respectfully disagree w/ you on this one :-) I normally agree with everything you say, but I HATE gift cards. I DESPISE them. Every time I receive one in the mail I want to scream.

The reason has nothing to do with any of the things that you have listed. Gift cards represent to me the ultimate in consumer driven holiday madness. IMHO (and yes, I know that everyone doesn’t feel this way!), they are very impersonal and when I get one I feel like the person is saying “I don’t know you well enough and/or care enough to try to determine something that you would actually enjoy.”

Every year my dad (who I do not particularly care for) and I give each other basically identical gift cards. Why not just exchange cash, or better yet- why even bother? The sentiment that should be attached to gift giving is not there.

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:16:26 +0000

Finally, someone who prefers money like I do! I really could not care for actual gifts. I could go out and buy whatever I get for holidays or birthdays… and probably better stuff! Money is the ultimate gift, you can use it for anything. It applies to all situations.

By: Matt Wolfe

Matt Wolfe — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:21:52 +0000

The gift cards that charge fees are the ones that are put out by mastercard and visa. It’s the ones that can be used anywhere, just like a regular debit card. They charge an activation fee.

By: tomshurt

tomshurt — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:19:03 +0000

I’ve found that gift cards are becoming more convenient than ever before. Around where I live (the Phoenix area), I can go into just about any grocery store (Fry’s, Safeway, etc.) and find gift cards for a variety of restaurants and retailers. I have a feeling you can find the same thing in other parts of the country. From a grocer’s perspective, I think it’s a great way to drive more customers into the store.

By: The Saving Freak

The Saving Freak — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:36:29 +0000

Gift cards do not have to expire. It depends on which state you live in. California does not allow gift cards to expire. So if you or a friend lives there they can refresh the gift card at any California branch of the retailer.

By: dong

dong — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:58:26 +0000

I don’t like the fact they expire, but the free loan and losing the card doesn’t really bother me. I think for the convenience of gift cards it’s a small price to pay. I always feel like sweating a “free loan” anything less than $1000 bucks is worrying too much about the small stuff.

By: East Side Food Geek

East Side Food Geek — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:46:10 +0000

You are correct: my Discover Card gives cash back for the gift cards I have purchased. As a matter of fact, that’s why I bought them. Discover has special bonus cashback points four times a year – and that’s all I spend under the program, and the points showed up. Right now they’re doing restaurants and movie houses, so I just bought myself some gift cards for a couple of theaters and restaurants I use regularly. With five percent, and since I’m likely to use them up in a few months, that’s much better return than leaving it in the Ing account until I spend it.