The Perks -- and Problems -- with Giving Gift Cards This Christmas
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:38PM
Ah yes, the fun and challenges of gift-buying. So many stores, so many sales, so many decisions. Sometimes, it's just easier to get it done and buy a gift card to your loved one's favorite store or gift certificate for a special service. There are new statistics every year that tell about a surprising number of gift cards going unused, and as a professional organizer, I can attest to that. I’ve seen gift cards either lost or forgotten among untouched clutter in a client’s house or collected and saved for a “someday” item that is never purchased.
Simply said, there are some recipients and situations for whom a gift card doesn't offer tidings of comfort or joy. Consider these points before you buy...
For some, gift certificates or gift cards could present a problem. These loved ones might be better off with a tangible gift instead:
- A chronic shopper – If you know someone who has a hard time keeping their budget in check when shopping, a gift card to a store at the mall is probably not wise. Instead, buy them something you know they want and save them a trip to a store where temptations linger. Avoid buying them clothes unless you know their size and preferred color so that an exchange won’t be necessary either.
- A busy mom with young kids – For many, a trip to the mall is an exciting outing; for others it’s just another errand. Consider the recipient and the store – will Mom be enjoying some much needed “me-time” at the mall, or will she be lugging loud and antsy kids along the way? If so, save her the trip, and do the shopping for her (or give the gift card, along with an offer to babysit)!
- The indecisive - A gift card to Target or Home Depot is great for the person who knows just what he/she wants to buy there. But if they haven’t alluded to a particular product, don’t be surprised if the money is just spent on toiletries or water softener salt.
If anyone on your gift list already has everything, has too much clutter and/or is short on time… consider these ideas:
- Experience Gifts – a membership to a museum or zoo, tickets to a special event, movie passes, or lessons for a new or favorite activity
- Consumable Gifts - food-of-the-month clubs, restaurant gift cards, make & take dinner services, food baskets, favorite chocolates, wine or coffee
- Service Gifts – good for a trip to the salon, for a pet’s grooming or for a free night of babysitting!
- Donation to a charity in your loved one's name
If you do give a gift certificate or gift card, consider adding something “extra”:
- If giving a certificate to a nice restaurant for a couples’ outing, include a coupon for free babysitting.
- If you buy a certificate for a one-hour massage for your wife, consider checking her calendar, then booking the appointment for her so she doesn’t have to “find the time” for such pampering.
- Include store coupons, along with a gift card, to make the gift money go further.
- If giving a gift card for a coffee shop or restaurant, include a small box of gourmet chocolates or mints to go with it.
- Cut out a picture of an item you know they’ve been eyeing, and include it with the gift card, saying “I want to get this for you – I’ll let you pick the right one (size, color, style).”
Got gift cards of your own? How long have you had them, and/or how long do you plan to keep them before using them? Do you love or hate receiving and/or sending gift cards or certificates? Feel free to comment below!
Reader Comments (3)
Great ideas for the coming holidays. I'm looking for something really special as a gift to my loved ones and your tips will be very helpful to me in finding the perfect one.
Glad I could help, Gerard! Happy holidays to you!
Great tips! Very helpful. Thanks!