This article will explain the pros and cons of gift cards as presents. I’ll also describe the right way to choose and give a gift card. Keep reading to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Makes Gift Cards Bad Gifts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The traditional opinion is that gift cards make for bad gifts, and that’s not without reason. An actual present does have some advantages over a gift card. For example, the receiver is more likely to respond positively to a physical gift than a card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, 85 percent<\/a> of the gift cards are plastic gift cards. They are harmful to the environment, and not everyone would appreciate receiving them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few more reasons that make people look down upon gift cards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone knows shopping for a present takes time and effort. According to a survey, an average American spends 14 hours<\/a> shopping for gifts during the holiday season. But that’s precisely why most people prefer to receive a real present. It shows that the giver has put time and thought into selecting a gift for the giftee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, that isn’t the case with gift cards. Almost always, people give gift cards as a present because they can’t decide what to get for the giftee or because they are too lazy to look for one. This outlook makes gift cards look like an impersonal and thoughtless choice<\/strong> and gives them a bad rap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the common dilemmas receivers of gift cards face is how to satisfactorily utilize the value of a gift card. Often, the giftee finds themselves in one of the two situations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to this report by Mageplaza, 59 percent<\/a> of people spend more<\/strong> than the value of the card they receive. When one has to pay some money from their pocket to use the gift card they received, it can be a bit difficult for the giftee to appreciate the generosity of the giver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider these statistics from a Consumer Reports survey<\/a> for a moment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s clear, at times, it can be a bit of an inconvenience<\/strong> to use gift cards. However, there is no such issue with an actual gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes people keep a gift card in a wallet, a drawer, or a book and forget to use it. Eventually, the validity of the gift card expires<\/strong>, and the card becomes worthless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a more common occurrence than one would think. According to this survey by Bankrate, 51 percent of American adults have unused credits<\/a> \u2014gift cards, store credits, or vouchers \u2014 that they haven’t used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a gift card expires, the issuer makes a profit, and the state makes money too. Many states have come up with statutes that treat unused gift cards as abandoned property. Thanks to the changes in the law, the state gets to keep a cut. To check the laws in different states regarding this matter, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only person who loses in this scenario is the one who should have benefitted: the giftee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gift cards suffer from poor public perception. Still, the usage of gift cards is on the rise. They have been the most popular items<\/a> on wish lists since 2007, and there are good reasons behind that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few reasons that have contributed to the meteoric rise of gift cards: <\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, it takes an average American 14 hours to shop for gifts for the holiday season. It’s a lot of time and stress to go through, especially during the most stressful period of the year\u2014the holidays<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It makes even less sense to put in this much effort when 75 percent of Americans admit that they probably won’t like the gift they receive during holidays. On the other hand, 59 percent of people wish to receive<\/strong> a gift card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it necessary to spend hours finding that elusive perfect gift when the gift card can do the job satisfactorily well? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes you may know a person quite well and still struggle to find the right present for them. For example, you may be close to your nephew and know he is a sneakerhead. You may even be aware that he likes sneakers from a particular brand. But do you know the specific model he has his eyes on? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you can get him a model you like. However, most likely, he’ll exchange or return it for something else. Why not save everyone some hassle and just give him a gift card for that store instead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gift cards are the best option when you have some ideas about a person’s hobbies and lifestyle but don’t know exactly what to get for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to buy your friends and family a gift card this holiday season, don’t let the negative perception stop you. According to data \u2014 and contrary to popular myth \u2014 your loved ones might prefer gift cards more than actual gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, don’t just jump online and buy the first gift card you come across. Read these etiquettes of giving a gift card first so that you can make your present stand out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want your gift card to feel personal and thoughtful, avoid the temptation to give a general-purpose gift card, even though it’s convenient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays, when every online and offline store offers gift cards, giving a general-purpose gift card is inexcusable, especially to people close to you. Take some time to think about the giftee’s needs<\/strong> and wants<\/strong>, and decide on a gift card accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you can give Netflix gift cards<\/a> to cinephiles in your life, Spotify gift cards<\/a> to music lovers, and Nintendo<\/a> or Steam<\/a><\/strong> gift cards to those hooked on games.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Gift Cards Lack a Personal Touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Gift Cards May Require the Giftee To Spend Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Gift Cards Can Be Challenging To Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Gift Cards Can Be a Waste of Money\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In Defense of Gift Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Gift Cards Save Time and Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Gift Cards Can Be the Best Gifts in Some Situations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Right Way To Give a Gift Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take Time To Find the Right Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n