Answered Conundrum Next Conundrum
Best Answer Chosen by Asker
Marked as Best!
October 25, 2009 06:49 PM
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
As you can see by the conflicting answers already up, it really depends on the person. For example, my friend always asks for a stack of various gift cards from everyone for every holiday, so she can go shopping. I, on the other hand, DESPISE getting gift certificates, and I tell people never to give them to me - If you want to buy me clothing gift certificates or something, I'd rather you just guess at my size and keep the reciept, or take me shopping with you. I've gotten lots of gift certificates before, often from secret santas... subway, blockbuster, clothing, coffee shops, and I find I don't use them. Unless the person is a true shopper and regularly shops at only one place, who says their going to go there? I got a William's coffee pub certificate for $10 2 years ago. Since then, I've been there twice. Once I forgot I had it in my wallet, the other time I put $4 on it, so there's $6 still left. I have so many of them that I can't keep them in my wallet, so when I happen to go to blockbuster, I usually don't have it with me. A gift certificate isn't going to make me shop somewhere unless it's for a ton - more than enough to cover anything I'd want to buy. If I got a card for $10 or something to a clothing store, almost anything I'd want there is more than $10 and I'd end up spending my own money. Unless I happen to go there anyways and remember the card, most likely it will sit in my wallet unused.
My family doesn't use gift cards either - the first year I worked I was going to buy them a hefty gift certificate for groceries - since I don't shop their myself, I asked them first so It wouldn't go to waste if they refused it. They refused as soon as I asked them.
So it really depends on the person. I mean, if you know the person goes to walmart twice a week, they might like a walmart gift certificate - or a card to a fancy restaurant with a date - but most of the most, i think unless yu pick the perfect store, they go unused. I'd rather get something I don't like and have to return it - but that's me. I can't return that 30 dollar card for the manicure I'll never use. Waste of money!
My family doesn't use gift cards either - the first year I worked I was going to buy them a hefty gift certificate for groceries - since I don't shop their myself, I asked them first so It wouldn't go to waste if they refused it. They refused as soon as I asked them.
So it really depends on the person. I mean, if you know the person goes to walmart twice a week, they might like a walmart gift certificate - or a card to a fancy restaurant with a date - but most of the most, i think unless yu pick the perfect store, they go unused. I'd rather get something I don't like and have to return it - but that's me. I can't return that 30 dollar card for the manicure I'll never use. Waste of money!
| Asker's Rating: |
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Other Answers (18)
October 24, 2009 02:36 AM
http://giftcertificates.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_1700_write-gift-card.html Helpful Answer? (0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Gift certificates are acceptable gifts and aren't tacky because you can't always tell if someone already owns something you might consider buying as a gift so I think people like receiving them. Gift certificates are a better gift than cash in my opinion because they encourage the recipient of the gift to go use the gift instead of putting it in the bank.
You can make the gift certificate more personal by making it for the favorite store or restaurant of the recipient. Writing a nice card would also make it a more personal gift. Here is how to write a nice card that will make your gift personal and meaningful to go along with the gift certificate:
http://www.ehow.com/how_1700_write-gift-card.html
You can buy nice gift certificates at http://giftcertificates.com
Source(s):
You can make the gift certificate more personal by making it for the favorite store or restaurant of the recipient. Writing a nice card would also make it a more personal gift. Here is how to write a nice card that will make your gift personal and meaningful to go along with the gift certificate:
http://www.ehow.com/how_1700_write-gift-card.html
You can buy nice gift certificates at http://giftcertificates.com
http://giftcertificates.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_1700_write-gift-card.html Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 02:40 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I think they are tacky, because the giver did not spend the time to personally find out what the receiver wanted, and try to cater the gift accordingly. The one scenario where they are not tacky, would be if the person really wanted a gift card/certificate and requested it from the giver. I am not saying that gift cards are not easier, just less personal. After all, isn't gift giving supposed to be personal?
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 04:49 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
A gift certificate can be an acceptable gift in most cases, it usually depends what the gift certificate is for. If you gave someone a gift card to sears for their birthday then I think it would be tacky. If you gave someone a gift certificate to a special restaurant they like then it shows some sincere thought about picking a gift they would appreciate..
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 05:41 AM
http://giftoffer.co.uk/
http://giftoffer.co.uk/index.php?main_page=gv_faq Helpful Answer? (0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
No. Gift certificates are not tacky. Using gift certificate you can purchase gift of your choice which can be considered worth.
Source(s):
http://giftoffer.co.uk/
http://giftoffer.co.uk/index.php?main_page=gv_faq Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 06:42 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I live and breathe for my Amazon gift certificates! My entire family has established the tradition that for each birthday, we all give each other $40 Amazon gift certificates, via email, usable immediately. Might seem silly - as though it cancels itself out. But we all agree that we look forward to them like crazy, and are able to get exactly what we want. We're either mega tacky, or work in the true spirit of cooperation.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 06:52 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
I LOVE to receive gift certificates. It's fun to choose something you realllly want and it's a great feeling to know someone feels you deserve it!
I love receiving all types of gift certificates. It could be for shopping at my favorite store or discovering a new store. It could be for dining at my favorite restaurant or venturing to a new dining experience.
Once I received a gift certificate for an air boat ride. That was a fabulous adventure and a memory to hold on to!
Needless to say, since I love to RECEIVE gift certificates, I love to GIVE gift certificates. I haven't encountered any "need to return" or negative feedback from my recipients. You can be as creative as you like choosing a special gift certificate for that special person. My friends and family seem to love receiving them as much as I love giving them.
Helpful Answer?
I LOVE to receive gift certificates. It's fun to choose something you realllly want and it's a great feeling to know someone feels you deserve it!
I love receiving all types of gift certificates. It could be for shopping at my favorite store or discovering a new store. It could be for dining at my favorite restaurant or venturing to a new dining experience.
Once I received a gift certificate for an air boat ride. That was a fabulous adventure and a memory to hold on to!
Needless to say, since I love to RECEIVE gift certificates, I love to GIVE gift certificates. I haven't encountered any "need to return" or negative feedback from my recipients. You can be as creative as you like choosing a special gift certificate for that special person. My friends and family seem to love receiving them as much as I love giving them.
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 07:10 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Gift certificates are not tacky. However, they are in personal. For someone that you know well, and think highly of, you should know enough about the individual to pick out a personal gift. Gift certificates do come in handy for people who complain about their gifts, people who can not be satisfied or those who are just acquaintances.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 02:13 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
In my opinion I think gift certificates are one of the best gifts out there. It allows people to buy whatever they want instead of having a million unwanted gifts just lying around the house and never getting any use. And usually if the person that got the gift doesn't like it, usually no one else will want to buy it off of the person's garage or yard sale, so they'll be stuck with it forever until and unless they either donate it to a thrift shop or a friend or family member. So as long as you get the gift card or certificate for a store that your friend or family member frequents a lot or a store that they would really like to spend more time at but don't have the funds then gift cards are the best route to go to give a gift they will surely appreciate and sincerely thank you for.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 05:05 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I think bath gel kits are the most impersonal of gifts -- they just scream "I couldn't be bothered."
Gift certificates are very appropriate for people who travel home for the holidays because there is less to carry back. I also prefer to give them to my 15-21-year-old nieces & nephew. Because they can get something they definitely want. Actually, for any age they're just a good idea.
Helpful Answer?
Gift certificates are very appropriate for people who travel home for the holidays because there is less to carry back. I also prefer to give them to my 15-21-year-old nieces & nephew. Because they can get something they definitely want. Actually, for any age they're just a good idea.
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 24, 2009 07:41 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
They're kind of tacky.
They say, "Meh, I didn't have a good personal inspiration for you and maybe don't know you as well as I should, but I still want you to enjoy yourself".
A step above cash.
Two steps above a crappy gift (ooh, a bathroom scale!).
Three steps below a thoughtful gift.
I go the gift card route only if the following circumstances occur:
A.) The gift receiver specifically asked for them
B.) I really DON'T know the person as well as I should, and I can't hide it (better than a pair of gloves and a scarf!).
C.) The recipient has fallen on really hard/stressful times, and I DO know that what they need is a night out/a home improvement gift card/new work clothes, etc.
D.) It's a group gift
So yes, you kind of risk falling in the tacky pool, but it really depends based on the circumstances. Think of the person you're buying for, and maybe take this as an opportunity to learn more about them and find out what kinds of things they really like (besides money).
Helpful Answer?
They say, "Meh, I didn't have a good personal inspiration for you and maybe don't know you as well as I should, but I still want you to enjoy yourself".
A step above cash.
Two steps above a crappy gift (ooh, a bathroom scale!).
Three steps below a thoughtful gift.
I go the gift card route only if the following circumstances occur:
A.) The gift receiver specifically asked for them
B.) I really DON'T know the person as well as I should, and I can't hide it (better than a pair of gloves and a scarf!).
C.) The recipient has fallen on really hard/stressful times, and I DO know that what they need is a night out/a home improvement gift card/new work clothes, etc.
D.) It's a group gift
So yes, you kind of risk falling in the tacky pool, but it really depends based on the circumstances. Think of the person you're buying for, and maybe take this as an opportunity to learn more about them and find out what kinds of things they really like (besides money).
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 25, 2009 07:33 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I think they are thoughtless unless it is for a store you know the gift recipient favors. For example, a runner would like a gift certificate to Nike, a crafty person would like a gift certificate to Michaels, and ect. Just to give random restaurant and department store cards show no care. People love them if they can use them for things they would seek out anyway for themselves. Nascar fan=website gift store card, avid reader=barnes + noble card, you get the idea.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 25, 2009 10:08 AM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
If you know the person well enough to know that he or she would NOT otherwise spend money on themselves (because they simply cannot afford to splurge) for something they really love I believe a gift card is truly appreciated. Are you going to 'give' them money? THAT would be tacky and probably offensive.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 25, 2009 06:06 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
I personally have boycotted "holiday-specific gift-giving". Gift certificates are part of the reason - too many people believe they must give "something" because it's "enter-your-specific-holiday-here". Do I get incredulous looks and nasty remarks at work because I won't participate in the "contribute to the boss's gift fund". Yes. My answer? "I don't buy holiday gifts for the people I love - why would I buy them for someone I work with and don't socialize with outside of work?"
That said - I do believe there are certain circumstances in which gift certificates are appropriate. My personal favorite is for business travelers - those who may be home every weekend or even less. Extended time away from home can become very boring.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1250207/christmas_gift_cards_for_travelers.html?cat=46
I believe in grocery or gas gift cards for those who are going through a rough patch.
When my kids were teens we went through a stretch where I could never satisfy their gift requests. For a few years, I went to the mall, spent X dollars on various gift cards. Then, we went shopping the day after Christmas. I sat at the bar while they learned that a $50 gift card to Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't buy much.
I'm a firm believer that gift-giving should be a "want-to" not a "have-to". If more people gave gifts only to those they really wanted to it would be much easier to put time and thought into a gift that doesn't seem like a cop-out.
Helpful Answer?
That said - I do believe there are certain circumstances in which gift certificates are appropriate. My personal favorite is for business travelers - those who may be home every weekend or even less. Extended time away from home can become very boring.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1250207/christmas_gift_cards_for_travelers.html?cat=46
I believe in grocery or gas gift cards for those who are going through a rough patch.
When my kids were teens we went through a stretch where I could never satisfy their gift requests. For a few years, I went to the mall, spent X dollars on various gift cards. Then, we went shopping the day after Christmas. I sat at the bar while they learned that a $50 gift card to Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't buy much.
I'm a firm believer that gift-giving should be a "want-to" not a "have-to". If more people gave gifts only to those they really wanted to it would be much easier to put time and thought into a gift that doesn't seem like a cop-out.
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
October 25, 2009 09:47 PM
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
In my opinion, they are not only acceptable but preferred! Getting reasonably priced gifts that people want is next to impossible anyway. If someone ever wants something that's only a few dollars, they will likely purchase it right away on their own. Gift cards are great because the recipient can pool them to get a larger item they might not normally feel comfortable spending the money on.
Helpful Answer?
(0)
(0)
Permalink |
Report
Reply
Answer this Question
View All Money QuestionsAsk a Conundrum
Please visit these retailers to purchase Conundrum or find the wine at these fine restaurants:
-
1991 St Helena Hwy
-
699 St Helena Hwy
-
1115 Main St
-
1321 Main St
-
@ninasfeet @davidcook i see you a cakebread and raise you a caymus http://bit.ly/aA5O9s
10 a.m. March 19th, 2010 -
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ... http://bit.ly/cP95OV
8:43 a.m. March 19th, 2010 -
Dinner @ Bandera with an '07 bottle of Caymus w/my baybay xxx
11:27 p.m. March 18th, 2010 -
RT @ToriMarriner: We have a few spots left for Caymus Duckhorn dinner the 24th- To salivate over the menu : www.victoriagastropub.com
10:54 a.m. March 18th, 2010 -
We have a few spots left for Caymus Duckhorn dinner the 24th- To salivate over the menu : www.victoriagastropub.com
9:41 a.m. March 18th, 2010