This holiday season, don't buy gift cards.

[the redcoat]

Actually, every holiday season, don't buy gift cards.


First is the obvious reason. The amount of people who get excited when they receive a gift card is disproportionately low to the amount of people that actually receive gift cards. If you know that someone gave you a gift card because it was a quick/easy gift, why wouldn't those people receiving them from you feel the same way?

And now, the more important reasons. Gift cards are a benefit to corporations, not consumers:
-They receive money without having to give anything away. They can invest that money and essentially "earn" more than the price you paid before even supplying a product.
-Most people who use gift cards spend more than is on the card to deplete it. It's a sneaky, but obvious, truth that companies are very aware of. Very rarely does something cost a neat increment like $25 or $50.
-5-10% of gift cards go unused. This literally translates to billions in free money for corporations.

Gift cards are the new "bottled water." A useless product that we are made to believe is valuable, while it actually has less value than it's counterpart. Money is infinitely more powerful than a gift card. Stop being fooled by this legal scam. If you want a product, buy the actual product.



Edit: I understand people's comments that they have enough "things" and therefore wouldn't be opposed to the gift card. But my question is then: why do you prefer the card over money? Granted, there are an infinite number of situations, and I couldn't hope to know them all...but it seems very hard to justify what is essentially restricted money.

[Blecht]

1. Good advice - NT

[alphafemale]

2. And...especially don't buy gift cards in parking lots. nt

[polichick]

3. I disagree, to an extent. There are some retired fixed-income people I know...

...who love to receive gift cards for their favorite restaurants - they don't need more things, but really enjoying eating out occasionally.

[PBS Poll-435]

8. And sadly, sometimes a food gift card is the only way that you can ensure that people will eat. nt

[pipi_k]

14. Absolutely!

Last year my daughter gave Mr P and me two gift cards for our favorite Chinese restaurant.

It was great...

I can usually squeeze three meals out of my leftovers.


:)

[Individualist]

20. I'm retired and love getting gift cards that I can use at a grocery store.

[blondeatlast]

21. Exactly--a thoughtful gift is one you know the recipient will truly enjoy and that might be a luxury

for the recipient.

[2Design]

4. give me a check then the money will be used

gift cards are so tricky - the person is telling me I have to shop at specific store

[xor]

50. Unless it's one of those pre-paid visa/mastercard/etc giftcards

Those aren't bad, except for the fact there is still the issue with some of it not being used because prices are rarely exactly in nice dollar increments.

[PBS Poll-435]

5. I'll take an iTunes gift card any day of the year

It's f*cking golden! - Rod Blagojevich

[hlthe2b]

9. One can get discounted Itune discards at Costco....

and Safeway currently has a coupon for $15 towards future store purchase when you buy $60 worth of Itunes. That can be a good deal.

[hlthe2b]

36. Above... meant discounted ITunes CARDS (obviously)...

oops

[handmade34]

6. "Gift cards are the new bottled water"

"useless made to believe valuable" marketing is powerful stuff..

Thanks for the post! :toast:

[LWolf]

7. I get extremely excited when someone gives me a B&N or Powell's gift card.

And yes, I overspend. I always overspend on books, gift card or not.

A gift card to someplace that I wouldn't shop anyway? Not so useful. But then, people who give me gifts know enough about me to know that they won't find me in the mall.

[Pathwalker]

10. Barnes & Noble gift cards are always welcome at my house, too.

Besides, I hate being told what to do. I give gift cards to my son and his family for their birthdays, but they're from my credit union and are usable at any store, anywhere. They say they love them. MY DIL bought a LCD picture frame with her most recent one, using a coupon, plus clearance pricing.

[pipi_k]

18. Barnes & Noble...yep!!!

Last year one of my stepdaughters gave me a gift card for B & N.

I was soooo excited! I got a really cool Nature DVD set :)

[LWolf]

41. While I can spend a gift card online, and sometimes do,

if I'm going to be heading south anyway (the closest B&N is about 17 miles south of me,) part of the pleasure is being able to wander the store for a couple of hours, investigating everything available, curling up in a chair with coffee and a good book...

The same can be said of Powell's of course, except I never have enough time there. I need the whole day to explore Powell's thoroughly, and since trips to Portland always have some other purpose, I've always got other people waiting for me, scheduling my time.

I've been thinking about a Nook; I could take so many books with me! Except the Nook is costly, and the ebooks seem too pricey, as well, considering that no paper, ink, binding, or transport is involved.

[blondeatlast]

45. Powell's is my heaven. I even get everything online at Powell's and if

I'm in Seattle or Portland, absolutely my first leisure stop.

[LWolf]

55. I can't be in Portland without a trip to Powell's.

Someday I'll have all the time I need there. My last trip, last summer, was frustrating. I was dropping my mom & grandson off at the theater for a play, and would have 3 hours at Powell's, which is not too far. I dropped them off and headed down the street...and ran into a roadblock. If I could have found parking at that point, I would have parked and walked the rest of the way, but there was none to be had. It took me 45 minutes to find a way around the roadblock, get parked, and get into the store. I had request lists from 4 different family members. I took care of their requests, and saw that I had an hour left if I was going to be back in time to pick them up. An hour. I started on my list; gifts for a couple of people and some books for my classroom. I got done with those, and had about 20 minutes left to browse for myself. 20 minutes. I ended up with nothing for myself, and a cartload full of stuff for everybody else.

I could spend all day there and not be done.

I could have saved time with public transportation, but I didn't think I could haul all those books...they were heavy. Three Powell's tote bags full. ;)

[Hugabear]

66. I can't set foot inside a B&N without wanting to vomit

Everytime I've ever gone in one, there's always some right-wing books on prominent display. Yes they carry a decent assortment of progressive books, but I don't think I've ever seen those displayed nearly as prominently. It's always Palin, O'Reilly, Coulter, or some other hatemonger on display. Nowadays I just buy all of my books online or from second-hand bookstores.

[LWolf]

73. I buy a lot online.

Considering that I live in a right-wing area, I've always thought the offerings were well-balanced. I don't expect a book store to leave a significant portion of the local population out of their marketing strategies.

Then again, I'm not usually looking at displays. I rummage through all the discounted books, and then head to the sections that contain the books I'm looking for. One reason that I spend more time shopping on line is that there's a wider selection than in any store; I can get exactly what I'm looking for, instead of what happens to be on the shelves.

Still, hours spent in a book store are always positive for me.

[JNelson6563]

76. Not to mention, how about local bookstores?

I realize they are disappearing but they are still out there. I've got one in my very small city and I try to buy my books there. I hate the B&N here, full of right wing schlock.

Julie

[pipi_k]

11. I must be about the only person in the US...

who would actually prefer to get a gift card than a gift I can't use.


I don't know about other people my age, but there comes a time when you've got all the coffee cups and knicknacks and other dust collectors you're ever going to want. In fact, I've been having to give a lot of it away because we just don't have the room here, and I can't get around to dust stuff like I used to.

My DIL, bless her, was forever buying me clothing that was too small, even though I would make a point of mentioning in her presence that the bigger the item of clothing, the better. I can't stand wearing tight sweaters, and my legs are VERY long, which means that cute little jogging suits or whatever are way too short. I can't even count how many items I had to give away.

When people ask what do I want and I tell them, I dunno...they must think I'm joking or something...

This year it was the same...DIL asks my daughter what do I and Mr P want. Me...I would love my DIL's cousin's recipe for her yummy fish casserole (which I've been requesting for the past 8 years). That would make me happy. But people just don't listen, I guess.

Anyway, instead of a gift I can't use, I'd rather get the card and get what I really can use.

:shrug:


On edit...I see others chimed in with their own opinions on getting gift cards while I was writing mine. Glad to see I'm not the only one who prefers them to gifts I won't use.

[Pathwalker]

15. I feel exactly the same way. I have enough stuff. Don't need or want

anything more. I would love gift cards, but never get them. My son and DIL give us cash every Christmas, because Dec. 26th is our anniversary, and by then we're too broke to celebrate it. Love cash, too.

[Mz Pip]

19. I feel the same way.

I've got family coming from across the country and there is no way they would be able to bring back with them what I want to give them. It's something I know they want so a gift card for where they can use it towards their purchase is the way to go.

I also have a sister in law who would probably take a check, cash it, then head off to the local casino. GIft card for her, too.

[WolverineDG]

29. Nope, you're not

I love 'em too. My family & friends know which cards I want (cuz I tell them). Last year, I almost got enough Netflix cards to pay for an entire year's subscription. :woohoo:

dg

[csziggy]

12. I give gift cards from locally owned businesses to people I know shop there

A local art store, local native plant nursery, local kitchen supply, to people who paint, plant or cook, for example. I'm not sure what I will give this year.

At least the families stopped expecting everybody to give to everybody. We all got burned out on the consumerism. My family decided no presents, though it does not translate to absolutely nothing. If any of us see something that is perfect for a family member, we tend to get it and give at holiday time. My sister, the thrift store, flea market and yard sale maven, always has bundles for everybody.

Hubby's family does a gift exchange - we draw names and give one gift. The children were excluded and expected lots of presents but once they got to eighteen, they went into the gift exchange.

When the kids were young (under 13) I gave them books then gave gift cards to bookstore chains as they got older and wanted to pick their own. But all the nieces and nephews are now old enough to be in the family gift exchange so I am off the hook for that. I never give toys - every child I have known for the last thirty years has more toys than they need. Books always seemed popular with the kids and their parents.

[barbtries]

13. this year i'm giving

donations to Justice for Murdered Children jfmc.org
in lieu of gifts. will still buy something for the children to hold, or wear.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

16. The only thing I hate worse than shopping is returning things. Gimme the card.

[kestrel91316]

42. +1

[veganlush]

17. uumm..disregard

that gift card for bottled water I sent you......

[Odin2005]

22. What nonsense. For me a Barnes and Nobel gift card is one of the best things to get me!

Why prefer to card over money? It's more durable than paper money and more convenient than a wad of cash, or using paypal for online purchases (I hate paypal). As for the leftover money on the card, I use it to get a frap at the cafe.

[coalition_unwilling]

23. Left unmentioned is the inescapable fact that these gift cards are, for

the most part, made out a non-biodegradable plastic and contribute to the waste epidemic.

My wife has recently taken to collecting depleted gift cards, cancelled credit and debit cards and other electronic cards made out of plastic and recyclying them into art and jewelry.

http://www.almasartasylum.com

Three of her pieces ("The Squatters," "Resist Classification" and "Wobbly Homes") use recycled credit\debit cards as one of the central materials.

[pipi_k]

32. I've been known to use stuff like this

as scrapers (for teflon pans), rulers, and some other things.


A few years back I took a bunch of those plastic grocery bags, cut them into strips, and crocheted a very sturdy bag, which I gave to my stepdaughter. She was thrilled... :)

[coalition_unwilling]

35. About the only time I will deliberately use a gift card is when I redeem

credit card points. I use those points to get either a Home Depot $50 card or a Target $50 card. Once I've used the funds on the card, it goes to my wife for recycling into her art.

Those plastic grocery bags are a true blight upon the land, aren't they? LA County (unincorporated areas) has now outlawed their use and requires shoppers to bring a green bag or buy one at the store. However, they are still in wide use within incorporated areas of LA County. Kudos to you for the creative recycling of them. You and my wife should touch base - you can email her through the contact on her site - I know she would appreciate hearing about your own activities.

[WolverineDG]

24. I love gift cards

that way I can buy stuff I want & not have to worry about opening a :wtf: present & wondering what to do with it.

iTunes cards are perfect gifts for teens, as are gift cards for movie tickets & a restaurant (date nights or hanging out at the movies with friends).

dg

[liberal N proud]

25. If you are giving a gift and have no clue what to get someone...

Gift cards make sense because the receiver can shop for themselves and select something they will actually use.

And some like shopping so gift cards are two gifts for those people.

[blondeatlast]

26. Hmmm... I love gift cards for stores and services I actually use.

I tend to get a little luxury thing or service I wouldn't avail myself of otherwise--and it shows that the giver actually put some thought into the gift.

[tuvor]

27. Gift cards are just an updated version of gift certificates, aren't they?

[PeaceNikki]

28. From a financial sense, the company can't "book the money" for the GC until it's spent.

It's not recognized as sales until redeemed. It's really a PITA for companies more than you think.

[PBS Poll-435]

37. Exactly! Debit Cash/Credit A/P Gift Cards

Really a simple accounting transaction.

Affects only the Balance Sheet, not the Income Statement.

[Catshrink]

30. Gift cards mean no shipping cost - only a stamp.

And, since I'm not with my nephews that often, how do I know what they want/need? The interests of a 9 year old change pretty quickly. They're the only ones I buy for - otherwise I bake. How's that for "Made in America?"

[Yavin4]

31. Just Give Cash

There's nothing wrong with giving cash. Most people need cash, and they can do with it what they want. They can buy something or save it.

[shimmergal]

65. The problem with giving cash is,

sometimes you know the recipient won't spend it on him- or herself. Gift cards allow guilt-free browsing and then buying something they really want, but wouldn't use money to get, because there's always too many bills to be paid etc.

[nolabear]

33. Sorry, but I love giving and getting them, and the best thing is you can give experiences.

Our sons don't make a lot of money at their jobs (both are working and studying too) and love getting movie theater gift cards, iTunes cards, tickest to shows they wouldn't be able to go to otherwise, gas cards for trips, etc. Besides, kids like choosing their own things and if you just give money it can vanish like snow in spring.

It's also nice for those who really do have trouble getting out and shopping to give them.

So, no. They're great. (And btw doing something that benefits corporations isn't bad per se)

[TreasonousBastard]

34. And such a merry fucking Christmas to you, too. Can't even give a gift card without...

someone getting all het up and political over it.

If I worried about every damn thing I did that had some negative consequences, or positive consequences for someone someone else didn't like, I'd be living in a hole in the ground I dug with own hands and eating earthworms.

But, no doubt someone would find a way for that to be a problem, too.

[Toucano]

38. Meat is Murder and your hole in the ground is contaminating the water table with your BO. n/t

[Mz Pip]

39. Think of the earthworms!

The poor earthworms!

[pipi_k]

40. Why do you hate planet Earth?

Digging holes causes erosion.

Eating earthworms upsets the natural ecological balance.



sorry...couldn't resist....

:7

[sweetapogee]

43. now we know

who to take off of our gift card giving list, those who by their own admission don't want them or anything else for that matter. Thanks for saving us some money this holiday gift giving season!

I guess that we can assume that redcoat and his fellow gift card haters will, in the rare chance that someone might screw up and give those individuals a gift card that they will have the integrity to return it to the giver with a thank you note just the same?

[Still Blue in PDX]

44. My family all love gift cards.

I do, too. Both my sons gave me B&N gift cards for my birthday and I'm anxiously awaiting the CDs I bought with them. They were aggravated that they both gave me the same thing, but I was elated.

The gift cards (gas stations and restaurants) and Uncle John's Bathroom books are what my kids seem to most enjoy.

[Monique1]

46. I'm going to give debit cards for Christmas

because honestly people's likes and dislikes change constantly. I will buy a few things for the grandchildren but gift cards for them also in the name of the parents. My son and daughter (and SO's) are believers in education - reading and learning from activities. My grandchildren have many many books, many toys so maybe if the parents want to do a membership at the zoo or museum - they can put the card toward that. I trust they will use the cards for their children. I know and trust them. If they want to buy a book shelf for their child - they can do it. I bought my grandson a butterfly kit last year where a butterfly house was included, my grandson observed the butterfly process and than was able to release the butterflies to earth at the end. That was a great learning experience. So, a card will buy that again.

Last year I would have been happy to receive a card for cooking stuff - this year not so. I want a card where I can eat where I want. I'm a senior and will eat at some places that offer senior discounts.

[pipi_k]

48. What a great idea...

the butterfly growing thing, I mean.

very cool!

:)

[cbdo2007]

47. I prefer to receive a gift card rather than a gift that someone has thought long and hard about....

and ends up just being something I've already got or that I've already decided I really didn't want.

So people don't use gift cards - and you're blaming this on the companies?!?!? ha ha ha, that's hilarious.

Missouri actually has a law, where you are forever entitled to the amount on a gift card so if a store says they will not honor it you can get the state involved and the store has to give you the money for it.

[uppityperson]

49. I like to give books, but don't know which one a recipient would like

Rather than giving them a book and letting them exchange it, I give gift cards. This limits them to books, rather than money that can be used for things like french fries, or paying bills. Fries and bills are good uses for money, but if I'm giving them a gift of a book, then that is what they get.

People I give cards to exchange them for books, though I know there is a lot of them that never get turned in.

They aren't useless, it just depends on how you use them.

[Monique1]

51. If you really insist on gifts

go to the Discovery store, National Geographic or Kaplan's Education store or if you want goggle butterfly kits. Last year my adult children and children all received educational items. Great DVD's at Discovery and National Geographic. They also received a globe that lights up. There are books and other for children (educational) at Scholastic and books at the NAEYC site.

My daughter's SO father was here for Christmas last year and he was so excited that every gift given to the family was all educational.

[uppityperson]

52. Those are good ideas and I have used them in the past

[Monique1]

53. Anyone interested

here is the site for the butterflies http://www.butterfly-gifts.com/live-butterfly-kits.html

There are other sites - this is the one I used.

[Monique1]

54. Sorry to everyone

I do get excited when it comes to giving educational gifts both to adults and children.

[Evoman]

56. I love gift cards....even more than money. Why?

Because when I get money, I'm compelled to save it or spend it on something I NEED. Whereas if I get a gift card, I don't have to feel guilty when I spend it on something I want rather than need. A gift card to an instrument, music, or book store? Lovely.

[WestSeattle2]

59. I do the same! I save cash - gift cards are a green light to spend

on something I would normally not buy for myself.

[blondeatlast]

69. Yup, a littlr luxury, I don't mind them at all. nt

[Dorian Gray]

74. I agree

We told my MIL to buy us gift cards. Why? Because she usually gets us tons-o-crap from QVC or HSN that I never wear. Minnie Mouse watch, Leopard Print Winter Coat, Homer Simpson Car Seat Covers, etc. I'd much prefer a gift card to Macys or Barnes and Noble or even Applebees. Plus, we have a new baby, so we don't want to carry tons-o-crap home with us this year. A nice little gift card that we can spend at our convenience for fun is perfect!

[Stevenmarc]

57. Yawn.

[KansasVoter]

58. -1 and 100% disagree. Love gift cards!

[babsbunny]

60. I love gift cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring it

[SoCalDem]

61. With one exception..

I often gave my grown sons gift cards for GROCERY STORES. I knew that once they moved out on their own, they would still need to eat, and a little help with grocery money never hurt anyone:)

These were not the only "gift", but they always appreciated having a $100 gift card tucked away in their wallet when they needed to go to the store:)

[obxhead]

62. Rec, I always prefer green cash over shiny plastic when gifted

money.

[Iggo]

63. I'd rather someone give me a gift card I can use than a gift I can't use

[Warren DeMontague]

64. This year, I'm giving porn.

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

[Skittles]

67. SCHEDULING WARREN FOR ASS KICKING

*EGREGIOUS*

[Warren DeMontague]

70. Oh, come on.

You laughed.

[Skittles]

71. !!!!

OF COURSE I LAUGHED, BUT IT IS STILL *EGREGIOUS* :D

[Warren DeMontague]

72. Just let me know when that ass kicking is scheduled for.

Thursday might be good, the rest of the week not so much.

[Jokerman]

75. I use gift cards to buy my own porn.

I'm kinda picky about my porn. One size definitely does not fit all.

:evilgrin:

[mysticalchick]

68. This year I'm giving experiences!

Groupon had two great offers recently and I snagged both for the husband who hates more stuff: a one day flying lesson where you get to be in control of the flight at the end of the day (with a pilot, of course) half price for $75 and 5 laps around the track with a NASCAR driver (half price at $30) - I know he'd rather have those two fun times than one more pair of underwear or some mug. (I bought his best friend a NASCAR gift cert too so they can go together.)

I love stuff like that because he wouldn't think to get it himself but I know it's something he'll enjoy. I can't wait to give it to him! heh

PS: FTR, I love love love getting gift cards but hate giving them. It always feels like saying "Hi, I couldn't be bothered to get you something else." but I know that's not how it's received.