Gift Cards for Christmas?

[Blaise]

This has been a hot debate at my office this past week... Thought I would throw it here and see how some of you feel...

Is gift cards an acceptable Christmas gift for family members? One problem is if I hand my brother a 100 dollar gift card to home depot and he gave me one for Cheesecake factory, all we really did is just exchange 100 dollar bills..

However, I also see the point that if my brother is saving up to redo his basement, I may not want to spend 500 to get a nice bar fridge he wants, but by me giving him that gift card, I am helping him afford it...

Some people in my office are really fired up and anti gift cards, others say its ok if its buying them "an experience" like gift card to a movie theater or nice restaurant, others say gift cards should only be given to people you don't really want to spend time shopping for..

What are you guys thoughts?

 

[gkIrish]

This has been a hot debate at my office this past week... Thought I would throw it here and see how some of you feel...

Is gift cards an acceptable Christmas gift for family members? One problem is if I hand my brother a 100 dollar gift card to home depot and he gave me one for Cheesecake factory, all we really did is just exchange 100 dollar bills..

However, I also see the point that if my brother is saving up to redo his basement, I may not want to spend 500 to get a nice bar fridge he wants, but by me giving him that gift card, I am helping him afford it...

Some people in my office are really fired up and anti gift cards, others say its ok if its buying them "an experience" like gift card to a movie theater or nice restaurant, others say gift cards should only be given to people you don't really want to spend time shopping for..

What are you guys thoughts?

I think the key is getting a gift card with something specific in mind like you said. I think just getting a Visa Gift card is a bit lazy but if you know someone loves the local steakhouse, getting them a gift card there is perfectly okay. Make sure to mention why you got that specific gift card in your Christmas card to that person.

I personally avoid gift cards unless I don't care if the person knows how much I spent. I have 4 younger family members that I purposely get gift cards so that I spend the same on each kid. I also got my secretary a gift card because we are advised to spend X amount.

 

[woolybug25]

Like you mentioned, the only time I give a gift card is for "experiences". Like buying my wife a gift card to a spa, etc. Otherwise, it's a completely thoughtless gift, imo.

Using your example of building the bar. Sure, you can't buy the fridge for him. Understandable. But you can't ask him what tools he needs? Is he going to make the bartop and needs the epoxy? Does he need barstools?

Gift cards are an easy way out and not really in the spirit of giving. They are buying off the responsibility of actually finding a gift.

 

[irishnd31]

On a side note, I think any gift from Bed, Bath, and Beyond lacks effort and is thoughtless. An "easy out" gift. You see a lot of this between co-workers.. Don't know what to get Cheryl in fiscal? Here's some orange blossom hand cream. Merry Chirstmas.

 

[gkIrish]

Like you mentioned, the only time I give a gift card is for "experiences". Like buying my wife a gift card to a spa, etc. Otherwise, it's a completely thoughtless gift, imo.

Using your example of building the bar. Sure, you can't buy the fridge for him. Understandable. But you can't ask him what tools he needs? Is he going to make the bartop and needs the epoxy? Does he need barstools?

Gift cards are an easy way out and not really in the spirit of giving. They are buying off the responsibility of actually finding a gift.

I am not a fan of asking people what they want, though. I think there is something to be said about surprising someone. If you don't know enough about the person or the situation they need help with such as this fridge, then get them something else if you don't want to do a gift card.

I think a gift card to home depot along with a Christmas card saying "I know you are redoing your basement so here's something to help with the process. Can't wait to share a beer with you down there." is perfectly fine.

 

[wizards8507]

On a side note, I think any gift from Bed, Bath, and Beyond lacks effort and is thoughtless. An "easy out" gift. You see a lot of this between co-workers.. Don't know what to get Cheryl in fiscal? Here's some orange blossom hand cream. Merry Chirstmas.

I think you're confusing "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" with "Bath and Body Works."

Standard New England office gift: Yankee Candle large jar and a pound of Dunkin'.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I am not a fan of asking people what they want, though. I think there is something to be said about surprising someone. If you don't know enough about the person or the situation they need help with such as this fridge, then get them something else if you don't want to do a gift card.

I think a gift card to home depot along with a Christmas card saying "I know you are redoing your basement so here's something to help with the process. Can't wait to share a beer with you down there." is perfectly fine.

If I don't know the person well enough to buy them an actual gift, then I don't exchange gifts with them. I love getting gifts for my family and close friends, but I think that people make Christmas too much about giving gifts.

That's why whenever anybody brings up Santa Claus, I loudly remind them that his name is Satan Claus and then shit on their floor. /rant

 

[military_irish]

If I don't know the person well, it's an office gift exchange, and all they ask for is a gift card. I don't mind buying a gift card but I don't just hand them an envelope. I build a box, normally less than $10 dollars in material. They are normally a big hit just because it's different.

What they normally consist of is the box will be wrapped like a gift, the insides I put different wrapping paper on the "walls" and "floor", then I put battery operated Christmas lights inside ($2.50 value), then I put a miniture stuffed animal ($1 value) holding a small gift, which on the inside is the gift card. It may seem like that's too much to do but I've done a few so now I can easily complete one just watching tv at night. They are simple but the reaction is as if I just bought the greatest gift.

I've done two variations. One I have them hit a switch on the outside of the box then when they open it the lights will be on, or the other one I take more time and wire the battery pack and lights so that when the box is open then the lights turn on. More of surprise that way but that one does take way more time. So I don't do that often.

 

[irishnd31]

I think you're confusing "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" with "Bath and Body Works."

Standard New England office gift: Yankee Candle large jar and a pound of Dunkin'.

I have confused it and thank you. Bath and Body Works. Just goes to show how thoughtful I am. I don't shop at either. LOL.

 

[woolybug25]

If I don't know the person well, it's an office gift exchange, and all they ask for is a gift card. I don't mind buying a gift card but I don't just hand them an envelope. I build a box, normally less than $10 dollars in material. They are normally a big hit just because it's different.

What they normally consist of is the box will be wrapped like a gift, the insides I put different wrapping paper on the "walls" and "floor", then I put battery operated Christmas lights inside ($2.50 value), then I put a miniture stuffed animal ($1 value) holding a small gift, which on the inside is the gift card. It may seem like that's too much to do but I've done a few so now I can easily complete one just watching tv at night. They are simple but the reaction is as if I just bought the greatest gift.

I've done two variations. One I have them hit a switch on the outside of the box then when they open it the lights will be on, or the other one I take more time and wire the battery pack and lights so that when the box is open then the lights turn on. More of surprise that way but that one does take way more time. So I don't do that often.

 

[Rack Em]

I'd rather get a gift card because then I don't have to worry about someone buying me something I don't want/need and feeling obligated to keep it around and show them.

 

[military_irish]

That's hilarious and a good idea. I know the song, just didn't think of adding to what I do. Someone's getting a surprise this Christmas lmao.

I tried to rep but I need to spread it around.

 

[Blaise]

I'd rather get a gift card because then I don't have to worry about someone buying me something I don't want/need and feeling obligated to keep it around and show them.

So you really don't have a problem when someone close to you is like here is a gift card to starbucks or taco bell?

 

[GATTACA!]

I think gift cards are okay if you know the card will he used on some sort of luxury that the recipient normally wouldn't splurge on themselves. Gift cards for spa days or massages are good for chick's. Another acceptable one would be movie tickets or gift cards to a nice restaurant for parents, especially those with young kids. You're basically buying them a date night that they might not normally have extra cash to do.

The other instance I think gift cards are okay for is if you know a specific unique store or restaurant that the person really likes. I used to love this one small mom and pop bookstore I would buy all my DVDs from. (it went out of business recently ) When people would get me gift cards to that store I would consider it a thoughtful gift. They knew me well enough to know that I loved this little obscure book store. It's definitely different than just a general visa gift card or even an amazon card. Those to me say that you don't really know the person.

 

[Rack Em]

So you really don't have a problem when someone close to you is like here is a gift card to starbucks or taco bell?

Good point. That's very generic. If it's a gift card, it should be to someplace that the recipient enjoys or would likely enjoy.

For example, a gift card to go deep sea fishing is something I'd enjoy. It's unique and it's thoughtful.

For Wooly, a gift card to the gay bath house is something he'd enjoy. It's unique and it's thoughtful.

 

[gkIrish]

I think gift cards are okay if you know the card will he used on some sort of luxury that the recipient normally wouldn't splurge on themselves. Gift cards for spa days or massages are good for chick's. Another acceptable one would be movie tickets or gift cards to a nice restaurant for parents, especially those with young kids. You're basically buying them a date night that they might not normally have extra cash to do.

The other instance I think gift cards are okay for is if you know a specific unique store or restaurant that the person really likes. I used to love this one small mom and pop bookstore I would buy all my DVDs from. (it went out of business recently ) When people would get me gift cards to that store I would consider it a thoughtful gift. They knew me well enough to know that I loved this little obscure book store. It's definitely different than just a general visa gift card or even an amazon card. Those to me say that you don't really know the person.

Yeah I think if you actually have to drive to the store to buy the gift card (i.e. the mom and pop shop or a local nice restaurant) shows that you aren't being lazy. If you can get the gift card at Walgreens then I think you should go in another direction.

However, there is this guy that works on my floor that will often brew decent coffee instead of the prison crap they give us and he offers it up to anyone. So I recently bought him a $10 card to Kroger and said it was just a thank you for all the coffee he brews and wanted the next few to be on me. I think he was really surprised that someone took the time to even think about getting him something so in situations like that I again think a gift card is appropriate.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

For Wooly, a gift card to the gay bath house is something he'd enjoy. It's unique and it's thoughtful.

Very nice.

 

[woolybug25]

Good point. That's very generic. If it's a gift card, it should be to someplace that the recipient enjoys or would likely enjoy.

For example, a gift card to go deep sea fishing is something I'd enjoy. It's unique and it's thoughtful.

For Wooly, a gift card to the gay bath house is something he'd enjoy. It's unique and it's thoughtful.

 

[Irish#1]

I don't mind getting gift cards, but my preference is not to give them unless it is something they ask for. It's kind of tough to buy for our 17 year old Granddaughter, but a gas gift works for her. She doesn't work (volleyball) so she's usually strapped for cash when it comes time for her to put some petro in the tank. ndpa when she fills up.Then she thinks of grandma and grandpa when she fills up.

 

[Wild Bill]

Gifts and gift cards both work.

Bought my brother a Milwaukee power tool set b/c I want the free radio and I intend to use the hammer drill in the future.

Bought my old lady a nice tv for the living room.

Bought my secretary a Lululemon gift card b/c she loves wearing spandex on casual Friday.

The key to gifting is spending more than you'd anticipate but making sure the the gift is mutually beneficial. You can't put a price tag on their happiness or a quality picture and butt cheek Friday.

 

[woolybug25]

Bought my secretary a Lululemon gift card b/c she loves wearing spandex on casual Friday.

 

[NDPhilly]

As someone who was a "kid" when gift cards became popular, nothing was worse than seeing your extended family walk in on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with just a card in their hand and not a wrapped box. Better to ask their parents what they actually want than just get a gift card that they have to fake being happy about.

 

[wizards8507]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kOPHkWcbSho" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Irish#1]

Gifts and gift cards both work.

Bought my brother a Milwaukee power tool set b/c I want the free radio and I intend to use the hammer drill in the future.

Bought my old lady a nice tv for the living room.

Bought my secretary a Lululemon gift card b/c she loves wearing spandex on casual Friday.

The key to gifting is spending more than you'd anticipate but making sure the the gift is mutually beneficial. You can't put a price tag on their happiness or a quality picture and butt cheek Friday.

I call bullshit. Those are really for you.

 

[phgreek]

I am not a fan of asking people what they want, though. I think there is something to be said about surprising someone. If you don't know enough about the person or the situation they need help with such as this fridge, then get them something else if you don't want to do a gift card.

I think a gift card to home depot along with a Christmas card saying "I know you are redoing your basement so here's something to help with the process. Can't wait to share a beer with you down there." is perfectly fine.

Absolutely.... In this scenario, its nice to have a hundo to deal with the invariable, oh shits that come up on a project.

I love gift cards to Cabelas, Home Depot, Amazon because I seriously could not tell you what I want, and I don't need anything...but I do know something will come up that has me ready to spend money at one of those places. So I love the flexibility, and by getting me cards from those places...I know thought went into it...because the person obviously knows me....

If you get everyone on your list a generic gift card...yea that might be a little mechanical...

 

[Blaise]

I call bullshit. Those are really for you.

Thinking the same thing but Game recognizes Game

 

[Irish#1]

Speaking of Xmas parties. True story. Son in law used to work for Simon Properties. They own most of the malls around the country and the Pacers. He still talks to his old boss all the time.

Simon had their Xmas party last Saturday. His old boss is talking to the secretary of the soon to be CFO. Out of nowhere the soon to be CFO comes up and attacks him. Evidently the soon to be CFO was drunk and thinks his secretary is his property.

Don't have any word yet, but both were to meet with one of the Simon's Monday. I'm guessing the soon to be CFO is no longer the soon to be CFO and my son in laws friend probably has a promotion in his future. Maybe even a nice Xmas bonus.