John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group discusses the pros and cons of giving gift cards.

As December days melt away and shopping days drop to the single digits there is no doubt the allure of the gift card is strong.  According to a recent article in the Courier News many people are as happy to receive gift cards as they are to give them.

 

• Last year, 74.3% of respondents surveyed told a National Retail Federation survey they planned to buy at least one gift card, up from 69.9% the year before.

• Half of respondents (50.1%) said they would like to receive a gift card, up from 41.3% two years earlier.

• The younger you are, the more likely you are to be delighted by a gift card: 82% of Americans under 44 said they appreciated receiving gift cards, according to a national survey by Coinstar, purveyor of coin-counting machines and gift cards.

 

To some on the receiving gift card the sentiment shouts “I thought about a gift for you at the last possible minute, while waiting on line at the grocery store… hope you like it”.  Some people are perfectly insulted when presented with one.   I know people who flat out refuse to give them under any circumstances, fearing just that sort of reaction.  Many people just feel that a gift card is a cop out, an admission that you just couldn’t be bothered to think of anything else. 

 

Personally, I see gift cards as a free pass to do some guilt free shopping.  An opportunity to take advantage of after the holiday sales with out the worry of wracking up even more credit card bills, or the opportunity to indulge in a sweet treat that I wouldn’t normally allow myself.  They can also show a lot of thought and consideration if they are carefully selected.  If you know of someone’s favorite restaurant, or spa, or a specialty boutique that they have always wanted to shop in.  You could get a guy who loves his car a gift card to have it detailed, or an expecting mother a chance to have a pedicure, since she may no longer be able to reach her toes. 

 

So the thought does count when it comes to giving gift cards.  Know the recipient well enough to know if a gift card will be considered an opportunity for indulgence or a personal affront.  If you take the time to select a gift card that truly fits the personality of the recipient you can make the gift card personal.

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