Gift cards are popular in gift giving, but do you ever feel like your giftgiver took the easy way out?

Sometimes it feels about as personal as flowers ordered by your husbands secretary...lol.

Gift cards are popular in gift giving, but do you ever feel like your giftgiver took the easy way out?
Yes, gift cards require no thought process. I would rather someone buy me something and hate it, at least they tried to give me something from the heart, not their pocket.
Reply:It is an easy way out, but it's also the smarter, preferred way out! I would much rather get to go buy something I really wanted and feel like it's almost free!
Reply:I prefer gift cards. Especially when it comes to the baby. People by her some stuff to open, but when it comes to the cards I can get stuff that I know fits. Then I always take a picture of her with what I bought with the card. That way the person who sent/gave the card knows what I bought.
Reply:not really because the way i see it is...they are hard to buy for, but love to pick out things on their own. a giftcard gives them the wonderful opportunity to buy something they want, or even use it to buy a gift for someone else. i prefer giftcards myself!
Reply:no, i have asked for gift cards before to certain stores. i like to shop but i'm broke, so then i get to shop without spending money.
Reply:No. I much prefer gift cards rather that useless things I don't want or need and clothes that don't fit.



Not all people want or need the things you think they want or need. I would rather not get a gift because it is a holiday. I like gifts when someones sees something and they think of me so they buy it and give it to me.
Reply:Yes and then you know how much they spent. They can be good but boring.
Reply:you know, I almost knew when I clicked on this question it was asked by a woman/girl. The details proved! Too funny.



I am a guy, but no, I don't think its the easy way out. I prefer it actually.



but then again, most guys dont really care about the thought behind gifts....we're obtuse in that sense.
Reply:Only if my hubby does it, and he KNOWS BETTER than to ever do that!
Reply:Never! Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. They're the perfect size, color and style every time. No more pretending to like something just because someone spent 3 months trying to figure out the perfect gift.



The fact that they give a gift is awesome in itself, but knowing that I'll get something I LIKE with it...priceless.



:) JMHO
Reply:yeah because i mean i can understand because when people get me a gift they have to ask me what want or they will get something i wont like so for some people yes but for others no..
Reply:Yeah I totally consider it a cop-out. I mean, it's good if you don't know a person well. (just get them a g/c to the mall or something) but when you actually know what a person is like, and you have an actual relationship, it shouldn't be that hard to pick up something for them or even ask what they might want. ??
Reply:I don't mind receiving gift cards. That way I can get what I want. I would rather get a gift card than have someone take time out to pick out something that I don't want or like.
Reply:I admit it's the easy way out,but,if your not sure what the recipient would like,then it's of benefit to both parties.

Has to be better than buying someone a useless or unwanted gift
Reply:I agree with you...to me the best part about getting a gift is opening it. i don't care what it is...it could be a pile if dog crap i want to be suprised!!! with a gift card i don't have anything to look forward to.
Reply:No, I don't think so. It's a heck of a lot better than standing in line to exchange something. With a gift card you can get what you want or need instead of the giver taking a chance on you not liking, wanting, or needing their gift. I prefer gift cards (or cash). I don't feel they're impersonal, but practical. The giver is guarenteed that you'll be happy.
Reply:I see both sides of it. First, a lot of people aren't happy with gifts, no matter what you give them. You spend all day trying to find the right something only to have them return it the minute your back's turned. Gift cards are an easy way out, but I think still thoughtful; the alternative would be not giving anything at all and that would create the real problem! People should just learn to be grateful for what they get...
Reply:no because a gift card u can get what u want and they dont give u the reciept to exchange it if it not the right size or what u want...i wouldnt say easy way but smart way
Reply:sometimes but sometimes it nice to be able to get something you want instead of being suck with something you didnt want