More than you want to know about gift cards

Re:More than you want to know about gift cards by pdabbadabba on Monday December 13, 2021 @04:44PM (#29545075)

Cash in a nice card can certainly be as good or better than a gift card. It's not necessarily a faux-pas. But it really depends on the situation. In some cases a gift card can be better if it is clear that the giver put some thought into the selection of the card (i.e., where it can be redeemed). There is something about the fact that the funds on a gift card can only be used in a restricted way that encourages the recipient to use it on something special. When I get cash, by contrast, I usually just put it in my bank account. I appreciate getting it, but its a different experience from a well selected gift card. (This can be at least partially addressed by including a note with the cash with some ideas on how to spend it.)

Note, however, that I'm assuming that the gift card is well selected. In practice, I find that this is usually not the case--probably because the giver was simply looking for an alternative to giving cash. Under these circumstances I agree that cash is actually better. There are few gifts worse than a gift card to a restaurant you don't like, for products you aren't interested in, or to a totally generic store.

I think the gold standard remains a thoughtful, nonmonetary gift. But that's often just not realistic.

Edit: A sibling comment points out that this is all cultural. And they're exactly right. So I suppose I should specify that I'm a Christmas-celebrating American. YMMV for gift-giving holidays and rituals from other traditions.

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Re:More than you want to know about gift cards by skinnymuch on Monday December 13, 2021 @07:16PM (#29546539)

The last two times, I’ve included a short url that redirects to a notion page personalized for the person. As in it includes the nickname or something. The page includes instructions on how to add the gift card to the store’s app and/or site (with an account). All relevant links included to make it as easy as possible.

I also looked up apps that can be gift card aggregators and will include that next time too.

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I did a similar thing when I gifted Alexa Echo Show devices (the ones with a screen). These instructions included how to use a separate Amazon account so the device won’t get your contacts etc, if the person wants that privacy. Along with two 3 minute videos setting up the device and going over a few basic aspects of it. This would be a ton of work for one gift. I have now done this gift 5x and primarily to average technical people.

Basically what I’m saying is. Gift giving is hard. It makes me super anxious and stressed. I think I’ve found my own niche/trick of including personalized instructions and information. I’ve never tried this on an equally techy person though!

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Re:More than you want to know about gift cards by bze12 on Tuesday December 14, 2021 @12:47AM (#29548660)

Hey, I started an app that’s centered around birthday gifts (https://hbd.cool). You can send gift cards and digital greetings kind of like you describe, it’s a fun way to personalize what’s usually a boring gift (as other commenters have mentioned). Would love to get your feedback on it!

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Re:More than you want to know about gift cards by skinnymuch on Wednesday December 22, 2021 @05:26AM (#29647535)

Hey sorry I didn’t see this before. I’ll be sure to give feed back soon

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