What is the logic behind gift cards?

I understand them for presents, because it seems more thought out and impersonal than just giving a person cash for a present. It makes it easier if you dont know what to buy someone but you know what stores they like…you look like you atleast thought about the gift and they can still pick out something the like.

There are many different reasons gift cards exist: 1. For a store to get money and there will be a small chance that the card will expire, giving the store almost free money. 2. It is used as a gift people may give to a person with low funds, so that they will be ensured to purchase the necessaries they need to purchase when given money so they dont spend it on something else. Like, for example, if you knew a bankrupt drug-addict that was your mate, you might want to give him a gift card to a department store if he needs money for whatever he or she claims to need. 3. It shows that the giver of the gift card knows the recipients likes and interests and it feels more personal than like 10 quid wrapped up with a present.

Often people have no clue what to get another person so they get a quick fix at the person’s favorite store, or even quicker fix by throwing money in a card.

So you buy what you want with them, and so the pearson who is buying the gift does not have such a hard time if they dont know what to get you.

Some people are very difficult to shop for. Gift cards not only saves you from buying someone a present they will dislike but also time. Adults don’t always have time to shop for presents while they have a house and family to take care of. It’s an easy way of shopping I’d say. It’s easy, saves time and beneficial. I don’t think you could go wrong on gift cards.

I think they are generally stupid though I admit that when at a total loss I’ll buy someone one. For relatives I rarely see who I don’t know well enough to buy gifts for and have been exchanging gift cards for years I have suggested just calling it off. I send them a $20 gift card for a store they probably don’t shop at and will have to make a special trip to use and they send me a $20 gift card for someplace I don’t normally shop at that I have to make a special trip to use. Net loss for both of us.

One exception is California Pizza Kitchen. I can buy a $100 gift card for $80 at Costco so at least there is a discount included. I’m not aware of any other gift cards like this. I even buy these cards for myself since I get a discount using it.

I hate those things…. I’m always forced to write one or sign one and then omg trying to open up the damn envelope without ripping the card or totally destroying the envelope…. Annoying

mmm well i think it’s to allow the person to get what they want if you don’t know what to get them…

You know what I just realized? I’m talking about something totally different lmao whoops

I find it’s a good way of saying, “I don’t trust you to not just buy booze, so I’m making sure you go and spend this money at Wal-Mart instead.”

i thought they sold beer at wal mart? maybe not the good stuff but still…

Lol… :D

Silly me… Lol :3

I just used Wal-Mart as a general example. I don’t know which stores are different in Canada in the States. But everyone knows what Wal-Mart is. We don’t have beer in ours, anyway.

I’d Say. Saves Tons Of Driving.. Walking.. They Can Get Whatever They Want. Wide Variety Of Stores To Choose From