Plan Your Escape

I just read a post by JD over at the Get Rich Slowly blog on the pros and cons of giving gift cards. Although I am always thankful for any gift I receive, gift card or other, I will always prefer to receive and will always give a gift of cash instead of a gift card. The reasons are short, sweet and to the point.

Cash Does Not Have To Be Cold

I think the only possible reason why someone might want to give a gift card instead of cash is because they worry that a gift of cash will be perceived as cold and impersonal. The is an easy way to fix this:

• Write an honest, handwritten note explaining why you are giving the gift.
• Sign the note.
• Place the note in the envelope with your cash gift.

Done. Your cash gift is now warm and heartfelt. Cash also has all these attributes that gift cards do not have:

• Can be used for any purchase, not just at one retailer.
• Does not expire. Ever.
• There are no fees.
• It is easy to use.
• It is easy to carry around in your wallet.

If you are going to give a gift card as a gift, don't! Write a note and give cash instead.

Sometimes Cash Isn't Appropriate - But Neither Are Gift Cards!

Sometimes it just isn't appropriate to give cash. For example, I would not consider giving a cash gift to my wife on her birthday. Well, I might consider it but I would quickly decide it would be a bad idea! In these situations it should also be inappropriate to give a gift card though.

If you could be reasonably expected to consider someone's hopes and desires, wishes and dreams, wants and needs, then neither cash nor a gift card is appropriate. Stop being lazy and think of something that would be appropriate. Use your imagination. Gift cards are not the answer.

Just some food for thought while you are trying to think of Christmas gift ideas.

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