| Gift cards are an increasingly popular alternative to | | | | some of her own favorites. |
| thehustle and bustle of special occasion and holiday | | | | Still don't have any ideas for the purchase of a small |
| shopping. | | | | gift? |
| Although convenient, these little offerings are | | | | Consider accompanying the gift card with a |
| quiteimpersonal. Nothing screams, "I didn't take time | | | | sentimental personalphoto. If you take the time to |
| to findsomething you'd like" more than giving a gift | | | | select a memorable photo,recipients are more willing |
| card or giftcertificate as a present. It might even | | | | to accept the gift card becausetheir focus will be on |
| prompt close loved onesand best friends to question | | | | the photograph. Walmart.comallows consumers to |
| how well you really know them. | | | | upload their own pics and have thenpersonalized with |
| After all, if you truly knew their likes and | | | | the recipient's name. All you have to do ispick up the |
| dislikes,selecting the perfect gift for them should be a | | | | completed items at your local Walmart Digital Photo |
| cinch. | | | | Center, which is ready within an hour. |
| Why Do People Send Gift Cards? | | | | At Deluxe-card.com, you can have a little more fun |
| One of the main reasons shoppers turn to gift cards | | | | anddesign your own Visa-brand gift cards from a |
| is becausethey are the easiest way to satisfy | | | | variety ofcreative options. The embossed message |
| gift-giving requirements. | | | | on the card also adds tothe uniqueness. |
| They are quick and allow consumers to spend the | | | | Although there are fees associated with this method |
| exact amount ofmoney they intended to dole out on | | | | (includingprocessing and dormancy fees), it is still an |
| a present. Gift cards arealso the quickest way to | | | | interesting giftthat overshadows the impersonal |
| complete gift-giving duties and areimmediately | | | | nature of gift cards. It onlytakes 2-3 days to create |
| activated after purchase. | | | | these personalized wonders that makegreat holiday |
| Then there are the shoppers who really have no clue | | | | keepsakes. |
| what topurchase as a gift. This is especially common | | | | When to Avoid Giving Gift Cards |
| when selectingpresents for children and teens. With | | | | There are specific occasions when gift cards are |
| their ever-changingtastes, it can sometimes become | | | | simplyinappropriate - times when the recipient can |
| impossible to pinpoint thelatest trend. | | | | legitimatelyexpect that you really do know their |
| Why not let kids do all the work while enjoying the | | | | tastes (thinkanniversaries, weddings and Valentine's |
| process,yourself? Younger recipients of gift cards | | | | Day.) Think twicebefore buying a gift card for these |
| don't take thegesture too personally and often | | | | occasions. If you don'tknow what to buy, an |
| welcome the freedom of beingable to pick out their | | | | inexpensive or funny little present isusually a better |
| own gift. But, even in this case, thereare different | | | | choice. For most people, it really IS thethought that |
| ways to personalize this gesture. | | | | matters. |
| Making Gift Cards More Personal | | | | Also, gift cards make terrible presents for people |
| If you insist on giving family and friends a gift card, | | | | who simplydislike shopping (yes, such people do |
| thereare numerous ways to smooth over their | | | | exist.) And e-gift cardsmust often be redeemed |
| impersonality. Sending thecard along with a small gift | | | | online, making them unsuitable forpeople who'd rather |
| lets them know you haven'tcompletely forgotten | | | | battle crowds than buy from a website. |
| what makes them tick. Does your sisterlove dogs? | | | | If you do choose to give gift cards for holidays, |
| Pair a gift card with a thoughtful book of | | | | birthdays andother special events, it's a good idea to |
| canine-related quotations. Does your mother enjoy | | | | personalize thegesture to incorporate a warm touch |
| rose-scented bathand beauty products? Send her a | | | | and sense of effort. |
| basket of lotions and soapalong with a gift card for | | | | |