Giving Gift Cards With A Personal Touch

Gift cards are an increasingly popular alternative to the hustle and bustle of special occasion and holiday shopping.

Although convenient, these little offerings are quite impersonal. Nothing screams, "I didn't take time to find something you'd like" more, than giving a gift card or gift certificate as a present. It might even prompt close loved ones and best friends to question how well you really know them. After all, if you truly knew their likes and dislikes, selecting the perfect gift for them should be a cinch.

Why Do People Send Gift Cards?

One of the main reasons shoppers turn to gift cards is because they are the easiest way to satisfy gift-giving requirements. They are quick and allow consumers to spend the exact amount of money they intended to dole out on a present. Gift cards are also the quickest way to complete gift-giving duties and are immediately activated after purchase.

Then there are the shoppers who really have no clue what to purchase as a gift. This is especially common when selecting presents for children and teens. With their ever-changing tastes, it can sometimes become impossible to pinpoint the latest trend.

Why not let kids do all the work while enjoying the process, yourself? Younger recipients of gift cards don't take the gesture too personally and often welcome the freedom of being able to pick out their own gift. But, even in this case, there are different ways to personalize this gesture.

Making Gift Cards More Personal

If you insist on giving family and friends a gift card, there are numerous ways to smooth over impersonality. Sending the card along with a small gift lets them know you haven't completely forgotten what makes them tick. Does your sister love dogs? Pair a gift card with a thoughtful book of canine- related quotations. Does your mother enjoy rose-scented bath and beauty products? Send her a basket of lotions and soap along with a gift card for some of her own favorites.

Still don't have any ideas for the purchase of a small gift? Consider accompanying the gift card with a sentimental personal photo. If you take the time to select a memorable photo, recipients are more willing to accept the gift card because their focus will be on the photograph. http://Walmart.com allows consumers to upload their own pics and have then personalized with the recipient's name. All you have to do is pick up the completed items at your local Walmart Digital Photo Center, which is ready within an hour.

At http://Deluxe-card.com, you can have a little more fun and design your own Visa-brand gift cards from a variety of creative options. The embossed message on the card also adds to the uniqueness.

Although there are fees associated with this method (including processing and dormancy fees), it is still an interesting gift that overshadows the impersonal nature of gift cards. It only takes 2-3 days to create these personalized wonders that make great holiday keepsakes.

When to Avoid Giving Gift Cards

There are specific occasions when gift cards are simply inappropriate - times when the recipient can legitimately expect that you really do know their tastes (think anniversaries, weddings and Valentine's Day.) Think twice before buying a gift card for these occasions. If you don't know what to buy, an inexpensive or funny little present is usually a better choice. For most people, it really IS the thought that matters.

Also, gift cards make terrible presents for people who simply dislike shopping (yes, such people do exist.) And e-gift cards must often be redeemed online, making them unsuitable for people who'd rather battle crowds than buy from a website.

If you do choose to give gift cards for holidays, birthdays and other special events, it's a good idea to personalize the gesture to incorporate a warm touch and sense of effort.