The Gift That Counts

[kybearfuzz]

Over lunch, a co-worker and I were having a discussion regarding gift giving. His position was the giving gift certificates was the easy way out, that it basically says that you are not putting any thought into a gift. He was especially saying this if you gave a certificate to a place you are registered (he just recently had a baby).

Now I often give gift certificates as birthday presents, even when my friends or family member might have a wish list. I guess I often considered shopping part of the gift experience, the ability to get whatever you want or need. Granted, this alleviates me from making a choice of does he or she like it, but at least it gives that person the ability to get something they truly enjoy. Naturally, if I were attached, this wouldn't go for my other half, but for friends and family I never saw the problem.

So, I pose the question to the masses: Are gift certificates a sort of etiquette-breach? Is purchasing an item better than giving a gift certificate or are they equivalently good?

Comments

Depends

[phenryss.livejournal.com]

I used to labor over getting something 'special' and shopping on my own...but over the years it has become more and more difficult. Especially when it comes to my Nieces and Nephews...they are all young and all very different...and it's really hard to keep up with what they like. Sooo they get B&N gift certificates. To me, giving that lets them pick out what they REALLY want. Not what I think they want. Now, if I see something that screams 'buy me' and I think it's cool, I will get that too.

Now when it comes to my Mom, that is a totally different story. We have all given her gift certificates that NEVER get used...so I try to find something unique. Living in Alaska has made it MUCH easier. We got stuff NO one has up here. Some of it is cute, some is useful, some is just really off the wall.

Hope that helps.

Hugs!