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Dear Abby Asked by Dear Abby
11/15/2021

Is giving gift cards as presents practical or tacky?

87%
Practical WINNER

39

13%
Tacky

9

87%
Practical

39 Comments
laure
2
laure

It really depends. If it is someone you just want to give a token gift to, or they want something bigger and this can go toward it great- but if it is done out of laziness or not caring, then it is indeed in poor taste- as in a husband who gives his wife a gift card for every event. man up!

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Lilah E
2
Lilah E

Especially good for people you appreciate but don't know as well like teachers and co-workers

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Dawn Mari Collom
2
Dawn Mari Collom

People may need cards with money or gift cards more than material items right now.

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Robert Davidson
2
Robert Davidson

They are easy to ship and you do not have to worry about size. Very practical during this time when we do not see each other in person. Just make sure they are for a place that the recipient is likely to patronize.

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Adriana Lewis
1
Adriana Lewis

Ultimately I think it depends on the gift card and the recipient. Is is something they want or will use? Some people might prefer a gift card, and for a small child I would always buy a physical gift!

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Michelle Testut
1
Michelle Testut

We ask for gift cards every year. We save them for rainy days or for dining out when on vacation. My family lives that they have brought us joy.

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arielnola
1
arielnola

I have no idea what to buy from Harbor Freight (hardware) for the nice man i live with. He is a woodworker. But he appreciates the gift card. I supplement with pictures of our dogs, on a mug or socks, so he gets something personal too.

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Robert Sklar
1
Robert Sklar

People have such differing tastes and needs. Unless you know for sure that the gift you get is practical, rather than the person having to return it to get what they really want, a gift card allows them to do that. Especially with all the travel restrictions, much easier to use gift cards online.

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Connie Hill-Daniel
1
Connie Hill-Daniel

It's so easy for the person that you don't really know what very well or the person who has everything

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Jasey DePriest
1
Jasey DePriest

It's hard to know what someone will like but, if you know their hobbies, an appropriate gift card will always get them what they want. You can use most gift cards online now so they don't even have to keep track of the physical card.

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Deborah Rauch
1
Deborah Rauch

Some people are very hard to buy for. I would rather give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store so they can choose what they want.

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kymm balinth
1
kymm balinth

It depends on who it is for I think it allows people to be helped or to really get something that they enjoy

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Galen Rodes
1
Galen Rodes

I'm busy. As in essential worker, single parent of three busy. If I could shop and I see something that I know my loved one will adore, I'd get it and give it. However, it isnt always that easy. Giftcards make it simple and allow the gifted to buy what they buy.

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Dawn Sorcha
0
Dawn Sorcha

I've never been offended when someone gave me a gift card. I would rather use it and purchase something I want vs being gifted something I cannot use.

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Shelley Green
0
Shelley Green

But I still buy or make a gift. A gift card would probably be a better option so the person can buy what she likes.

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Lyzey Roman
0
Lyzey Roman

The most easiest way of shopping for me.

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Catherine Wood Alexander
0
Catherine Wood Alexander

I think its better so they can pick their own gift.

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Julie Brantley
0
Julie Brantley

In this day and age so many people have everything and more. I always designate it for a special dinner somewhere or an event they normally would not indulge in -

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Castle Keeper
0
Castle Keeper

As people get older they get what they want and know exactly what they want...so guessing color, size, brand or anything these days is usually not exactly what they'd buy so if you give them a gift card they can pick exactly what they want

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skyler j
0
skyler j

Easier especially for hard people to buy for

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Wanda Woods
0
Wanda Woods

some people say it's impersonal, but I don't think so. You have to still put thought into it, and as others have said, the gift cards are needed moreso this year than ever!

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Krystal Fruehling
0
Krystal Fruehling

I think the level of appropriateness varies depending on the relationship between the giver & the receiver. I personally prefer actual gifts but this is often not practical because so many off the people in my circle buy me gifts that are too large or too small, which can't be returned or exchanged.

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Erin Bertini
0
Erin Bertini

It ensures that the recipient will get something they want or need, rather than my guessing what color/pattern/item they might like. Also allows them to take time to decide what they want or save it for another time.

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Ruthnie Angrand
0
Ruthnie Angrand

Its pretty much gifting cash

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Amy Bagnall
0
Amy Bagnall

Let them get what they want from the beginning, rather than them needing to return or exchange an item.

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Jane
0
Jane

I always appreciate a gift card. My favorite is to Fred Meyer where they have everything.

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Cindy O'Connell Wiley
0
Cindy O'Connell Wiley

My father in law is in his 90's and has a Christmas Eve birthday. He still lives on his own so has rent to pay which probably doesn't leave him much money for the month. We buy him grocery store gift cards and lottery gift cards. At his age what else does he really need?

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Tracy Odrowski
0
Tracy Odrowski

People usually will always use a gift card for something they really want or can use, towards a nice dinner, ect. Sometimes specific gifts just don't hit the mark and may be regifted.

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Jane
Jane

Exactly. I live gift cards because then I can get whatever I really want.

Olivia Rose
0
Olivia Rose

Everyone loves to receive a gift card. You can buy anything you want!

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Tina Bouthillier
0
Tina Bouthillier

I love to receive them, taking them with me when I need to do some emotional shopping is great cuz no guilt! I love to give them too because of the variety out there, I can always find ones that show the person just how much I know them!

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Karen
0
Karen

If I know someone likes a certain store or brand, I see nothing wrong with giving them a gift card. I like gift cards and use them to put them toward something I really want or something I that costs more than I spend.

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Rebecca Kroymann
0
Rebecca Kroymann

Sometimes having money for your favorite store or restaurant and the power to choose your own gift is really fun!

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Bre valenzuela
0
Bre valenzuela

I think it is practical. I usually get gift cards or money. It's just easier so the person can get what they want. and you dont have to worry about them not liking the gift.

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rover6rover
0
rover6rover

Unless you have a specific list to work from it's the way to make sure what you get fits and doesn't have to be exchanged.

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Alison Topalian
0
Alison Topalian

I would rather get a gift card to purchase something I want or need. Rather than getting cheap inexpensive useless crap like I did when I got married 35 years ago.

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Bob Pickett
0
Bob Pickett

as an older adult I have to much stuff already

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13%
Tacky

9 Comments
Mahta Mouse
1
Mahta Mouse

While i agree that a gift card does have its place; too many people see it as a lazy way of getting out of putting any thought into thinking about the other person.

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Kelly Zabel
1
Kelly Zabel

It's impersonal, if you really knew that person, then getting them a gift wouldn't be a question nor in the form of a gift card.

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hale1730
1
hale1730

It takes very little thought or effort to give a gift card with the only exceptions being to a favorite restaurant or if it was specifically requested. You may as well give cash as it could be spent anywhere.

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Christina Carver
1
Christina Carver

In some cases it is very fitting but anymore it seems like it is phoning it thoughtfulness.

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Darren Turbeville
1
Darren Turbeville

Too symbolic of our throw away economy. Gift cards are only appropriate for moody teenagers ... any other recipient see it as the lazy virtue signal that it is. Learn to live and love people

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Tammy Monaghan
0
Tammy Monaghan

I don't like gift cards, they are usually to somewhere I don't go or am forced to go to and spend more to use the card. I usually use them to buy a gift for someone else. So it's nice in that way. But hardly ever do I use it on myself.

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Terrence Paetz
0
Terrence Paetz

ok to be perfectly honest giving gift cards can be practical, save time & effort of shopping, and the receiver does ultimately get what they want. However giving gift cards are impersonal and just the easy way out. A gift should be heartfelt and show that you care & pay attention to receivers likes.

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Andrea Goodwin
0
Andrea Goodwin

I think hink its a copout , so they dont have to invest time or energy into a perfect special something someone wants.

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Cindy Araya
0
Cindy Araya

Who sees gift cards anymore?

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