For many, a gift card is not the ultimate gift
Posted
Nov 19 2007, 05:34 PM
by
Karen Datko
Nearly a quarter of the people who received gift cards for the holidays last year hadn't used one or more of them a year later, and the biggest reason was they didn't have time to shop. So, are they really such a great gift? FiveCentNickel, referring to a survey by Consumer Reports, opines on the many drawbacks of gift cards. He speculates that people may find it inconvenient to use gift cards if they have to go to a particular store. Bank-issued cards would appear to be a better bet, but, Nickel advises, look out for expiration dates and fees.
If you really don't know what to get someone or you're too lazy to shop, why not give real money? Nickel asks. It retains its value, can be spent anywhere, and you're less likely to lose it. And, we add, the beauty part is you won't be adding to corporate coffers if you don't spend it.
