Alright, useless series, part 2. So what do I have on tap for today? Gift cards. Let's think about this for just a second. When picking out presents for someone for a birthday, everyone wants to pick out something personal and yet useful. Money is too impersonal, while personal gifts are often stuffed under beds. So people get gift cards.

Gift cards are, essentially, money that can only be spent at one store and expires if you don't use it in 6 months. And gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash. Why??? Don't get me wrong, gift cards aren't bad, its just that money is better.

Now, think about it. Some gift cards are for stores you like, some are not. Either way, money is a safer route. And while gift cards seem more personal, money (at least to me) is just as personal.

So, the question is, what is your opinion on gift cards? Useless, or useful. Cast your vote today.

5 comments

1. Kristen on 7/01/2007 10:09 PM

   Agreed. I've heard about how much money stores make on gift cards because people don't use them. For them its just "free money".

    
2. Unknown on 7/01/2007 10:34 PM

   Dare I say the one gift-card-scam exception is mom and wal-mart giftcards. Those puppies aren't going bad.

    
3. Kristen on 7/02/2007 2:03 PM

   Haha. I love it!

    
4. sj on 7/03/2007 8:44 AM

   Okay, so I do shop a lot at Wal-Mart! :) And good points about money vs. gift cards...money is a safer route.

    
5. Unknown on 8/30/2007 10:14 PM

   I will gladly accept any gift cards in any amounts. If you have cards you are afraid will go bad, send them to me and I will use them in your honor. I'll even buy you a gift with a portion of the balance on the card. Need my address?