Compared to big boxes wrapped in shiny paper and frilly ribbon and stockings overflowing with goodies, gift cards may not look like the most exciting presents to unwrap. But even beyond the ability to get them quickly and easily, they make ideal gifts for many — and with good reason. You can use a gift card to:
1. Treat people who won’t prioritize themselves
Gift cards force selfless people to prioritize themselves and actually follow through on practicing self-care. If I give my sister-in-law, a busy working mom, a gift that might catch my young niece’s eye, that gift is going to my niece. But if I give her a gift card for a massage or facial, she has to use it herself. I want her to treat herself, and she deserves some much-needed “me time,” so giving her gift cards for items or experiences that only she could benefit from is my way of doing that.
2. Support interests and hobbies you know nothing about
Gift cards are also perfect for that person in your life with extremely specific interests that you know nothing about. My best friend is an aesthetician who’s always trying out new skincare products that he might be able to recommend to his customers — everything from moisturizers to sunscreen to acne treatments and skincare accessories like jade rollers, comedone extractors (pimple poppers, for the uninitiated), and face massagers.
3. Keep on top of kids’ changing interests
I feel similarly about giving my young niece gift cards. She’s six and her interests change lightning fast. One minute she’s obsessed with dinosaurs and the next she’s moved on. One day it’s Frozen and the next it’s Encanto.
4. Make sure kids get the presents they want
Kids and young adults of all ages can benefit from gift cards, especially if you’re worried about their parents taking the money if you were to give them cash. Growing up, my parents took any cash my grandparents gave me, and when that happened, it felt like I was robbed of my present.
5. Tactfully give money to people who need it
If parents are taking their children’s cash gifts, it could be because they really need the money. Gift cards can be a thoughtful way of providing for someone you love in need without being so blunt (and possibly offensive) by giving them cash.
