As Christmas is all set to come, you might have planned what you’re going to gift your family this winter. For those who have not yet purchased some exciting gifts for their beloved ones, gift cards can turn out to be a better idea especially if you are looking for an inexpensive and the most convenient sort of gifts that would not draw a huge hole in your pocket yet satisfy your beloved people.
Whilst gift cards might be a good option for the people who aren’t sure of the likes and dislikes of your beloved ones, the same might appear as worthless gifts as a lot of stores are shut down this year. So is it worth buying a gift card as a present to your loved ones? Let’s find out:
Things to consider before buying gift cards
• Beware of the fees: Make sure to check if there is any fee applicable to your gift card. Oftentimes, 2-3% of fees can be charged after the use of the card for a specific period.
• Don’t overlook the expiration date: Not all, but some cards come with an expiry date. Prior to buying a one, check the expiry date of your card (it would be mentioned in the fine print)
• Can you use the cards at multiple stores?. Make sure to check on the information about how many stores can swipe the card for you? Could you use the card for online purchasing?
Benefits of gifting gift cards
Target gift cards, Amazon Gift cards and other such cards come with a plenty of benefits. And this probably makes your present worth it. here are some common benefits you could avail form this specific type of gift:
- Convenience: Do you find it difficult to schedule time for shopping gifts for your family? Fret not! A gift card is a convenient option. You can get it at your doorstep with the minimum shipping charge.
• Save money: Unlike the hefty gift items that might cost you an expensive shipping fee, gift cards (being tiny in size) are budget-friendly. In fact, some renowned stores often sell these cards with a great discount.
• Let your loved ones get their desired gifts: Is the lack of knowledge about what you loved ones like the most your major concern? Get a gift card and let them buy their desired gifts.
Drawbacks of gift cards
Be it Disney Gift card, Visa/master Gift card or an old navy gift card, you can avail any sort of gift cards at a comparatively cheaper rate than your casual and inconvenient gift items. However, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that people (buying gift cards) are likely to get not-so-good surprises in the form of additional fees, expiration dates, and inactivity cost. To avoid these you can either opt for coupons which will avail some discount on gift cards or making use of them at the right time. If you intend to buy an Amazon gift card you can grab some Amazon offers on gift cards to avail this discounts.
Unnecessary fees: Do you know that some gift cards come with an automatic annual/monthly fee plans? While these cards might not charge you any fee for a specific period of time, people have incurred as high as 7%-10% of the fee charged after the concluding period of your card.
Expiration dates: Suppose you’ve purchased a fresh Sephora gift card to present it to your Aunt and you’re too excited about this convenient gift option that cost you a reasonable amount. But, did you read the fine print before finalising the order? Did you check the expiry date? While many gift cards don’t come with an expiration date, there are some cards that could only be utilised until a certain period.
Other disadvantages: Gift cards looks impersonal form of present and isn’t always a secure option. Furthermore, it can be lost easily.
So these were some major pros and cons of buying a gift card as a gift to your family. So why not get an exciting gift for your family this festival?
