I tried going to Target to see if I could find any good gift cards or toys for the kids, but the shelves were pretty much cleared and there was nothing good besides the lame toys. I’ll probably try another Target, Toys R Us, Michael’s craft store, and maybe something else if I’m feeling up for it.
So today, I plan on buying lots of gift cards for people. A family friend, some of the kids probably, and my 3 coworkers will get gift cards as a part of their present. I just saw today that a survey found that 83% of respondents would rather receive cash instead of a gift. 42% of these people said they would use it just for their necessities and 26% said they would use it like an actual gift and splurge on themselves.
I like gift cards also, just because it makes everything easier and I can get what I truly want. However, I do like surprises and getting creative gifts. I am guilty of using gift cards for basics (such as when I get a Target gift card) and not using gift cards for things I just want. Do you have any problems with giving/getting gift cards?
I want to get good presents too. According to this article, between 11% to 20% of electronics are returned. Here are items that are most likely to be returned (and I’ll definitely be keeping this in mind):
- Clothing and shoes, mentioned by 62% of respondents to the survey
- Toys, games and hobbies, 16%
- Consumer electronics, 14%
- Kitchen and bath, 13%
- Beauty and cosmetics, 10%
- Jewelry and watches, 10%
Hopefully nothing I send our takes over a year to get there! That happened to this lady and her mom didn’t believe her!
Wish me luck on finding everything I need! I plan on making fudge tonight for a part of my present, so if I do, I’ll make sure that I post my pictures and steps either tonight or tomorrow.
Holly says
Feel better & good luck with the Christmas shopping! I love gift cards too. They are fun to get and also easy for giving! Merry Christmas 🙂
~Carla~ says
Hope you're feeling better soon! I love gift cards but don't receive them very often. They are a nice treat though!! 🙂 Good luck getting your shopping done!
shoppingtosaving says
Oh no, I was sick last xmas and it was awful. You need lots of rest and fluids!!! Don't push yourself too hard today k? Good luck!
Free!~ says
I hope you feel better soon. I love gift cards. I rarely give them but my kids receive them and it's almost always better than a gift because they can really choose whatever they want. My Boyfriend is getting Teenager a $50 Forever 21 gift card this year and she's going to LOVE it! If he were to spend the same $50 on some random thing that she may or may not want/need then chances are it could end up shoved in the back of her closet forever.I'm very appreciative when it comes to gifts. I like pretty much everything. The only things I would not want is kitchen stuff ( I keep a very simplified kitchen when it comes to "gadgets") and bath and body stuff. I've got really sensitive skin and can't use the highly perfumed mass produced products.
saving for travel says
GET WELL SOON HUN!gift cards are great, but you have to watch the use by date on them.Sft x
McVal says
Good luck! I'm planning on making some fudge tonight too.Merry Christmas!
dulci says
great post! !http://ladulcivida.blogspot.com/
Tanner says
I saw that article too, but after seeing who actually produced the survey (Western Union) I sort of disregarded the data in it. Though, I am a person that has no issue giving out cash instead of giftcards or gifts. I don't mind getting giftcards, but if I can tell you (all) a secret, giftcards are great for regifting! Do feel better soon.
Newlyweds on a Budge says
I agree- I'd rather get something I want. It sucks when you're stuck with a gift you didn't care for. Gift cards all the way.
Dayna Leigh says
Like you, I prefer gift cards. I like being able to go out and buy what I want instead of being stuck with something I could have done without. Good luck to ya today!!
ND Chic says
Hope you are feeling better. I like giving and receiving gifts but there is a time for gift cards. My boss gave me a gift card and it was perfect. We don't really have the same taste but it was a generous sentiment.
Miss T says
I was talking to a colleague today who was off to buy a giftcard for a relative. 'The unthoughtful present!' he said. Au contraire! I would LOVE to get a gift card, like you said, you get exactly what you want. People must be awkward about revelaing the exact amount maybe? Get well soon – Im digging that tree! T xx
Fashion Meets Food says
I think my Christmas spending was alright this year. Probably could have been better, but definitely could have been worse! xo
Jordana Lilly says
witty blog name, get well soon! christmas shopping seems very stressful!stop by sometime! xo Jordan ahttp://bohemianmannequin.blogspot.com