Can Gift Cards be a Thoughtful Gift? -

I’m sure you’ve heard that gift cards can be an impersonal gift idea, and while that can be true, they can also be incredibly thoughtful if given in the right way and right time.

So can gift cards be a thoughtful gift? The answer is it just depends.

When Gift Cards are a Thoughtful Gift

They Requested

It’s definitely thoughtful if the person you’re getting a gift card for has specifically asked for a gift card to a specific store then yes a gift card is the perfect gift!

Tweens and Teens

Often times during the tween and teenage years is when that age group starts asking for gift cards because they want make shopping choices of their own. They might ask for a gift card to their favorite store or online gaming platform. This is a time when a gift card is thoughtful because they are asking for the gift card.

Just Because

A gift card can also be a thoughtful gift if it’s to a store that you know the gift receiver loves shopping at, especially when it’s a surprise “just because” gift, or a “thinking of you” present. Or if you know they’ve been having a hard time and need a little encouragement maybe a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or bookstore, tucked inside a thoughtful card, would bring a little bit of sunshine to their day.

A gift card is also an appropriate gift for an acquaintance because they are a little less personal but can still be thoughtful if given to a place the person likes to shop.

Obviously raffles and giveaways would be a great time for gift cards.

When Gift Cards Need a Boost

Little Kids

More often than not a little kid is not going to want a gift card; they want to be able to open a present and get something tangible they can actually play with, eat or wear, right then and there. If you’re giving a gift card or money to a child maybe pair it with a little toy, favorite candy or a book.

*A helpful tip for giving gift cards or money to children is to give the card or money to the child, but make sure the parents know there is money or a gift card so they can help keep track of it. This is especially important during a busy gift giving time like Christmas or a birthday party where there’s a lot of gift wrap flying around and the gift card or money has the potential to get lost in the wrapping paper and possibly thrown out. Yikes!

If you’re not sure whether to get a child on your gift giving list a gift card then definitely ask the parents.

Your Spouse or Close Friend or Family Member

Is it thoughtful to give a gift card to someone like a spouse or a close friend or family member? If they have specifically asked for it, then yes!

If your spouse or close friend or family member haven’t asked for a gift card, it can still be nice if you’re giving it to a place they like to shop, but I would definitely recommend that you make it a bundle gift.

You can get a basket or nice wooden box and fill it with some of their favorite things. The gift card and the rest of the items that you know they love would make an incredibly thoughtful gift.

Find Out More About the Give Receiver

If you’re not sure what the gift receiver’s favorite things are check out the printables I have that you can fill out or have the special people in your life fill out so you’re up to speed on what would make a thoughtful gift for them.