The Gift Card: Get It Or Forget It?

I am going to purchase gift cards for my niece and nephew this year. They are hard to buy for because I don't see them very often and really can't relate with their styles. I gave them a Visa card last year thinking they could use it at any store or just to get a drink at McDonalds. My sister said it was a pain in the butt to use because you had to know the amount you had on it to use it. So, I am going to go for a general mall gift card for my niece. That way she can buy from any of the stores in the mall. My nephew will be happy with Wal-Mart.

u can NEVER go wrong with giving or receiving a gift card on joyous occasions. I prefer to give a mastercard or visa giftcared because u can't go wrong and likely never going to lose your money. If you buy from a department store than you'll never know if the next day they will file for bankruptcy (GOD FORBID), some of us just like to take that chance though.

Gift cards are hard sometimes as they hold a balance after you use them for emaple I have one for $50 when I buy something that cost $49.82 I have this balance on a card of $0.18... Where am I going to spend that??? Cash is better to a certain extent but then it seems like you forgot the person and just dug in your pocket to give them a gift. so it is a catch 22

I usually give cards to a store like Target or Walmart because they carry such a wide variety of things. I know the card recipient can always find something to get there. While I like the idea of a universal card(Visa, etc.), I do NOT like the fact that I have to pay a fee just to purchase it.

I will give some gift cards again this year. But I will suggest that they be used rather quickly. Honestly, I knew the sales of gift cards were down this year, but didn't realize there was a big issue with them. Thanks for the update!

I love getting and giving gift cards and will use the grocery idea this year for presents. That is a really good idea!

i'm hesitant with any shopping /spending/ investing these days, it hasnt hit me yet, but the news keeps me on edge!

I like to get my gift cards online.

I will still get some and give some. But i will do research first. I think univeral gift cards are a good idea.

I have gotten burned in the past w/gift cards and gift certificates from stores that close. I do give grocery gift cards to the service people in our lives, bus drive, preschool assistants, etc. because who can't use groceries?

I'm concerned about buying gift cards this year because we've had a couple stores in my area that pushed gift cards as an option, then merged with another company that didn't honor the cards. That's a nice way to get a windfall for a company, but it makes a lousy gift. I'm just going to be more cautious. Thanks for the update regarding these companies. So far the only one I've gotten is for a beauty salon where I know the owner well and I know she's doing well with no plans to close.

I love giving ang getting gift cards - especially for those we gift that are hard to buy for. I think if you are going to give a gift card this season - do your homework and find out which stores will be closing - even if you have a gift card for that particular store, and it closes, perhaps it's possible to use the card at the stores online website? Thanks for the above article commenting on Home Depot, I had heard the rumor that it was closing, but couldn't find confirmation.

I think gift cards are great. We like to purchase them for our out of town people. Keeps the shipping low! I am sure if you buy for a MAJOR store you will have time to use the gift cards, but if you are worried, the cards issued from major credit cards could be your best bet!

buy the american express , mastercard or visa one. they do not go out of business and can be used anywhere with no monthly fee eating away at the principal !!!!!!!!!!!!

I give gift cards to certain family members every year. I haven't bought ONE this year. I'm worried about these problems happening.