Why we love gift cards- 5 reasons gift card makes for a perfect gift
Gift cards have become very popular over the years. Most brands, big and small have their own gift card options and also participate in gift card stores and other themed gift cards. Popular online marketplaces like Amazon, Bol offer gift card options to their customers thus allowing them to use their platforms even for buying gifts.
Many are of the opinion gift cards don’t come across as very thoughtful. Some even consider it to be an impersonal way of gifting. Personally, I don’t think gift cards to be thoughtless or impersonal, in fact a gift card from a favourite store or restaurant proves quite the contrary. I would prefer a gift card to a present that I would never use or have to return and worst pass on. It can be extremely embarrassing having to explain to a close friend or family member why I am not using their gift.
Here are some of the reasons why a Gift card is after all an extremely thoughtful option:
1. Gift Cards Guarantee Gifts People Will Love-
If you choose a gift card from a favourite store or restaurant it does show thoughtfulness and that you know what the person likes. It allows the receiver to buy something from their favourite brand and it will surely not be a waste. They can get what is relevant and at a time suitable to them. It may help to top up for a much-awaited purchase. Gift cards from a multiband platform like Amazon means there is always something they can choose from the wide variety on offer, no matter how picky the person. It is especially helpful when you are not exactly sure about someone’s likes and dislikes, or what the person really needs at the given time.
2.You Can Easily Stay on Budget
When there is a budget constraint, or you have decided on an amount to spend for the occassion, gift cards are a great option. You are not under pressure to go beyond your budget to buy something suitable. For the recipient it is like having some extra cash when shopping.
3. Gift Cards Can Be Practical
Most gift cards can be bought online so you save on time and its much easier than going shopping for gifts. Gift cards can be personalized with your message and even images of your choice. They can be printed or emailed directly. Making it very convenient when you are not staying close to your dear ones. It is especially convenient during holiday shopping or for the last-minute gift hunters. Some of the stores even have facilities to ship a physical card beautifully wrapped up.
4. Gift cards can be fun and flexible.
There are many who never shop for themselves. This is a perfect opportunity to push them to go out to browse around in their favourite shop and choose something for themselves. Obviously, they wouldn’t want to waste the card and not redeem it. It is an opportunity to make a dinner appointment or that much needed spa day which otherwise they would not have indulged in. It can be your way to nudge them to do something special for themselves. I love to give my busy girlfriends a gift card to their favourite beauty salon or spa so that they are forced to have some good ‘me’ time. Gift cards also give the receiver a lot of flexibility, they may not redeem it immediately but use it as a top up for a bigger purchase or keep it for a special occasion or even use it when their favourite store has the ‘big sale’ or save it for a ‘new collection’ launch.
5. Gift cards allow you to share values you hold dear.
This is my favourite part. Over and above extending your love and wishes you can share the values and causes you hold dear when giving a gift card. Gift cards from a book store can nudge children to buy books. Cards from Fairtrade and sustainable brands encourages the receiver to make a purchase from an ethical brand. Here at Urban Medley we recently launched our very own gift card especially for this reason. So that our customers could share our sustainable values with others.
In conclusion I can say gift cards are not really thoughtless or impersonal there are loads of benefits and it is definitely a sustainable option – helps to reduce wastage and you buy what you want when you want it. When you buy the cards online you are helping keep the environment cleaner! Now that’s something!
Author- Shayonti Chatterji
