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Thoughts About Asking for Giftcards?
Okay--I understand that people want certain things the hoidays, but I'm having issues with people asking for giftcards--it's happened 3 times so far this year....The other day I emailed my SIL for ideas for their family and she comes back and says that she and BIL want a gc to either a resturant or store...and gave me one specific toy to get her DD.
Ugh--this is just a vent, there's nothing to do about it, and in the future, I'm just not going to ask and just guess...but I really think that most of the fun of Christmas is shopping around for the gifts! (And everyone asked knows that I LOVE Black Friday and Christmas shopping so it's not like they were trying to make my life easier) If people are just going to give gc's to each other (espcially when the store is already specified for them), then I think they may as well just save their time and just buy their own gifts and not exchange. When someone asks me for "ideas", I say well DD is this size and likes music, these characters, etc. If we get doubles, we just exchange--big deal!
And don't get me wrong--I don't have any problem with people giving giftcards--just asking for them and nothing else when asked for "ideas".
Okay--vent over, but I just wanted to see if anyone else gets annoyed when giftcards are the only idea they are given for Christmas.
Re: Thoughts About Asking for Giftcards?
I think that when people are only asking for giftcards they are essentially saying "we don't need anything" or "we aren't interested in exchanging gifts anymore". At least in my family it's the case. We only exchange gifts with siblings at this point because the ILs expect it. None of us need anything. We can afford the things we want. It's just done out of tradition and most of us put giftcards on the list because there really is nothing in the $20-40 range we can't/won't just get for ourselves.
my family has switched over to only buying for the kids, and the kids/parents put together a list they send out to help us shop. The adults in my family all pool some money and make a charitable donation in lieu of gifts for the adults.
Gretchen Evie, born 7/8/2012 at 35w5d
LOL. People who love Black Friday shopping are the same folks who want to pay $10 for something that looks like they paid $25 for it.
I tell people I want gift cards to restaurants or Starbucks because that's what I truly want. Sorry that kills the "fun" out of gift giving, but I don't another thing/item/gadget I don't want or need.
If you truly need that shopping experience to fulfill your holidays, participate in charity toy drives or gift drives at some local social agencies. We always contribute to a Toys for Tots drive and our local domestic shelter posts a "wish list" of gifts mothers and their children would like. And those lists are very generic. They include hobbies and sizes.
my MIL asked us what we are wanting for christmas. we said giftcards. plain and simple. we are young and married and if you TRULY want to give us something that is going to actually help us, rather than put us in a position of "oh we love it" when we really don't...get us a gift card because that is what is practical and what we actually need (because we ask for gift cards to grocery store, walmarts, target, etc).
I get that it seems insincere or for the other posters, like you have to spend more than what you would spend on an actual gift, but get real...you don't so stop playing THAT mental game with yourself..get what you can afford or simply state that your budget is low and you are unable to give gifts this year. I agree with another poster who said those who ask for gift cards are basically saying we don't need anything...and that is the exact way I feel about it. I don't need anything, but since you INSIST...here. i like this store and this store a gift card will do and i will be JUST as appreciative, if not MORE than if you were to give me a random gift that i do not need.
I think that people can ask for whatever they want. Ultimately, though, it's up to the buyer to decide what each person gets. If you don't want to get them a gift card, get them something that you'd think they like. Surely they won't be disappointed with whatever they receive, as they already have everything they DO want or need.
My personal opinion is that asking for gift cards is akin to registering for six things for a wedding that you've invited 300 people to. You might as well say, "We'd rather just have cash, thank you."
And, flameful though it may be, I think that people that "don't want or need anything" are full of shiit. In the world full of things you can't think of ONE thing you'd like to have? Right...
It's not that I don't want or need anything, but I'm not going to tell a gift giver that I need a new furnace, or that I want a new $800 tv. I rarely need $25 items because realistically, if I need it and it's under $25 I probably already bought it. And because I need a new furnace, I don't spend money on Starbucks, so getting a gift card to there would be a treat for me. Just an example.....
I totally agree.
Though, I do see the frustration with the giftcards. I think it can go one of two ways:
1. We know you like this store/restaurant, so I thought we'd give you a little "free money".
2. We know you like this store/restaurant, and didn't want to think about a gift, so we took the easy way out.
I do kinda see some of the points brought up....It just makes me a little bit sad...to me Christmas is about getting into the spirit of giving and getting things you normally wouldn't buy yourself--that's part of the fun
Of course I've received things that I don't need or even want in the past, but the giver thought I did and since they took the time on it, I don't mind pretending it's something I like!!! It's pretty jaded when you look at getting gifts (even ones you don't care for) as annoying. And I agree with the person who said that not being able to name one thing that you want as bull--even a new shirt or glove set would be something you could use--and if it's not your taste, you can exchange for something you would wear.
Thanks for the opinions.
People ask what we want? I'll be asking for GC's to places like Home Depot or Target!
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
I was reminded of this topic again this week, as MIL wa asking about Christmas gifts, and DS's new playroom came to mine. We've been using Target's organizational canvas baskets, but I don't know how many/what kinds I will need. I'm tempted too ask for gift cards to cover the costs of this organizational project. It seems impersonal, but in the long run, it's what we want/need.