I used to be against gift cards as gifts because I felt they lacked thought and creativity. Over the past couple of years, I’ve changed my mind. I love receiving gift cards myself, as do most people I’m sure. I love going shopping right after Christmas to see what sort of deals I can score. You can’t really go wrong with a gift card! Plus, there are perks to purchasing gift cards that can benefit you:
- Save at the pump – Some grocery stores offer fuel discounts when you spend a certain amount in their stores. Purchase your gift cards there and you’ll shave a few bucks off your next fill up.
- Earn rewards —Additionally, watch for other gift card incentives in your grocery store weekly ads.
- Save time — Time equals money, right? Think of all the time you’ll save avoiding the mall this time of year. Just pick up your gift cards on your next grocery shopping trip!
- Bonuses — Many places, restaurants especially, offer a bonus for purchasing gift cards. Usually it’s in the form of an additional gift card. For example, buy a $50 gift card, receive a $10 gift card.
This year I did a lot of my Christmas shopping at Safeway. They have a HUGE selection of gift cards. There really is something for everyone. Here are a few ideas I came up with to get a little creative with your gift card gift giving:
For the Movie Lover: The Dollar Store sells movie candy for a buck. They usually have plastic popcorn tubs as well. Add a movie theater gift card or a Blockbuster or RedBox gift card and package everything together inside the tub for the perfect gift!
For the college student: Buy a variety of gift cards for places like Starbucks, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and other quick food places. They’ll appreciate a free meal or a caffeine pick-me-up for late night study sessions.
For moms: Moms deserve some relaxing downtime. Pair a spa gift card with a pair of fuzzy slipper socks, some herbal tea and some hand cream so mom can relax at home after her spa treatment is over.
For dads: Give dad a new tool along with a gift card to a hardware store.
For kids: Target has a gift card that comes with a free mini lego kit!
Gift cards are perfect for last minute gift giving. Some you can even purchase online and have them emailed instantly to the recipient. It can’t get much easier than that! With gift cards you won’t have to worry that the recipient won’t like it and have to stand in a long line to return or exchange it. Gift cards also don’t lose their value!
What are your ideas for gift card gift giving? Do you give the gift card alone or do you package it with other items? I’d love to hear your ideas!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.