I was unaware of the popularity of gift certificates until I got one myself. Although I loved the thought of picking out a gift that I really needed, I really missed the excitement of unwrapping a packed gift and getting pleasantly surprised /shocked to see what I have got. Most of us have at least once in their lifetime been through a situation where we didn’t really love the gift that was presented to us, but we pretended to like it and be grateful anyways. No matter what gift you get, it is always the gesture or the thought and emotions behind the gift that count.

     Gift certificates are becoming increasingly popular gifts for almost all the occasions - be it birthdays, festivals or even weddings. For people who still do not know what a gift certificate or a gift voucher is - gift certificates or gift vouchers are nothing but gift coupons that can be redeemed for several goods or services. Now a days such gift vouchers or gift certificates are always available at most of the leading stores and can be redeemed for any item at that particular store be it apparel, perfumes, watches bags or even services at health spas and holiday resorts. Some people think that gift certificates are very convenient and comfortable whereas many frown upon it and consider it as a rude gesture that lacks the thoughtfulness and warmth of a conventional gift.

     Advantages and Disadvantages of Gift Certificates

     Gift certificates are for people who really do not have time to go and visit a gift shop and find a suitable gift. It saves the person from the anxiety and confusion that grips us while picking out the perfect gift and hence gift certificates serve as excellent gift options in cases where you have no idea about a person’s interests and liking. When you present a gift certificate or a gift voucher to a person you will certainly feel no nervousness or have doubts about whether the recipient will like it or not since you leave the choice totally up to him/her. Gift certificates if you’ve met one of those people who often ask you slyly after the party whether they can get the gift exchanged for something else, then a gift certificate is an excellent option for these people. So that’s about it – Gift certificates provide you convenience and make the gifting process easier in tricky situations. Gift certificates can be used by and for people who often stress on the necessity of gifts being ‘useful’.

     As for the disadvantages there are many. First of all, a gift certificate says that you would rather pick a gift certificate instead of investing some time in picking out the right gift and conveying your thoughtfulness. Yes, many people consider a gift certificate as a rude gesture and for all you know, it can be interpreted as ” I didn’t have the time and will to go out and get you a gift, here’s fifty bucks, go get it yourself and oh ya…you better get it asap coz the damn thing expires within the end of this month!” One of the basic flaws of presenting gift certificates is that they give away the amount of money that you spend. One of the basic gifting etiquette is not to disclose the price of your gift since it is the thought behind it, which is valued, and not the money spent. So no matter how much money you spend, you are vulnerable to criticism since a gift certificate worth a large amount will be interpreted as ‘showin off’ whereas if you get one worth a lesser amount of money you end up looking cheap and stingy. In addition to this, if you happen to get a gift voucher from a place that doesn’t really interest the recipient, the gift certificate will definitely not be appreciated.

     Things to Remember While Buying a Gift Certificate for Someone

      First of all, think of this option only and only if it is impossible for you to think of any other options and you just don’t know the person too well to pick out a gift. Think of gift certificate options that do not disclose the amount of money spent, for example a gift certificate that offers a relaxing session at the spa, or a gift certificate that has tickets to an exotic holiday destination. If you have decided to give a gift certificate or a gift voucher make sure you get a gift certificate from the store that is popular, and convenient for the recipient to visit anytime. Make sure you pick out a gift certificate that doesn’t expire soon and gives the recipient enough time to visit the store at his/her convenience. Have the time to personalize the gift certificate a little bit with the use of special decorative envelopes that can hold the gift certificates. In case you have a slight idea of the person’s likes and dislikes pick a gift certificate that suits the recipients’ interest.

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