To some people, gift cards are the best invention since sliced bread. To others, they are the equivalent of forgetting a birthday until the checkout line reminds you.
Either way, they spark strong opinions. And around the holidays and birthdays, that little rectangle becomes a surprisingly big deal.
So, let’s settle this debate once and for all: are gift cards lazy, or are they a practical genius in disguise?
Why Gift Cards Get a Bad Rep
Gift cards suffer from a branding problem. They’re often marketed as a quick and easy gifting solution. This has led them to being associated with:
- Forgetting someone’s birthday until the last minute
- Not knowing the recipient very well
- Corporate gifts and obligatory holiday gestures
Yes, when a gift card is handed over without a note, an explanation, or effort, it feels careless and lazy. However, that’s not a gift card problem. It’s an execution problem.
Why Gift Cards are Actually Smart
As much as we hate to admit it, people are picky. We all have our own preferences, styles, and individuality. It’s what makes us unique. However, it’s also what makes gifting challenging. This is where gift cards are the answer to all your problems:
- Taste is personal. That blue sweater? You might love it, but your friend might not.
- Clutter is a problem. Yes, a person can have too many stationery sets and mugs.
- Choice is powerful. Gifting someone a gift card says, “I want you to choose something you actually want.”
- Getting personal without guessing is hard. Gifting somebody a specific gift card to a place they love or would love says, “I know you, I pay attention, and I picked this just for you.”
A gift card can be a powerful and thoughtful choice if it is chosen with intention. Gifting your friend a gift card to her favorite coffee shop that she visits every day? Thoughtful. Gifting your friend a generic Visa gift card with no additions or explanations? Lazy.
How to Make a Gift Card Feel Thoughtful
There’s no shame in choosing the gift card route, but execution is key. Here’s some creative ways to elevate your gift card giving:
1. Match the card to the person.
This is non-negotiable. When choosing a gift card for someone, make sure it aligns with their interests or habits. For example, get them a gift card to the restaurant they’ve been wanting to try, their favorite clothing store, or where they get their hair done. Avoid generic options, like large retail stores, unless you truly know it’s their favorite!
2. Add a note or message.
A handwritten note is an easy, yet impactful way to make a gift card feel intentional. This is your chance to explain the meaning behind the gift, tell a story, or remind someone how much they mean to you. The message “Cheers to another amazing year of friendship. I am so grateful to have you in my life. Happy Birthday!” goes a lot further than a simple “Happy Birthday!”. You can even decorate the note with some stickers or a drawing.
3. Pair it with something.
Big or small, pairing a gift card with something extra goes a long way. For example, you can pair a spa gift card with a basket of skincare products, or you can pair a bookstore gift card with the latest romance novel. Big or small, these additions make the gift card feel intentional and thoughtful rather than a lazy, last-minute gift.
The options for making a gift card feel thoughtful are endless. Think outside of the box and have fun with it. Gift giving should feel special and exciting, not exhausting or like a chore. And if you need more ideas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Click here!
The Verdict: Lazy or Genius?
Gift cards aren’t lazy by default. They’re tools. Gift cards are more than just buying a random gift card and shoving it into a card with the words “Happy Holidays.” It still requires thought, effort, and intention.
When gifted without thought, they’re forgettable and lazy. But when used intentionally, they’re a genius way to give someone exactly what they want while also remaining practical, respectful, and thoughtful.
In a world where time is limited, preferences are specific, and clutter is overwhelming, a well-chosen gift card can actually be the most considerate option of all. So no, gift cards aren’t lazy. Thoughtless gifting is. And those two things are not the same.
