Gift cards have been called lazy and impersonal. We disagree. Here is the honest argument for and against.
The case against gift cards
A generic gift card from a forecourt, handed over in an envelope with no card, is lazy. If there is zero thought about who the person is or what category they would enjoy — that is not a gift, it is a handoff of responsibility.
The case for a well-chosen gift card
A choice gift card in a specific category — wellness, tech, food, fashion — is a completely different proposition. It says: I know you love this kind of thing, I want you to choose something you genuinely want. That is not laziness. That is respect for the recipient's taste.
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When a gift card beats a physical gift
When you are genuinely unsure what to buy. When the person is particular or has very specific tastes. When they are abroad and receiving physical gifts is complicated. For last-minute gifts where physical delivery is not possible.
How to make a gift card feel personal
Choose a category, not just a generic retailer. Add a personalised message explaining why you chose this category. Send it alongside a handwritten card or a small physical treat.
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A gift card is only lazy if you make it lazy. A choice gift card in the right category, paired with a personal message and genuine intent, is one of the most considered gifts you can give.
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