Team Present or Team Gift Card

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Team Present or Team Gift Card

— by Angie

on December 22, 2011

You are on Team Present if you prefer to receive a real present. It still counts if your hints nudged the giver in the right direction. You are on Team Gift Card if you prefer to receive gift cards. It takes a little longer before you enjoy the benefits of this gift, AND you have to go to the effort of choosing your own gift after receiving the card. But you can spend the money as you please.

I used to be 100% on Team Present. I didn’t enjoy receiving money or gift cards quite as much, because the thrill of opening a present and being able to enjoy it immediately could not be beat. I also appreciated the thoughtfulness of the person who went to the trouble of selecting the gift.

But over the years I have changed my mind about wardrobe gift cards and these days I love receiving them too. I always have a wish list and it’s wonderful to receive an unexpected budget for it. In some ways gift cards are more considerate. I personally have a hard time returning gifts when they are not my cup of tea, which makes the gift card a much more practical solution.

These polls do not usually allow you to bat for both Teams because the point is that you think a little deeper about your style preference and pick a side. But with gift giving Christmas around the corner, batting for both teams is allowed. And I am so batting for both Teams on this one.

Over to you. Are you Team Present or Team Gift Card? Remember to tell us why you picked that side if you’re not batting for both teams.

Team X Team Y

73 comments · Add a comment

Tortoise

Active Member

I’m team gift card through and through. I’m a dedicated minimalist and have very precise tastes, so any object that get to live in my house is subject to thorough study and pondering.

So, as much as I appreciate the love behind gift giving, I’m not happy to get yet another unwanted thing to haul around (let’s be honest : during the last 10 years, I may have received at most 3 or 4 gifts that were useful(*) and to my taste, so truly appreciated. The other ones would have *never* gained access to my home under other circumstances). And returning gifts is just not done in my family so I usually keep them for a couple of years and then donate. OTOH, I really don’t want to hurt anybody’s feeling, so the whole gift process makes me incredibly nervous.

On the whole, I’m really happier with no gift at all, but if I must choose between the two Teams it would be Team Gift Cards. I make sure so let my friends know it, though : I’m just not a “gift” person ! Let’s dress up and go to a nice restaurant instead !

(*) I consider clothes useful, provided it’s something I can really wear someday (ie no swimsuit and no pretty frilly pastel party dress )

December 22, 2011 at 2:53 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

I am Team gift card for certain. For me, it gives the extra gift of a guilt free (or less guilty) shopping trip. I too have trouble returning things I don’t care for because I assume there was thought put into the purchase, but I’d much rather have something I like and will use to remember the thought of the gift giver.

December 22, 2011 at 3:00 am

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I am Team Present! I used to spend days finding the perfect gifts for everyone, and I love opening real gifts where I don’t know what it will be. Unfortunately, my husband and I don’t surprise each other much anymore, and since my family lives across the country it is more practical to send gift cards. But I still try to send ones that mean something: my sister and her husband, for instance, is getting a gift card to their local hardware store because they are re-doing their bathroom this year, and my parents are getting a gift card to a restaurant they love down in Florida, since I am going to visit them for the first time during their winter trip there this year.
But I would much rather receive a pretty new scarf than a $25 card to the store where they bought it.

December 22, 2011 at 3:39 am

rute

Veteran

I am team present, because I buy more presents, but this year we start to buy gift cards! They are easy to buy and I love receiving it because it doubles the fun! It’s fun to receive them and fun to plan what to buy with them!

December 22, 2011 at 4:10 am

Keix

Veteran

I have to bat for both teams–I adore thoughtful, surprise presents, but I also appreciate the gift of a shopping trip. I do prefer gift cards to a specific store, rather than generic Visa gift cards, which make me wonder if the giver put any effort at all into the gift.

December 22, 2011 at 4:20 am

Andrea B.

Active Member

I bat for both as well. I love shopping for presents, but feel that you really have to know the person well to get them something they truly love. And as someone who is trying to purge the “too much stuff” from her life, gift cards are an appreciated present–I can save them and use them later.

December 22, 2011 at 4:53 am

Ruth

I don’t know which I am! If you don’t know someone very well, then a gift card would not be good unless you know where that person shops. Alternately, you have to know the person really well to give something they’ll enjoy. Interestingly, my SILs always ask what my daughters want for Christmas, and they always ask where they shop (in case they choose to give gift cards), but they never ask ME! Consequently, I end up with stuff I can’t keep. They usually get me nice scented perfumes and such, which I can’t use because my DH and I are sensitive to fragrance. When they get me gift cards, they’re usually to stores I never go to.

What do I do? I try as best I can to buy a gift that someone can unwrap, particularly if it’s a child. I only buy a gift card if I can’t find anything after shopping around.

December 22, 2011 at 5:03 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Team Present – but unlike you, Angie, I have no qualms about returning gifts and getting what I *really* wanted. It frustrates my husband to no end! He’d probably rather just give up and get me a gift card at this point. But I still like to see presents under the tree.

December 22, 2011 at 5:13 am

missvee

Veteran

I like both – greedy me!! It’s no fun just opening up a bunch of gift cards, I like a surprise or two as well.

December 22, 2011 at 5:15 am

Phoebe

Veteran

I´m on team gift cards, because I usually have a very distinct taste. Unfortunately, gift cards are very frowned upon in my environment, so that I hardly ever receive one.

December 22, 2011 at 5:20 am

rosee

Veteran

For receiving, I prefer a gift card. As stated above, I try to be a minimalist and have very particular tastes so most people agree that it’s best I choose something for myself. I’m also fine with no gift (rather than regifted body care products — got lots of those, this year too — which I then donate), or a consumable gift like wine, chocolate, food, candles, etc.

December 22, 2011 at 5:45 am

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Team Present w/ Gift Receipt – especially for clothes; as we all have unique tastes and fits!

December 22, 2011 at 6:26 am

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

What can I say, I love to get a surprise gift but if you can’t think of something no gift cards please!! Cash is king!

December 22, 2011 at 6:33 am

elpgal

Veteran

Modgrl, hahaha! I love cash/check as well! I find gift cards tedious and actual gifts really don’t work for me unless it is from a person who is really clued in to my tastes.

December 22, 2011 at 6:44 am

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I’m on team present because getting a well-thought-out surprise is one of my favorite things in the world! I do appreciate gift cards to stores I shop at as well, though, because I maintain a books, clothing and makeup wishlist for myself. It’s fun to be able to unexpectedly buy something off of it now and again.

December 22, 2011 at 6:45 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I have a slight preference for team present. I love the thrill of opening presents as well as trying some things I would not have normally noticed in the stores but that work really well for me. But I agree that at times it’s better to get a gift card when the presents are way off the mark and something I”d still want to hold on to for sentimental reasons. I’d much rather regularly *use* something

December 22, 2011 at 7:10 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I’m on a whole other Team- Team Shop for Yourself. This only works, of course, with those very close to me. I’m happy to receive any gifts, but shopping and wrapping gifts from my loved ones so that they can be surprised when I open it has become just as fun for me. Plus, I think that by taking out the hassle of shopping for those that don’t enjoy it- I have given them a gift as well.

December 22, 2011 at 7:15 am

kara

Team gift card, no question. The odds that, for example, my MIL will pick out a sweater in a style, color, and size that are appropriate are extremely slim. Plus I enjoy shopping and thinking about what I will buy, so it’s like a double-gift for me. Plus so many Team present people get so testy if you return something. I don’t like to offend people, but I also don’t want things I dislike cluttering up my house.

December 22, 2011 at 7:18 am

(website)

Veteran

I won’t look a gift horse – er card – in the mouth, but I am team present! The BF is slowly catching on to my Facebook links to some wonderful item I have spied lol. I started saving Amazon wish lists years ago and Zappos, too. It worked this year finally, sort of. He knew I wanted the Mohop sandals but didn’t know what color or style, so he had to spoil the surprise this week and have me order them. I’m hopeful that maybe 3 years from now he’ll finally have it mastered
I always buy him a wardrobe present for Christmas. Gift cards are fine when you just don’t know, but I like to take the personal time to pick out the item and see them enjoy opening it.

December 22, 2011 at 7:21 am

Nova

Active Member

I love both. When shopping for others I usually buy presents for children and do gift cards for others unless I have found something that I just know they will love. I am also a big fan of consumable gifts (food, drinks, movie tickets…) because most everyone I know does not want a bunch of clutter. For myself I appreciate both as well.

December 22, 2011 at 7:22 am

mamark

Active Member

Oh Team Present all the way!

My husband is the only one who really buys significant gifts for me, and after a rough start in our relationship with some pretty bad (thoughtless, cheap, last minute) gifts, I now start emailing him links to items that catch my eye, starting around October. Then he can pick one or a few and surprise me with them, because I have no idea which ones he’ll like.

A few years ago, I unwrapped a sweater top, sweater skirt and long cardigan – a complete outfit – which I had not picked out! I liked it, but was really shocked that he selected something with no hint from me.

A few days after Christmas I finally asked him how he picked it out. He produced a folded-up catalog page I had torn out and handed him sometime in November….. with the handbag I really wanted (and had circled) on the other side of the page.

Links are safer!

December 22, 2011 at 7:25 am

Alicat

What I really love is an experience and the gift of time. When someone says — let me treat you to a restaurant and a movie, you pick. Or here are tickets to that show you wanted to see. Or surprise me by delivering some homemade soup and bread when I’m having a crazy week. Wash my car and then let’s go on a drive together! If you give me a gift card, let it be for a mani/pedi or a massage.

Can you tell I love the clutter-free gifts?

Although so far this Christmas, my favorite gift by far has been my fox-print scarf from Secret Santa Heather!

December 22, 2011 at 7:25 am

Isis

Veteran

Team Present all the way. Most adults I know have money to spend on things they need, so a gift card doesn’t seem special. I don’t especially like getting them, because then I have to shop, and I have to remember to bring the gift card.

I like receiving food and shared experiences as gifts!

I will give gift cards to teachers or someone I don’t know well.

December 22, 2011 at 7:26 am

Sara L.

Veteran

I prefer presents to gift cards. I like getting something I might not have picked out for myself. If it’s really not me, I return it. I don’t feel guilty because I figure the giver would be happier to know I found something I can use rather than let their gift go to waste. I generally prefer giving gifts rather than gift cards with some exceptions. My teenage nephew will get a gift card to the local game store so he can buy himself some video games and my niece an iTunes gift card to get some music for her iPod.

December 22, 2011 at 7:43 am

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Team present. I love surprises.

December 22, 2011 at 7:45 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

ha- I guess I would have to lead up team hypocrite on this one. While I enjoy getting gifts, I am really picky and would prefer a gift card or cold hard cash. However I much prefer to select a gift to give to others. I enjoy the process of selecting something special for each person on my list. It seems kindof odd when everyone is just exchanging gift cards on Christmas morning. In my family the kids (cousins) all draw one name to purchase for and I have become the anti-gift card nazi. I tell them they can’t just ask for gift cards because what is the sense of them all exchanging money? If I do end up purchasing a gift card I add another small gift along with it to make it more fun.

December 22, 2011 at 8:01 am

Antje

Veteran

I love a thoughtfully picked present from the people close to me. To me it reflects love and care to be deliberate about purchasing (or making!) a gift one thinks the other person will enjoy. I cannot even imagine my partner and me exchanging gift cards. Then it becomes too “obvious” somehow, like a commercial exchange, as if we could just as well spend the money seperately on ourselves.

From people who are less close, I sure appreciate a gift card on occasions like my birthday. For Xmas, I don’t really exchange gifts with too many people, so it isn’t really a question of gift card vs. present – it’s a question of just hugs vs. a small persent

I myself like to give gift cards to people whom I want to show appreciation to but whose tastes I’m not familiar with – like my daughter’s teacher or the mail man. For such recipients/occasions, I think gift cards rock, whether it’s a gift card to a bookstore or a Starbucks card.

December 22, 2011 at 8:03 am

clothesjunkie

(website)

Active Member

Team Gift Card, I have to say. I wish it were otherwise. I feel very bad returning something somebody has made an effort to pick out for me. Pretty much everybody in my life who is likely to give me a present has admitted that my style is just too hard to pin down for them to feel confident in actually picking something out.

December 22, 2011 at 8:38 am

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, for clothes and most other fashion-related things, definitely Team Gift Card. Most people would freely admit that they have no idea how to shop for my style, plus I am quite particular about fit, style, fabric, etc. On the other hand, I do like to receive presents, just not of the clothing variety, especially when I can tell a lot of thought was put into it. So, Team Gift Card for fashion, and bench for everything else?

December 22, 2011 at 8:42 am

Narnia

Active Member

I’m team consumables! A cute little baggie of homemade treats demonstrates care and effort, but they don’t take up any storage space!

December 22, 2011 at 8:48 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

Team present for sure. I am with Alicat in what she wrote. A present is an occasion to offer and receive something that you wouldn’t necessarily think about. When you receive, you discover something (or discover you don’t like it).

Giving a present as opposed to $ is an occasion to think about the other person. Sit down and put yourself in their shoes in trying to guess what would really please them. It’s a game of hit or miss, misses do happen even if you have put lots of thoughts into it, but even then you learn about the other person.

I also love small anonymous gifts too, for those who are in the fabric of your daily life but who you don’t know personally. I once heard of someone leaving a gift for the postman in their mailbox: a new pair of warm merino socks. I thought it was such a good idea! (in Canada, runs can be chilly). But merino socks are too expensive for me. Nevertheless, a little chocolate or something. It really goes a long way. More than money.

I am a sucker to give gifts to children. There is nothing more rewarding than to witness their joy as they unwrap toys.

So, team presents.

Exception: collective gifts. To a fitness instructor, for example, a group all pitch in to present him or her with a gift card from a select yoga wear store. It’s harder to do the giving -receiving when it’s a whole group.

December 22, 2011 at 8:53 am

Beth

Veteran

Team Gift Card for clothes, definitely. No one has actually bought me clothes since I was a child. Instead, my mother, sister and I would make a day of going to the nearest “big” shopping mall (in our case, Tyson’s Corner) and we’d spend the day shopping for each other, then wrapping the clothes and putting them under the tree. There was the excitement of anticipation for weeks, knowing exactly what awaited us.

That said, I also love the surprise of a well-chosen gift. My MIL and SIL are particularly good at this as we have similar tastes. Otherwise, our families just make wish lists:)

Actually, I just like gifts in general!

December 22, 2011 at 8:54 am

Turkey Vulture

Active Member

I love receiving presents, but gift cards usually end up giving me more seasonal glee in the end. It’s fun to go shopping during all the post-Christmas sales, and I often can’t swing that by the time my own Christmas-present shopping is done. So gift cards are always welcome. Plus, it does really suck to return things that aren’t your cup of tea. I’ve received some nice clothes in the past that I just couldn’t wear because of my proportions. I’d rather be able to try things on before I get them.

My family gives each other hand-made gifts now for Christmas, so this is seldom a problem anymore. But we still do shopping trips or gift cards for birthdays!

December 22, 2011 at 9:15 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I’m batting for both, because I love checking off my list and shopping in the new year with items I still need or want or simply can’t have someone else buying, like bras and/or shoes! Yet, the magic of opening up a gift given with someone’s own imagination and care is truly a joy and I’m usually always pleasantly surprised with what’s inside. When I do give a gift card, I also add a little gift along with it, so it’s not just $$$ and plastic. I think gift cards are quite practical and I also give restaurant gift cards, too!

December 22, 2011 at 9:29 am

Debbie

Veteran

Team present. I like gift cards especially for massages. Which is something I would not do for myself. I love the surprise of a wrapped gift..
Recently I had to explain to my husband that telling me to pick out a gift for myself did not constitute a surprise!

December 22, 2011 at 9:32 am

Marvel Girl

Active Member

Team Giftcard! Alternately, I am also Team Amazon Wishlist. I’m extremely picky about the things that I bring into my life. I’ve spent years receiving gifts that I can’t return and they end up cluttering up one of my storage closets only to end up eventually at Goodwill. At this point I ask everyone to shop from my Amazon wishlist which also has giftcards on it.

December 22, 2011 at 9:39 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have to bat for both teams as well!

On one hand, I’m growing ever more PICKY, and I feel so bad when someone spent time and money to give me something that isn’t the right color/fit/style for me. Sometimes I also don’t have the space for things, so I love GCs for services like massages, too.

On the OTHER hand, nothing can beat the thrill when someone knows you well and picks out (or makes!) the perfect thing for you. My UWP necklace is the most recent case in point!

December 22, 2011 at 9:42 am

Aziraphale

Veteran

I buy gifts for people based on my own experience, and there are positives and negatives to both tangible presents and gift cards. The difficulty with an actual present — a surprise one — is that unless the giver has similar taste to yours, or is an astute guesser, what’s inside the box may be something you don’t like or can’t use! For example, I had a grandmother who was a very generous gift giver, but her taste was appalling, and we’d always have to put on a fake show of gratitude. Well, not fake exactly, because I did appreciate the sentiment, and she was a lovely, kind-hearted woman. But still. A lot of her gifts would eventually find their way into my mother’s bi-annual garage sale, or the goodwill box. And this wasn’t an occasional, minor problem; she would shower us with boxes and boxes of inappropriate gifts every Christmas!

One the flip side, gift cards limit you to spending money at a particular place (usually). Sometimes there’s nothing at that place that you can find to spend the money on. Also, some people feel that gift cards are an ‘easy way out’, and show that the giver didn’t care to spend time carefully selecting the gift. I have an auntie for whom I never buy gift cards for that reason. She has a snit if she feels the gift giver didn’t expend energy choosing the ‘perfect’ gift for her. (Mind you, she ALWAYS returns whatever I choose for her. I have yet to hit on the perfect gift, I guess!).

For me personally? I like to receive some surprise gifts, and maybe a gift card or two. Extra bonus if I love the surprise gifts! And with the gift cards, I get to look forward to the fun of shopping in January. So, I’m on the fence for this one. I like to both give and receive presents as well as gift cards.

December 22, 2011 at 9:49 am

Francesca

I’m with Chewy Spaghetti on this one. Team Shop for Myself!

I love getting clothes, but because I have very specific requirements (size, color, pricepoint at which I’m willing to pay for that item) I pretty much shop for myself & wrap it up (or have the “giver” wrap it). It ensures I get exactly what I want at a good price (because I’ve been stalking it until it goes on sale) and I’ve given them the gift of time by eliminating the hassle of shopping for someone who’s hard to please.

December 22, 2011 at 10:07 am

Lisa H.

Active Member

I am for sure Team Present! I love opening those beautiful packages! And I like to get homemade presents of cookies and cranberry breads! Just too awesome!! I will sit on a Gift Card for a couple of months before I make my mind up to get something. I have had some for over a year!! Presents don’t have to be expensive and the homemade ones are very dear to my heart!!

December 22, 2011 at 10:10 am

Louise

Veteran

I’m batting for both teams. I adore surprise presents, I’ve just returned from my cousins who bought me the most perfect mink coloured scarf for Christmas but I would prefer a gift card if the alternative is something which isn’t me I also feel guilty returning something I don’t like x

December 22, 2011 at 10:29 am

qfbrenda

Veteran

Team Gift Card, assuming they get a card from a decent place.

December 22, 2011 at 10:41 am

Cheryl

I vote for both teams. More impt to be grateful and know how to receive what is given you than what is given. Interesting that you use the word, “batting,” an aggressive term, but won’t go into semantics here. At this time of year, I say embrace both teams.

December 22, 2011 at 10:46 am

klauren

Active Member

I’m embracing both teams – however the gifts I give are usually made by me! The folks that live far away (college age nieces and nephews) get what college kids usually need – $$ – always fits, they love it and usually know what they need better than I do.

December 22, 2011 at 11:54 am

LisaLisa

Active Member

I am team present. I rarely buy gift cards for others, unless I am out of time and need something last minute.

For myself, I wouldn’t ever turn away a gift card, but there is just something special about opening a hand picked gift. Sometimes people miss the mark, but I still appreciate the sentiment and the effort that went into it.

It seems in our world of “instant everything” these days, a hand picked and wrapped present is a bit of a rarity. Therefore, it feels more special to me.

December 22, 2011 at 12:01 pm

Lisa

Veteran

I prefer to receive wrapped presents over gift cards. Even if I don’t care for the item, I enjoy opening a wrapped present and I always appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into selecting and wrapping the item. With a gift card, I associate them too much with last minute rushing and less forthought. And I may end up holding onto it for a very long time. Whenever I receive a gift card, that’s usually the time the store falls out of favor for me for a while.

December 22, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Joy

Veteran

I’m batting for both teams. I love to open surprise gifts and like the gift cards too. I especially like gift cards to a coffee house to get a pick-me-up while shopping. I dislike being asked what I want or for a list although that’s practical, I suppose.

December 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm

san

Veteran

I don’t take the word batting as an aggressive term. It’s the same as asking what team you are playing for as in playing baseball. In baseball you bat for one team or the other.
I love a surprise and I like getting things that someone else thought I would like. I would be disappointed if my family all exchanged gift cards but there is a time and place for them too.

December 22, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Wendy

(website)

I am totally team gift card. Whilst, I love to buy presents for others, because I observe them, listen to them and file away ideas to get the perfect present, I can never receive the same.

This is for two reasons. 1) I have a hard time asking for what I want. 2) I feel sometimes, people don’t have a clue, or don’t pay attention to me when I express what I would like.

Another reason I prefer gift cards is that many times I may not get for myself an item because of financial constraints, but having that gift card means that those funds are just for me, and I can get what I want, when the time is right. .

Ok, that was way over the top for a simple comment.

December 22, 2011 at 12:42 pm

cheryl

Veteran

I can’t pick a side, i’m on both teams. For giving and receiving.

December 22, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Dana

(website)

Veteran

I’m 99.9% team wrapped present. I love the thrill of opening a present. People know for the most part not to buy me clothes, so there’s never the issue of getting things that aren’t my style. Although my husband buys clothes for me on occasion and does a great job.

We had early Christmas with my sister’s family. They got us a gift card for brunch at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, something we would never probably get around to doing for ourselves, so we’re thrilled! Happy Holidays everyone!

December 22, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Ah, as for giving I also prefer to buy gifts. I love looking for and finding the perfect present!

December 22, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow! Sounds like an even split so far.

December 22, 2011 at 1:19 pm

Deborah

As long as the gift card is wrapped as a present, then I am team giftcard. I like to open the package and then I can look forward to what I will do with the giftcard!

December 22, 2011 at 1:33 pm

Laura

As a young single person with a fairly low-paying job, I have to say that I don’t at all mind receiving gift cards, or just plain old cash. True, it means my family didn’t put much thought into what they got me, but on the other hand it means they understand what I can really use. Plus, the reality is that when my family members pick out gifts for me, I often end up receiving things that I don’t ever use–either jewelry/accessories that are not my taste, or other random gifts that are funny or intersting but not really anything that I need or will put to much use.

I do love to give thoughtfully-chosen or handmade gifts, though. Partially because I enjoy finding that perfect thing for someone, but also because I don’t have a large budget for gift-giving and so I can give something much more meaningful if it’s hand-selected or homemade. What my gifts may lack in monetary value they make up for in uniqueness and intentionality.

December 22, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Parsley

Veteran

Team present all the way! It can be the tiniest little thing, as long as it’s chosen or made with love. I don’t need gift cards. I can buy what I want for myself anyway.

I prefer to give presents, too, with the one exception of teenagers, when I think gift cards are the only way.

December 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Lena

Hmm, this is harder than I expected. I say both teams, even though I really wanted to say Team Present.

I like to give gifts on as many occasions as possible, so I pay close attention, PLOT throughout the year and try to tailor as much as I can find out. If I’m not very sure, I don’t give anything, or ask the person directly. (I also single-handedly support the local flower industry, hehee )

As for receiving, I prefer not to get anything at all rather than get something that doesn’t fit me or can’t be used. I always appreciate flowers, btw. I like surprises, but again, they rarely work out.

I’m torn on giftcards or exchanging cash between family members and friends. The economist in me recognizes that it’s the most EFFICIENT way to gift and it’s also considerate. On the other hand, it also seems like a cold transfer of funds, especially when it takes places between people who live together.

December 22, 2011 at 3:09 pm

tracina

I am more team gift card, but I am actually team no gifts of any kind. I do like buying a gift for someone if I know it is something they really want but I used to be in a position where I had very limited funds and many, many people to buy for. It turned me off the whole gift giving thing. Now I can buy what I want within reason and everything I need.

December 22, 2011 at 4:10 pm

anne

Veteran

Both teams.

At this stage of my life (SAHM mum) I appreciate having gift vouchers to help stretch my clothing budget. I have also received money to “go shopping” “have my hair done” “go out to dinner with DH (accompanied by a discount voucher to a restaurent) and my favourite – tickets to the theatre (very rare that I would otherwise get to anything apart from the local amateur rep)

I think these were great ideas.
However my most remembered gifts were ones that were not gift cards and were complete surprises, that I hadn’t put on a wish list but just right. 2 times I have been given DVD series of old TV shows that I had enjoyed and loved watching them again (and completely) The people who gave me these remembered from years ago, or from a conversation years ago, that i liked them and it was that memory that really touched me.

December 22, 2011 at 4:22 pm

alice

(website)

I’m on Team Neither. I absolutely don’t want anyone buying anything for me because I’ve been on a big house clearing, minimalist kick. I’m also at a point where I think everyone I know owns way too much stuff and I hate to add to it unless I know for certain it’s something they really really really need. I guess that makes me a Grinch! However, since I like the spirit behind gift giving, I guess I will bat for Team Present, since I prefer to give small consumable items (homemade soaps, snacks, my services) over gift cards.

December 22, 2011 at 4:30 pm

clearlyclaire

First let me say that the Secret Santa kind of thing that was going on here at YLF really warms my heart. I think we know each other’s style and tastes better than some of our own families do! When a gift is a token, and the amount to be spent is relatively small a hand-chosen gift is so much nicer than everyone exchanging $20 gift cards! I missed out on SS this year, but next year I hope to participate!

That said, not everyone is a star gift giver, someone who delights in finding out what would put a smile on your face. For my husband, it is nothing but an exhausting, overwhelming chore. So I get to buy for myself, wrap it and *he* gets to be the one surprised! We have a good time and make the most of it. So in that regard, I’m on Khris’ team. All other relatives can give me cash or a gift card anyday!

I used to always buy presents for others because I could make the money go SO much further and give a gift that looked so much more expensive than it really was. This past year I dreaded the lines at the PO and the shipping costs so much that I sent restaurant gift cards to my relatives for the first time ever. We’ll see how that goes!

December 22, 2011 at 5:51 pm

christy

Veteran

I have to bat for both teams here, but I definitely lean towards team present. I enjoy the process of trying to figure out what will be a well received gift, just as I like to receive gifts that have also been thoughtfully considered. If someone wants to get me clothes, I’d much rather get a gift card (or at least a gift receipt!). But I’m also an experience person – some of my husband’s best gifts have been tickets to a show or a cooking class (requested, not implied as a necessity! LOL!….I think…).

There are some people, teens and college kids, that I’m usually just going to give a gift card (though I didn’t this year and I’m pretty pleased with what I came up with). I’d be disappointed in a gift card from my husband. Anyone else…a gift card would be welcome, but an actual present would be welcome also.

PS – still cracking up at Rita’s “cash is king!”.

December 22, 2011 at 6:48 pm

Mellllls

Team present! Although I recognize that there is a time and place for gift cards. I love love love picking out the perfect gifts for my loved ones. But I only shop for a very small number of people. However,in some cases, the perfect gift can really be a gift card, I just don’t think that gift cards should be the default.

December 22, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Debora

Veteran

Team present! I love opening presents but won’t say no to a gift card! I especially love gift cards to my fav stores and restaurants.

December 22, 2011 at 7:09 pm

Mac

Veteran

Team Present.

December 22, 2011 at 8:11 pm

hbeaver

Active Member

Team present! For me, whether I’m the receiver or giver, a terrific present has little to do with the cost of the gift. It is how clever the gift is in relation to the receiver. The more clever the gift, the more I feel it is something in which I put alot of thought to match a gift with the person receiving!

December 22, 2011 at 8:17 pm

Deborah

Veteran

I definitely bat for both teams. I also have a wish list so a gift card is always gratefully accepted. And I do so appreciate a gift that has been given with much thought. One of my close girlfriends (who by the way is so not into fashion) recently gave me a pair of leopard print gum boots which I love. I wear gum boots to particular school excursions and sporting events with Master 8 and she had clearly put a lot of thought into this gift.

December 22, 2011 at 10:08 pm

Sylvia Giovanna

Active Member

I’m team present with a toe on the other side of the line. When it comes to receiving gifts not only do I love unwrapping it but I also love to know that someone put the thought into it – even if they did miss the mark. On giving, well it goes both ways I guess. I expect of myself to think a bit of what others might like… Kinda like the golden rule of gift giving I guess.

That being said, if it something like a secret Santa or a known picky-er then by all means gift card!!

On a side note… @mamark, the last part of your comment made me laugh so hard I woke my dog up and he gave me the stink eye

December 23, 2011 at 12:36 am

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Team Wishlist Present! I prefer if the giftee just tells me what he/she wants or has a Amazon wishlist. I am the same way for myself and the kids–I would love to get exactly what we need/want! Except the YLF secret santa…that was fun to get a total surprise! I bought my giftee’s wished for item though (the scarf) because I was worried she wouldn’t like what I picked out. But I added some colorful tights and chocolate just for fun.

December 23, 2011 at 12:40 am

Kate

Veteran

Team Present. I love to give them and I love to receive them.

December 23, 2011 at 1:08 am

Scarlet

Veteran

Team Present–I like the excitement of having something right away to enjoy, but I like to give some guidance about what it should be because I also have difficulty returning something someone has picked out for me.

December 24, 2011 at 4:56 am

rachylou

Veteran

Well, I’m a weak team gift card. I prefer presents, the big bow, the surprise. I don’t care at all what’s inside. But I have to say, gift cards helped me buy a pricey digital camera one year… and they’re going to help get a tablet this year, LOL…

January 3, 2012 at 11:09 am

Mamavalveeta03

Veteran

Team Present!!!! (see, I’m even getting excited just thinking about it!). And also, Team “Send them the link to exactly what you want so they don’t get you something ugly”!

June 13, 2012 at 10:11 am

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