I wonder when cash became a thoughtless gift, or at least a gift without much effort behind it, and gift cards, which are like cash but less useful, became the quick, thoughtful gift of choice.
Grrr. I just bought someone a gift card; now you have me examining my motives. If I may make excuses: The only cash I had was wrinkled (which would draw attention to my shameful sloppiness). For some crisper cash, I'd have to visit an ATM, which grinds them out in $20 increments, smooth and respectable. However, $20 was too little and $40 was too much (to say nothing of the $1.75 charge, because my real bank is across town). Next time I'll write a check.
I didn't mean to make anyone second guess themselves. I never said gift cards were a bad gift; I said they have become the quick, thoughtful gift of choice. I, myself, have given many gift cards, and, for some reason, would almost prefer them over cash. In fact, I told my mother just the other day, now that I work at a place that has a) gift cards, b) an electronics department, and c) an employee discount, she would be most welcome to use gift cards as a de facto gift on holidays. I just think it's funny and strange that gift-giving etiquette has developed this way. It wasn't so long ago that a gift certificate was a very tacky gift, but, for some reason, gift cards are another story.
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Grrr. I just bought someone a gift card; now you have me examining my motives. If I may make excuses: The only cash I had was wrinkled (which would draw attention to my shameful sloppiness). For some crisper cash, I'd have to visit an ATM, which grinds them out in $20 increments, smooth and respectable. However, $20 was too little and $40 was too much (to say nothing of the $1.75 charge, because my real bank is across town). Next time I'll write a check.
I didn't mean to make anyone second guess themselves. I never said gift cards were a bad gift; I said they have become the quick, thoughtful gift of choice. I, myself, have given many gift cards, and, for some reason, would almost prefer them over cash. In fact, I told my mother just the other day, now that I work at a place that has a) gift cards, b) an electronics department, and c) an employee discount, she would be most welcome to use gift cards as a de facto gift on holidays. I just think it's funny and strange that gift-giving etiquette has developed this way. It wasn't so long ago that a gift certificate was a very tacky gift, but, for some reason, gift cards are another story.
PS This post is a little comma happy, isn't it?
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