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Imbue
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject: Gift Cards: Saving Grace or Manner-less? |
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This is the second or third time I have seen people posting questions about gift cards. Every time I see these questions though, I also see several people who answer with "You shouldn't buy them. They are rude and thoughtless."Here's my question. Isn't it just as rude (if not more) to be offended by a gift card? The person who bought it for you obviously thought enough of you to give you their hard earned money? Why spoil it by being offended because they didn't go buy something that you may or may not like? A gift is a gift, whether it be money, a present, or a gift card.So here's my question. Do you think they are rude or not and WHY (the why is the most important thing to me)? So answer thoroughly please!  Thanks ahead of time. |
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Lighthouse
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject: |
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| A gift is a gift. The person who is bothered so much by this thoughtful gesture should politely tell the giver a simple "thank you."Better yet, make the most of the situation and buy something nice for yourself, or buy something nice and donate it, or recycle, give that gift card to someone who would appreciate it.You can't tell the giver what to do. You can only do what you want with the gift given you. |
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tigersue
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject: |
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| It depends on the relationship between the giver and the recipient.To me, gift cards are synonymous with "I didn't have time to think about something you would really like, so I just bought a gift card."If you know the person well, (mother, father, spouse, or child) giving gift cards is tacky. You should know these people well enough to choose an appropriate gift.If you have to buy for a co-worker that you have spent little time with, then a gift card is acceptable. Try to pick a store with items they would like. |
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Voodoo
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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| I don't think they're rude at all. I enjoy getting them. In fact, I'd RATHER receive a gift card than 90% of what most people would pick out for me.I realize some people think they are thoughtless, and kinda a last-resort type of gift to give someone, but honestly, if I don't know someone that well, I'd feel better giving a gift card so that person could buy him- or herself something nice, rather than having to return an unwanted gift. Or worse yet, keep it because they'd feel bad returning it!And anyway, a gift is a gift. The only proper response to a gift (whether you like it or not!) is ... "How thoughtful! Thank you so much!" And say it like you mean it! |
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Katie G
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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| I do not think they are rude. When I exchange gifts with my immediate family members, I might buy a small gift card here and there, but I make sure to buy some regular gifts as well. When I exchange gifts with extended family and co-workers, I have no problem getting a gift card. My reasons for not thinking its rude are that a gift given from the heart is never rude. What is rude is not giving at all, or not appreciating a gift. |
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Julie N
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:04 pm Post subject: |
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| it's not rude and thoughtless if done well. for example, my stepfather spends a lot of time hunting and fishing, two hobbies i know nothing about. instead of trying to figure out what he might need or like, i get him a card for his favorite sporting goods store. like clockwork, a few weeks later, he shows me with great delight what he bought. i have no idea what i'm looking at, but it makes him happy.my brother is remodeling his own house and buys most of his materials at lowe's. a lowe's gift card helps him get what he wants when he wants it and is a contribution to his home. my niece is 13 and is at that age where kids like to go to the mall and buy things 'on their own.' gifts cards and money are her favorite gifts, it seems.my two best friends and i are very busy people, so every year i buy gift cards at our favorite restaurant with the stipulation that they can only be spent when all of us are present. kind of like a pre-set girls night out.my best friend asked me what i wanted for christmas. i told her that i shop a lot at wal-mart, which is where she works. i'm sure she'd buy me something very nice, but i don't make a lot of money. she's helping me, and that's what friends do. |
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