Just finished reading an article in USA Today where it mentioned that more people than ever are hoping to receive a gift card this year. And while I give gift cards, heck just I bought one last night, and they do make gift giving so much easier, have you ever really thought about some of the other reasons people give gift cards:
- Like you really don’t know much about the person whom you’re giving that gift card. Maybe this year you should give yourself a gift instead; the pleasure of getting to know that recipient. Learn their likes and dislikes; their hobbies and interests. Hmmm….She takes a Zumba class at the local Park & Rec. Maybe pay for her next series of classes? Heck while you’re there sign yourself up as well. You know you need to exercise a bit more.
- Or maybe you, the recipient, are such a pain in the you know what and don’t know how to appreciate a gift when it is given to you. Perhaps this year take the time to find use for that gift that put a fake smile on you last Christmas. Yes, it was obvious as you looked around for the gift receipt. If I can find use for a pencil cup made from a bull’s scrotum you can find use for something just as odd.
- Maybe it’s indicative of your life in general; you are always looking for an easy way out or a quick fix to accomplish tasks? No attention to detail. Not willing to put extra effort into your work.
- Maybe it’s time to spend less time updating your Facebook status with every move you make or tweeting about nothing of relevance and go spend some time buying something meaningful for the people who really matter. Or maybe go shopping with that person. Trust me, during your time together he or she will be eyeing something. But will your eyes be listening?
Gift cards are here to stay. I’m not knocking them. Nor do I intend to stop buying them. But at the same time this is my favorite time of year….to find that perfect odd gift that will cause my friend Sherry to go WTF when we get on the phone Christmas morning and open our gifts to each other from over 1,000 miles away.
Now get your butt to the mall.
And next year, make a vow not to do all your holiday shopping at the gift card rack at your local pharmacy. Don’t worry, there will be plenty left on Christmas Eve if you can’t find that perfect gift.
Happy Holidays.
