by Stephanie Andrews

Created on: October 27, 2008

Gift Card Wonderland

The minute the weather becomes brisk out and the leaves turn their beautiful shades of orange and yellow I find myself in the Christmas spirit. It doesn't take much for me to be the bearer of holiday cheer as I have always had wonderful associations with the holidays. In my family, holidays are festive and giving. We rush around up until the last minute finding the perfect presents that show just how much we care and thought about each person this year. Gifts can often be challenging, and as people mature and their lives change so do their likes and dislikes. Which is why gift cards can often be the perfect sentiment.

I once read an article that rejected the idea of gift cards as great holiday gifts, rebuking them as insensitive and impersonal. I was rather shocked by the statements made about the impersonal characteristics of a gift card because I had always thought them to be an intelligent way of providing someone with the means of buying what they want but with the added intension of at least knowing what they enjoy. Gift cards are sometimes the smarter alternative for gift giving for many different reasons.

First off, most people travel during the holiday season, and with luggage restrictions becoming more strict and prices only increasing as the holidays approach, traveling with clothes and necessities can often be a challenge in itself. But couple that with all the gifts received over the holidays, and packing can often prove to be an even greater challenge. But instead of wrestling with luggage this holiday season, perhaps asking for gift cards can be a better alternative. As an artist I often ask for paints and canvases, and with the many array of canvas sizes and bulkiness, trying to wrangle that into a suitcase can be a nightmare. Instead, I just ask for a gift card to an art supply store. I still get the items I need and desire, but without the fear of destroying them in order to fit everything into my suitcase. Gift cards may seem impersonal to some, but I find it convenient and helpful. I find the products I want the most (without having to explain every detail to my family) and I don't have to deal with the logistical nightmare of traveling back with all these items in toe.

I think specific gift cards, designed to fit a specific need or purchase (for example, a Macy's Gift card) are perfect ideas for the holidays, even if you don't plan on traveling this season. Having lived with my grandparents practically all of my life I

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