by Virginia L. Allen

Created on: July 24, 2010

With events such as holidays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions occurring on a frequent basis, it often seems as gift giving has become a never ending chore instead of the joy it once was.

Add to the conundrum the complexity of purchasing for those who seem to have it all or for those hard to please, there is no denying the appeal of the gift card.

Determining what makes gift cards the ultimate gift idea boils down to five things:

1.) Convenience - gift cards are extremely convenient since they are easily accessible and provide the gift giver with a quick gift giving solution for those last minute special occasions (even major survey companies are opting to reward their participants with gift cards in lieu of cash).

2.) Availability - gift cards are widely available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, as well as a variety of monetary increments, and can be purchased from just about any business establishment. Everything from spa gift cards to restaurant gift cards are readily accessible for anyone to purchase.

3.) Ease - gift cards take the challenge out of finding that "perfect gift." The gift giver simply has to A.) choose the gift card of his or her choice; B.) hand it to the cashier; C.) tell them how much money to load on it; D.) pay for the purchase using cash, check, or credit card (depending on the establishment); and E.) give it to the recipient. In addition to the ease of purchasing; gift cards are simple to use as well. Depending on what kind of card the recipient receives, it is a simple matter of choosing the product/s or services and purchasing them with said card.

4.) Spending Power - gift cards place the spending power directly in the hands of the recipient. Depending on what type of card they are given (i.e. American Express, and Visa gift cards), they can spend the gift card on purchases such as gas, food, clothing, specific services, and more. With gift cards, purchasing unwanted gift items is a thing of the past. The recipient gets to purchase what he or she so desires.

5.) Expiration Dates - unlike gift certificates - which expire in a matter of several months - most gift cards carry an expiration date that provides the recipient with the choice of waiting an entire year to use the full amount of the card. It is vital to note however, that certain gift cards charge monthly fees for each month the card is not used. Therefore, both the purchaser and the recipient should read the fine print.

In any event, it is easy to see why gift card gift giving is so appealing. Due to its convenience, availability, ease of purchasing, ease of use, spending power, and expiration dates, it is no wonder that the gift card has become the ultimate gift of this day and age.

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