gift certificates and gift cards were never good gifts, they are pushed hard by the bourgeoisie because the fraction that go unredeemed are pure profit (and they get the float in the meantime for the ones that are redeemed)
They’re still pushed for the reasons you mentioned, but I think an experiential or specialty shop gift card - ideally something that the person would consider an indulgence and wouldn’t go to on their own - can be a fine gift. The recipient “gets” the experience of shopping without guilt/thriftiness, and they pick something they like within the bounds of the gift. E.g. you could give somebody a certificate to a small Etsy seller and they can pick jewelry that matches their outfits, or to a fancy truffle shop and they will avoid buying flavors they don’t particularly like. Coupon for glassblowing or cooking class? Cool gift. But it’s got to demonstrate thought, a Target gift card sucks and multi-store gift cards like the picture are just money with extra steps
gift certificates and gift cards were never good gifts, they are pushed hard by the bourgeoisie because the fraction that go unredeemed are pure profit (and they get the float in the meantime for the ones that are redeemed)
They’re still pushed for the reasons you mentioned, but I think an experiential or specialty shop gift card - ideally something that the person would consider an indulgence and wouldn’t go to on their own - can be a fine gift. The recipient “gets” the experience of shopping without guilt/thriftiness, and they pick something they like within the bounds of the gift. E.g. you could give somebody a certificate to a small Etsy seller and they can pick jewelry that matches their outfits, or to a fancy truffle shop and they will avoid buying flavors they don’t particularly like. Coupon for glassblowing or cooking class? Cool gift. But it’s got to demonstrate thought, a Target gift card sucks and multi-store gift cards like the picture are just money with extra steps
yeah, I can see where you’re coming from. good points