Submitted by: Alex Lemone

Choosing the right gift certificate can be tricky. First, you need to decide if a gift certificate is appropriate in your situation. Would money be considered a tacky gift? Gift certificates are often stand-ins for monetary gifts. If you feel that money would be a welcome gift, a gift certificate is probably also appropriate.

Next, determine your reason for giving the certificate. Are you trying to buy something for someone who already has everything? A gift certificate is probably not an appropriate gift for a wealthy person who already has the means to buy anything they like. It would only be appropriate when buying them a certificate for something you believe they need and will appreciate, but would never purchase themselves, such as purchasing a massage for an overworked friend.

If your reason for giving a gift certificate is that you don’t want to take the time and effort to purchase a gift for your recipient, go back to the first step. Is this an acceptable way to address your situation? For extended relatives, acquaintances, and low-level employees, this may be perfectly appropriate.

Once you’ve determined the appropriateness of giving a certificate as a gift, here’s what to consider in the gift itself.

1. Give the gift of a hobby

Think about the hobbies of your recipient. If there’s a knitter on your list, they’ll probably never tire of having more yarn and knitting needles. A certificate to a yarn store is a good gift for this person. A good candidate for a hobby gift certificate is someone who is always talking about or engaging in their hobby or someone just starting out in a hobby who hasn’t acquired all the necessary components yet. Purchasing a certificate to a bike shop for someone who has just learned to ride but doesn’t yet have a helmet, basket, or trailer, is a good bet.

2. Give the gift of leisure

Harried moms, students, and hard working providers are often in need of a rest they are either unable or unwilling to provide for themselves. Giving a gift certificate to a movie, show, or concert, or to a spa or retreat will give the gift of welcome respite for this group of people.

3. Give the gift of choice

Teenagers, college students, and women of all ages are often in need of clothing but don’t know their exact size or preference until they get into the store. It can be frustrating to purchase clothing for these kinds of recipients. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t get it right. What they liked last year might not reflect at all on their desires for this year. Giving a gift certificate to their favorite clothing or retail store gives them the ability to choose for themselves what looks nice and fits comfortably.

Other good candidates for gift certificate receipt are those who just seem to need more of everything. Maybe they are young adults just starting out or a family who has lost a job or is in financial need. Gift certificates to grocery stores, warehouses, and big box stores are often gratefully received by this group of people.

It is not bad manners to give a gift certificate. It is giving the gift of choice to people you care about. For some people, gift certificates are the most desired gifts. When in doubt, do ask your recipient which store or institution they would like a gift certificate from. Giving gift certificates is a great way to save time and give your loved ones exactly what they were hoping for.

About the Author: Alex Lemone is a wedding and engagement writer. For more

invitation ideas

and

wedding ideas

go to Wedding Ideas Etc. Note: You may reprint this article on your website, newsletter, or blog as long as the resource box remains in tact and hyperlinks stay active and dofollow.

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