5 Rules for Thoughtful Gift Card Giving on Mother's Day
Shelley Hunter, founder of Gift Card Girlfriend (www.GiftCardGirlfriend.com), gives consumers advice on how to turn a gift card into a thoughtful gift.
Online, May 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - With Mother's Day only a few days away, consumers are likely to be scrambling for last-minute gift ideas. Shelley Hunter, founder of Gift Card Girlfriend (www.GiftCardGirlfriend.com), says a gift card is the perfect solution because it can be purchased just about anywhere and, following the five simple rules below, can quickly be turned into a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. Here is her advice:
1. Pick a gift card mom would want, not one you think she should have. In selecting a gift card, pick a place at which the recipient likes to shop, dine, visit or hang out. Only veer from the list if you're certain the choice is a stretch she wants to make-not a stretch YOU want her to make.
2. Make sure the gift card can be redeemed at a convenient location or website. If you're not sure, check store locations online and take the time to enter both the recipient and store addresses into an online map to verify the distance.
3. Be sure mom can buy something without spending her own money. The dollar amount on a gift card should give the recipient enough buying power to make a purchase without spending additional cash. Otherwise, the gift card could turn into more of a burden than a gift-requiring the recipient contribute towards her own present.
4. Check for fees and expiration dates before purchase. Though recent changes in gift card laws have reduced the number of gift card gotcha's, it's still a good idea to look for terms before purchase. If fees and expiration information aren't clearly marked, pick another card.
5. Pair the gift card with something that can be enjoyed now. One of the reasons gift cards feel emotionless is because there's nothing to open. Though the recipient will certainly have a good time shopping later, the basic presentation of a plastic card is lackluster. Pairing the gift card with something simple (free, inexpensive, homemade), however, puts the finishing touch on turning a gift card into a thoughtful gift. There are hundreds of ideas for doing just this on www.GiftCardGirlfriend.com.
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