It's OK. These days there are so many of us that do the prudent thing and get our friends and loved ones gift cards so that they can choose something that they have had their heart set on having.
Pros? Well, it IS easier and we all like to be happiness enablers now and again. And the recipient doesn't have to worry that their gift from you will totally suck, But the cons, for me, really outweigh the pros in this situation.
Those cons? When have you ever seen a child jump up and down and scream, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the Target gift card. It's just what I've always wanted!!!"?
I don't know. I just get a kick out of planning the perfect gift. Something that says that I puzzled long and hard about the person and when I saw this perfect something I thought of them and realized that they would feel that special little tug of our friendship/love/respect/generosity every time they looked/thought of/used that particular item.
Sure, convenience is great but not personal and personal isn't always great or convenient but I have, over the years, learned my lesson when it comes to that saying that 'it's better to give than to receive'.
It's SO true....at least for me. For even as I start to unwrap and open a gift from someone special, it seems that all I can think about is how wonderful I hope my gift to them is going to make them feel.
So this season, sure....go ahead and give me beautifully wrapped boxes filled with cash or fantastical plastic cards with the promise of excitement and shopping joy and, trust me, I will love your gift and not think anything less of the thought that went into it - I'm admittedly tough to shop for - but don't be shocked when you open a gift from me that is surprisingly apropos for you and you alone. That's one of the ways that I am fortunate enough to be able to tell you how much I care.
I hope you're all in the midst of a great holiday season!
-SSG
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