Gift Vouchers: Aye or Nay?

[Scheherazade]

As the present-malaria is upon us, I would like to hear your thoughts on gift vouchers from various stores/websites as presents.

I am not including a compromise option in the poll because I would like to hear your true feelings on the issue, with the acknowledgement that, of course, there would be exceptions to the rule.

Thank you!

[Calidore]

Do you mean getting them for others, receiving them yourself, or both?

[Scheherazade]

Both!

[YesNo]

My children prefer them to what I might pick out from the store for them. I sometimes wonder, why not just give them cash? I guess that would only show how little I know them, which is probably true. I have no clue what they might want from Sephora or XXI Forever.

As far as what I would like to receive as a holiday present, I much prefer it be something I could eat or consume in some way. I once received a DVD set on the history of WWII, which is still sitting on the shelf.

[*Classic*Charm*]

In my family and with my friends, we have no qualms about asking what each other wants, directly and specifically. Everyone gets what they want. If that means gift cards so they can pick something out themselves, c'est la vie.

I love getting gift cards, especially to the book store. That way, I get the book-buying experience. Grab a coffee, take a break from studying, and go hang out in the store, come home with something pretty. It's even better than getting the book itself.

[cacian]

I voted nay no voucher I am afraid. I do not like them for the simple reason that you do no get the change back if you do not spend the exact money specified on the voucher. in other words I have been short changed in the past when the price on the tag did not match the voucher specific number. I remained with a receipt saying I had a pound or two left. once that goes in the back it is forgotten about it.
the other thing is that they are restricted to one kind of shop only. vouchers are not flexible in this sense.
I prefer cash any time. cash is king or so they say.

[Helga]

I like them. but I never get them. i have never given one.

[papayahed]

My Mom says gift vouchers are the lazy way but she doesn't realize how many of her presents I return and get the correct item. She has this weird knack for buying what I don't want. Whenever she asks I always tell her that I would like any type of the fruit scented lotions from The Body Shop and every time she buys me the scrubs and shower gels. I'm not complaining, because I will use the scrubs and gels it's just not what I asked for, so in one respect I wouldn't mind vouchers.