Giving Gift Cards as Presents: How to Pull it Off

Let's face it: Not all of us have that special gift for picking out the perfect present. Some of us would prefer to just send money as a Christmas gift or birthday present. Not a lot of thought goes into that, though. Gift cards and certificates can also send the message that you didn't put much thought in the present. You have to get creative if you want to pull it off. Instead of choosing a single gift card to a store you know a person loves, why not combine gift cards to create a whole experience for your loved one?

Movie Night

Buy a $10 gift card from a video rental store and one from your friend's favorite pizza parlor. Now your friend can invite over some friends, rent two movies (and get some candy to boot), and order a pizza. Everyone enjoys that! This makes a great Christmas or Birthday present for anyone, especially teenagers.

Dinner and a Movie

Buy a $15 gift card for your relative from a movie theatre near them, as well as a $25 gift card for a nearby restaurant. This should be enough for dinner for two and two movie theatre tickets. In addition to being a great Christmas or Birthday present, this is also good for anniversaries. It is a great idea for couples, especially those with children.

Relaxation

Buy a $10 gift card to Bath & Body Works or a similar store and one to a place that sells CDs, like Best Buy. Instruct your mother or mother-in-law to select some bubble bath, bath beads or salts, or even some aromatherapy candles and to buy a CD that will help her relax. She can have a nice, soothing bath while listening to calming music. Babysitting to get the kids out of the house goes along nicely with this gift idea, which is also great for Mother's Day.

For the Bookworm

Do you know someone who likes to read? Get them a $10 gift card to Starbucks and a $15 gift card to Barnes and Noble. They can take their time picking out an enjoyable book, then settle down to read it with their favorite coffee. It isn't just intellectuals who will enjoy this, and it's a great present for any occasion including high school or college graduations.