are gift cards lazy

Gift cards are among the most common gifts given during birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. However, there is one question that comes to mind: Are gift cards lazy?

To some, it may represent a quick option that does not have as much of a personal feel as if one had carefully chosen the gift.  

In 1994, Blockbuster introduced the first plastic gift card, pre-loaded gift cards instead of paper-based certificates. Gift cards can be versatile, practical, and allow for choice-attributes that make them so well-suited to our fast-paced world. 

Did you know that 49% of consumers surveyed by Fiserv agreed that a gift card is more valuable than a traditional gift in today’s market. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing both perspectives looking at:  

  • Why do some people avoid gift cards while others see them as thoughtful gifts?  
  • Why can gift cards be the best gift?  
  • Things you need to know before you choose a gift for a loved one.  

If this interests you? Let’s dive into whether gift cards are truly “lazy” or simply a practical gifting solution. 

Are Gift Cards a Lazy Gifting Option? 

A gift is given to show gratitude to someone on their special day. The best gift stands for a thoughtful and respectful declaration of how the same person’s taste, personality, or need is met when such a gift is served to him.

Gift cards have developed a bad reputation as the “easy way out,” an easy gift that does not require time or effort in trying to find the perfect gift.  

Here, we are going to examine some reasons why people perceive gift cards as lazy and why perhaps this perception does not tell the whole story. 

Argument for Gift Cards being a Lazy Option 

Some people believe gift cards are something that stands for a lesser thought in the scheme of giving presents. Here are some of the most popular arguments: 

  • Lack of Personal Touch in Gift-Giving: A gift could prove to be significant when it is something that reflects an individual’s interest, hobby, or even style. By comparison, a gift card might feel like it cheats around the extra step associated with relating to what makes the person special. In some manners, this “workaround” can sometimes make a gift card feel impersonal, especially in a thoughtfulness-driven culture. 
  • Simplicity of Purchase: There is no denying the convenience factor of gift cards. Many people resort to them because they do not take as much time or effort to purchase. A gift card can be bought and handed over with just a few clicks or a quick trip to a store. Critics argue that this simplicity reflects a lack of effort, choosing a gift should be a meaningful process, and a gift card bypasses that. 
  • “One-Size-Fits-All” Solution: The gift card is excellent because it can be offered to anyone and any occasion. Then again, this also makes it a bit generic-when the giver did not get a gift card which is targeted for the person’s favorite shops or interests-made the gift seems less personalized to the recipient, which then is often viewed as a lazy or unimaginative practice. 

Counter Arguments for Gift Cards Not Being Lazy 

Counter arguments are quite numerous, and many are convinced that gift cards are not lazy. Gift cards can be very thoughtful, versatile, and even smart.  

Here is why: 

  1. Thoughtful Choice: Although many people think gift cards are impersonal, sometimes it’s brilliant to pick a card for a particular store or service. It reveals that the giver understands the recipient’s values, whether a favorite retailer, restaurant, or online platform. Gift cards provide the flexibility of choosing something personally meaningful to many recipients. 
  1. Practical Value: A gift card proves the receiver is best qualified to know what he or she may need or desire. This can be quite thoughtful when the giver does not really know the recipient’s present needs or tastes well enough to pick out a particular item. For example, a gift card to the recipient’s favorite store allows them to select exactly what they want, eliminating the uncertainty of an ordinary gift. 
  1. Financial Wisdom: Gift cards can be a smart choice where you can never overspend in trying to get something that a person would want. They also help both the giver and receiver in managing their expenses. The recipient can utilize the gift card by getting something they truly need. 

Why Gift Cards are the Best Gift? 

Gift cards have an advantage that no traditional gift can provide, making them convenient, flexible, and, in many cases, the better option.

why gift cards are not lazy

Here are a few reasons why gift cards stand out: 

1. Gift Cards are Good Substitute to Cash 

Where cash can seem impersonal, gift cards provide a middle ground. They allow the receiver to decide what they would want to purchase without the hassle of handing out cash.

Gift cards act like “custom currency”, especially when they have the receiver’s taste in mind. They offer cash freedom with a personal touch. 

2. Gift Cards Ensure the Receiver Enjoys Flexibility 

A gift card gives the person an opportunity to choose anything they need or want thus reducing the possibilities of something unwanted.

This minimizes the hassle of returns and exchanges, plus disappointment by giving a guarantee that someone will enjoy his or her gift. 

3. Control Over Spending  

The best way to stay on budget while giving a gift is to use gift cards. The amount the recipient needs to spend is pre-determined, and therefore the person who gives the gift can easily manage their funds while still offering a good and valuable gift. This advantage comes in handy during those times when holidays come around. 

4. Long or No Expiry Dates 

Another benefit is gift card expiration date. Many gift cards have long and often no expiry, allowing the recipient to redeem their gift at their convenience.

This benefit is a major difference between perishable gifts and time-sensitive items, which may be wasted if the item expires early. A gift card thus provides longevity, and a recipient can enjoy it according to their convenience. 

5. Saves Time 

Nowadays, time is something that is important to everyone. Gift cards are a solution for people who would not have the time to spend hours shopping.

One can buy gift cards in minutes, and hence it’s an ideal choice for last-minute gifts that feel worthwhile and thoughtful. 

6. Flexibility 

Unlike traditional gifts, gift cards offer extreme flexibility. This means a recipient can buy many items, experiences, or services with the purchased card.

The flexibility may make gift cards far more appealing to a recipient than a singular item that does not fit their needs or preferences at a specific time. A gift card opens several options and assures satisfaction of the recipient. 

Wrapping It Up  

To wrap up, gift cards were once associated with being lazy, they have evolved to be a thoughtful, adaptable option to fit all kinds of gifting scenarios from teenagers to adults.

You can find a lot of gift cards for men, women, and kids. They have the practicality, personalization, and value that people look for in a gift today. Gift card choices are no longer just the easy choice; they are often the right choice. 

You can choose a gift card that is versatile, meaningful, and in line with the requirements of this modern world’s gift givers and receivers alike using Send Credit.

One can easily and conveniently find the most appropriate gift card via the wide range of options and choices offered by the platform known as Send Credit, which is used for the easiest and most efficient buying of gift cards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people don't use gift cards?

About 10-20% of gift cards go unredeemed, which creates a phenomenon called "spillage." That varies depending on the card type and its expiration policies, but services like Send Credit assist consumers in keeping their cards organized so that they are not wasted along with the value of the gift card.

Are gift cards still popular?

Gift cards are among the most popular gift options that have been valued for flexibility, convenience, and adaptability. They are very much favored during holidays, birthdays, and special events because they allow recipients to have their freedom in choosing exactly what they need.


Content Writer
Sophia Bennett is a dynamic tech writer with extensive experience in digital marketing. She explores how technology intersects with daily life, delivering clear, in-depth, and engaging articles that highlight how tech innovations enhance personal and professional experiences.