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All of the grown up siblings in my and the wife's families have decided to give donations to charities as gifts to each other. We do research and find causes that are related to the interests of the others and give them a little card on the day. The best ones send e-mail announcements to the recipient(donor) and regular updates on the project. We have done this for years and eliminated the "stuff" that we used to exchange.

It's actually illegal in some states for stores to sell gift certificates with expiration dates and service fees, so I think it just depends where you live- I know California definitely has passed this law, as well as several Canadian provinces.

How about the gift cards for some outfit called MidSouth Music - I hear they make you deal with a Grumpy Old Man!

Two words on gift cards:
Sharper Image

LJV wrote:

MartyNeilan wrote:Two words on gift cards:
Sharper Image

For all of your nose hair trimming and garden key-hiding needs...

Actually, I was referring to their refusal to honor their own gift cards last year when they went through bankruptcy. They got their lawyers to claim that gift cards were loans, which could then be discharged. Not exactly a way to build customer loyalty. This has set a very dangerous precedent.

I have run across one good use for gift cards; at my place of work, every year the charity group Youth On Their Own asks people to donate $10 Target gift cards. These cards are given to the kids who are out there finishing school and living on the streets, and you can bet they get used right away. I can't imagine what they can get at Target for $10 but I was told that the $20 ones were too large. I guess you can get new socks for $10? Or maybe a shirt?

MA

bloke wrote:If I get any this this Christmas, I'll probably re-gift them (next Christmas) to someone who is annoying.

Let's compromise. You give them to me sooner and I'll be less annoying.