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How to Handle Last Minute Shopping: Gift Cards
Published on 11/30/2021
December can undoubtedly be one of the busiest months of the year. With the hustle and bustle of holiday hoopla, it can often feel like days go by in minutes. So it should not surprise you to hear that a new study has revealed 51% of Americans admitted to waiting until the last minute to do their holiday shopping last year. One of the many problems with this manic method is store supply. This year especially, the potential of an item going out of stock before you are able to “add to cart” is not uncommon. If you know that you are a last-minute shopper, you may resort to gift cards when in a pinch. Although this option has been labeled as disingenuous, there are many ways you can “reinvent” giving gift cards with meaning and sentiment behind them.
Pick Their Preference
When shopping for a loved one, you most likely know their likes and dislikes. If you’re really close, you may even have an idea of what their shopping habits look like. Use that knowledge to pick what their preference would be when receiving a gift card. Getting a gift card for a specific store shows that you know them well and pay attention to their shopping preferences. Additionally, if you know they are planning to travel or maybe renovating a part of their home, choosing a gift card that would benefit them in those areas is another great way to show you care.
Share a Memorable Message
When purchasing a gift card online or in stores, there is often an option to share a heartfelt message with the receiver of your gift. Instead of brushing this option off, take the time to express what they mean to you. Going as far as to explain why you chose the gift card you did can also add to the sentimental gesture behind your note. This shows the person you are buying for that you put thought into the gift.
Step Out of the Gift Box
Gift cards typically come in an envelope or with a small gift box but ditching the box and coming up with a more creative option is a great way to add a personal spin on the present. For example, if you are gifting a coffee lover a gift card to a local coffee shop, buy a mug, fill it with tissue paper, and place the gift card in the mug. This gesture shows that you took the time to add something more to the gift. So the next time you find yourself shopping last minute and need to fall back on gift cards, remember that there are many things you can do to add a personal touch this holiday season.
Pick Their Preference
When shopping for a loved one, you most likely know their likes and dislikes. If you’re really close, you may even have an idea of what their shopping habits look like. Use that knowledge to pick what their preference would be when receiving a gift card. Getting a gift card for a specific store shows that you know them well and pay attention to their shopping preferences. Additionally, if you know they are planning to travel or maybe renovating a part of their home, choosing a gift card that would benefit them in those areas is another great way to show you care.
Share a Memorable Message
When purchasing a gift card online or in stores, there is often an option to share a heartfelt message with the receiver of your gift. Instead of brushing this option off, take the time to express what they mean to you. Going as far as to explain why you chose the gift card you did can also add to the sentimental gesture behind your note. This shows the person you are buying for that you put thought into the gift.
Step Out of the Gift Box
Gift cards typically come in an envelope or with a small gift box but ditching the box and coming up with a more creative option is a great way to add a personal spin on the present. For example, if you are gifting a coffee lover a gift card to a local coffee shop, buy a mug, fill it with tissue paper, and place the gift card in the mug. This gesture shows that you took the time to add something more to the gift. So the next time you find yourself shopping last minute and need to fall back on gift cards, remember that there are many things you can do to add a personal touch this holiday season.