There is a much bigger and simpler reason people stopped gifting bonds, interest rates are garbage. War bonds aren't even available right now, but there are sti

There is a much bigger and simpler reason people stopped gifting bonds, interest rates are garbage. War bonds aren't even available right now, but there are still general government bonds and treasury bills. The interest rate is so low on them that the growth is basically a slap in the face to whoever is receiving it and cash would be better because they could at least use it at the present time. Remember, once you buy a bond like that, the interest rate is locked in so you're stuck with the crap 2% for 27 years on the bond you bought from the government 3 years ago. People also used to gift corporate bonds (e.g. from railroad or utility companies) and that's a dead practice as well for the same reason.