> They are a half-way house. A decent actual gift is far better. Not necessarily. In the GP's example: > Even in the case you are describing, I can think of

> They are a half-way house. A decent actual gift is far better. Not necessarily. In the GP's example: > Even in the case you are describing, I can think of someone wanting to buy me some nice clothes, and then giving me a gift card from a retailer, but then perhaps I'll go there and I won't find anything that suits me, and I'll be forced to buy something anyway. The fact that the retailer is written on the card and restricts my choices cannot possibly be a plus in my opinion. I would rather prefer getting 20£ and my friends telling me "I thought you could buy those trousers you like with them", and it would have the same effect, without needlessly restricting my choice. The gift-giver assumed that the recipient would appreciate a gift from this store. With the gift card, the recipient at least has a choice. Without, the recipient may end up with an article of clothing that they will never, ever, ever wear.