I think it is a great idea because you can buy more than just groceries at grocery stores anymore. If you look at a store like Walmart, there is a ton of other items that you could get other than groceries. I do think it depends on the person that you are giving it to. I know my daughter that is going to college would love to get one but I am sure my boss would be offended by it. I do agree that a personal note or a small inexpensive gift to go along with it would be a great idea.
That's kind of a risky rationale. Personally, if there's something I wouldn't buy myself, I wouldn't want anyone to buy it for me either, because it's probably something I don't really want or can't really use. Of course the exception would be something that I would buy myself theoretically if I had the money to, but haven't because I can't afford it, but that situation implies that the person buying the gift for me has more money than I do, and I don't have a whole lot of rich friends.
I would just love to have a grocery gift card and I think that is a wonderful idea and one that I had never thought of yet. I always buy gift cards but never thought of this one. There is lots of items that you can get at the grocery store as well as food. You can buy all kinds of items that you need and never thought of until you get a gift card.
No, not at all, I could definitely use a grocery gift card to buy my basic needs, and saving some money in the process. And since I'm quite picky in receiving gifts, gift cards are very much welcome in my book. I'd rather receive a gift card than receiving wine or fruitcake which for sure I will re-gift to another person.
I am all about practicality and I would really enjoy receiving a gift card for groceries! I think most people in my family would not appreciate receiving a gift like this, but it would definitely help us.
I guess it depends on your economic situation. I personally have no problem purchasing enough groceries for myself and my family. However, when I see say, a picture for my wall that I really want, I hesitate to buy it. But it's something that if I had infinite amounts of disposable income, I would buy for myself. That's why I do enjoy gift cards to restaurants. I might not eat out if I have food at home but if I had a gift card to eat out it would be a special treat.
I would personally appreciate getting a grocery gift card as a Christmas gift, but there are people who might get offended because it might come across as that person needing financial assistance. Some people are proud like that, so you have to be careful.
It makes sense in a way.. But if we think that way it's like thinking that a person might get offended if you give him perfume as a gift, as that person's impression might be you find that he stinks..
This. A gift is a gift. It's not charity, it's not a bill pay service. KWIM? Especially if the person is in a hard spot financially, I would want to get them something nice that they wouldn't be normally splurging on.
I would also personally love it. I also especially like it because it is a practical gift! As I'm become more of a frugal shopper and more concerned with budget and finance overall, the more I actually love the idea of receiving gifts that will actually help my everyday life.
No, not at all. I actually prefer gift cards as presents on Christmas, especially if it's for my local grocery store. As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate gifts with a more practical purpose whether they be in the form of gift cards or other useful everyday household items. For the past few years, gift cards are what I would mainly request from family or friends who think about giving me a present, and I've been told it saves them the hassle of guessing what I want which makes their Christmas shopping experience a little bit more stress-free.
I think it's a great, considerate idea that many people would appreciate it. Honestly, something to that effect or money would be what I would ask for if I didnt feel awkward because I don't really need random gifts or whatever...I just *need* bills paid/food/etc.
This is a good point. I think people tend to get all mixed up in trying to think of the best gift or a sentimental, thought-provoking present and fail to see that all we need, really, is to get our bills paid, keep a roof over our heads, put food on the table, and spend some quality time together. The thought of a nice gift is great and, don't get me wrong, having people spend that kind of energy on you is really awesome. But, the idea that I can take a gift and truly use it (ie: a gift card to a grocery store) trumps a nice thought-out gift that I may not be able to use in the same way.
I would LOVE it if someone gave me a gift card to a grocery store for Christmas. As a matter of fact, a few years ago, someone gave me one, and I was totally happy with it. After all, one can buy other things other than groceries with a gift card from a grocery store. One can buy shampoo, and candles, perfume, laundry detergent, vitamins, fresh flowers...all manner of things, depending on what the grocery store has in stock. That being said, if I chose to give someone a grocery store card, I would make sure that it is from a grocery store that sells a wide variety of goods.
Thank you . I agree completely. I know that people are well-intentioned and want to show you that they've put thought into your gift, gotten you something you normally wouldn't get, etc. and that's all well and good and lovely in sentiment...but what better gift for many people than to give them a little less to worry about in the way of necessities?
I usually just give gift cards as 'generic' presents for people I am not close with. For people dear to me, I think the value of the present is on how much effort you put into looking for the most appropriate gift.
I think a grocery gift card is a very sweet gift, especially since I have a coffee habit and I usually have to buy cheaper coffee. Being able to buy gourmet coffee and flavored coffee for a change would be nice. Everyone can use a grocery card. You can even buy your kids their favorite desserts. Everybody wins.
I love to cook, and my family and friends know it, so I wouldn't mind a gift card to a grocery store at all. In fact, some times my folks will even buy me cases of San Marzano tomatoes for Christmas. I think it's a fun gift to give to the right person, but perhaps not for everyone. I also got a bunch of other gift cards this past Christmas for various places I occasionally shop at, but it was kind of frustrating because I couldn't get the money back on some of those cards to buy something else I saw at another store that I wanted.
