Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Cards

So I know everyone has been blogging about the best holiday gift ideas and so many of you have had some amazing, thoughtful and creative ideas but today I wanted to talk a little about gift cards. I know how impersonal gift cards can seem but sometimes they are the perfect gift for someone who is impossible to shop for. Plus they make awesome stocking stuffers! Each year my parents always put a couple gift cards in my stocking for different restaurants and gas stations and they really come in handy when money is tight.

 Here are my picks for the top 6 gift cards to buy:
  1. Spa Gift Cards: Often times people wont spend the money to pamper themselves so the spa gift card is the perfect gift! My mom normally picks me up one to get a facial at my local salon Changes and I love it so much because there are times when I am feeling stressed and would love a nice relaxing break but don't want to spend the money. Also getting a general spa gift card allows the gift card receiver to pick out what service they want (manicure, pedicure, massage, facial... so many options!)
  2. Coffee Shop Gift Cards: For all the coffee lovers out there I'm sure the best way to start your morning is with a free coffee/latte/cappuccino!
  3. Restaurant Gift Cards: My parents always stock my stocking with $10 gift cards to Panera because I'm a frequent visitor. These $10 cards allow me to pick up lunch on the go even if I don't have the money to treat myself. I'm also a big fan of getting gift cards to other restaurants because who doesn't love a free meal?!
  4. Movie Passes: Each year my aunt gets all of us cousins movie passes. Movies can be super expensive (they are $14.50 at my local theater for a 3D movie) so these come in handy for someone who loves to watch those summer movie blockbusters when they first come out.
  5. Amazon Gift Cards: Amazon literally has everything, there is no way your gift receiver could find something they want on that website. 
  6. "Treat Yourself Card": I'm also a big fan of getting someone a gift card for an expensive store that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford anything from. It allows them to treat themselves to something fun on your dime!
Where do you buy gift cards from?
Do you like getting gift cards as gifts or are they too informal?

Movie Gift Card // Amazon Gift Card // Lilly Pulitzer Gift Card

**Also make sure you check out my guest post on my blogger friend Whitney's 
blog McKenzie Wild!**
xoxo

11 comments:

  1. I would love a panera bread one! Yum!!

    agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

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  2. I enjoy getting gift cards! I look forward to spending a day shopping after the holidays and treating myself to something I wouldn't have otherwise. My grandma does the same as your parents- she always stuffs our stockings with gas gift cards. So handy! Great ideas Alex!
    Katy @ Classic Katy

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  3. I think movie tickets are such a great idea!
    Jessica
    the way to my Hart

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  4. It's really good idea!

    http://gabijasun.blogspot.com/

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  5. I love the idea of giving gift cards, so fun but still really easy!

    -Marissa
    thewhiteowldiaries.blogspot.com

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  6. I love the idea of gift cards, especially when it's for someone who's hard to shop for or someone that you really just don't know that well. Love this gift guide!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

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  7. Giftcards are always great in my opinion. Especially ones to Starbucks and Lilly Pulitzer!

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  8. At least once a year I give my parents movie passes and a gift certificate for a local restaurant so that they can have a nice date night :)

    jess | Quaintrelle

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  9. I sometimes buy gift cards just like you said, to put in stockings. Normally I like buying more things because that way I can spend a certain amount of money without the other person knowing, but it depends.

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

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  10. I love gift cards, I don't know why people think they are so impersonal. If you know me, then you know exactly which gift cards would make my day!

    Ashley | History in High Heels

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  11. Movie tickets are such a good idea. They have gotten so expensive. It would be nice to get someone two movie passes and a gift card to the theater so that they can take a friend and have snacks.

    Kate x
    www.thecollegeprincess.com
    kate@thecollegeprincess.com

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