People often tell me that giving gift certificates are generic and impersonal.  That’s so not true.  I happen to love receiving and giving gift certificates, especially now in our unhappy economy.  People are cutting back on their unnecessary spending.  No more morning stops to the coffee shop, weekly manicures, and spur of the moment weekend vacations.  However, gift certificates allow you to do these things on a budget.  My in-laws are awesome.  I can say that they know me pretty well, because I haven’t gotten a gift I didn’t like from them and the gifts keep getting better each birthday and Christmas.  Lately, they’ve been giving me gift certificates to my favorite nail salon.  I haven’t had to pay for my manicures or pedicures in five months.  That’s an awesome deal for me, and I can still have my beauty breaks.

Gift certificates can also control your spending habits.  Think of a gift certificate like a debit card.  Throughout the year, I surprise my husband with Jamba Juice gift cards.  Yes, my husband takes pleasure in the simple things. He can enjoy a refreshing smoothie in the mornings, and for him it’s such a treat.  When he uses up the gift card, he rarely ever purchases his own smoothie.

See…giving gift certificates is not generic or impersonal.  It’s perfect for people young and the young at heart!  You just have to find the appropriate gift certificate for the person, occasion, and cost.