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Is a gift card just a really boring gift?

17 replies

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/05/2021 15:17

It's my birthday in about a weeks time. My husband is usually very good at selecting gifts for me, sometimes he asks for ideas etc which I am very happy to oblige. He picks lovely cards, flowers wine etc to go with my gift.

This year I have no idea what I want. He also has no idea what to get me.

I have the day off for my birthday so am wondering if it's really boring to suggest he arrange a gift card, then once I've dropped the kids at school I can go an browse and purchase some things I like from stores I like?

Is that dull as fuck?!

I dont have time to pre-browse for ideas, and he can't take the day off with me to go together/do something more fun than shopping (which I actually hate doing!).

I'll no doubt get lovely flowers and fizz and, tbh, wouldnt mind just that, but he insists I need a gift

I just feel like he will think "God how boring".

The alternative is scroll through websites looking for the odd bit here or there, send him the links, he orders.....that just doesnt seem fun either

OP posts:
ThePolkaDotGiraffe · 14/05/2021 15:19

You should get what you want(with reason), regardless of how "boring" others may think it is.

I think it's a great personally. I love gift cards.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/05/2021 15:21

What I want is my birthday to be another month from now when it's less busy at work etc.

But hey ho Grin

OP posts:
NormanCornerstone · 14/05/2021 15:21

I prefer to receive a gift card

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BettyUnderswoob · 14/05/2021 15:22

Heck no, I love a gift card... beats getting something that someone else chooses badly for you, or making a rushed decision yourself.

However what’s puzzling to me is why you’re worrying about how “dull” this is to your DH (and internet randoms) when it’s YOUR birthday. You’re the one who’s meant to be kept happy here!

chocolateorangeinhaler · 14/05/2021 15:23

You do know the police won't come round and arrest you both for not spending money when you don't know what you want don't you ?
Just agree that there is nothing you want now but when you see something you would like in the future you will let him know.
Have a nice day out with him on the actual day to mark the occasion but both feeling pressured into having to buy anything when you don't want anything is a waste of money.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/05/2021 15:23

Haha I know. I think he will just be a smidge sad that he isnt giving me a wow gift

OP posts:
mamakoukla · 14/05/2021 15:24

Gift cards aren’t necessarily boring….a promise f something to come. DH doesn’t have a track record of gift cards but he gave me a very generous one for a book store one year. I bought myself books, notebooks, music, a scented candle and spread it across the year. Was great!

Ilovemaisie · 14/05/2021 16:04

The only problem with gift cards these days is worrying about whether the retailer will go bust before you get chance to spend it.
Maybe ask if you can have an IOU present rather than the gift card.

Sleepingdogs12 · 14/05/2021 17:15

Why not have some cash and spend that. I am not sure I have read a post that is more of a non issue. Why not wait until there is something you want, why not wait to have a day off until you are quieter at work. He needs to get a grip if he is going to be a 'smidge sad' or use his imagination.

AmberIsACertainty · 14/05/2021 17:17

Ask for a weekend away. Then book it for a time that suits better.

ChrisPriss · 14/05/2021 17:19

I think a gift card for a favourite store is fabulous - enjoy whatever you get x

user1471538283 · 15/05/2021 07:54

Gift cards are brilliant! I've bought them for teenagers and their favourite shop, leaving presents and friends.

We always preferred hard cash in our house which is a brilliant gift!

Alexapissoff · 15/05/2021 08:13

I prefer a gift card or cash preferably over anything.

StarlightLady · 15/05/2021 08:28

GIft cards can be overly restrictive. Special offers may not apply etc. Not to mention those who had Debenhams and House of Fraser gift cards which were not honoured.

In my view an allotted sum or a break away would be better.

Sandrafox · 10/10/2021 10:41

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Hydrate · 10/10/2021 10:58

I like gift cards and cash. My surprise present from dh was a new tablet and cover. I love it. I went and accidentally locked my older, smaller one and cannot recall the password. No password will be going on this one!

Hydrate · 10/10/2021 11:06

Are you interested in genetic genealogy? You could get an Ancestry DNA test, and explore your ancestors. I love genealogy. I knew almost nothing about my father, and my mother knew nothing about her own family. She didn't even realize she was name after her grandmother! I learned so much about about my dad's side, and have connected with a lot of cousins.

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