I have received both store-specific gift cards and Visas and haven't minded one bit. If I get a Visa, I usually convert it to a credit at A-n. I would rather have that, even a printout, than them struggling to buy something they think I'll love and I don't. I'm a practical sort.

Hollow is a good word for it. I'm not opposed to gift cards. I just think that having the company email the person a code seems a little impersonal or lazy.

"Happy birthday, check your inbox for an email with a long number on it!"

I guess I'm a dino :)

I used to feel that way, but I have come to appreicate that I know for sure the recipient gets the email, and some (azon for example) let you know when the email is opened. I usually let the recipient know that I've sent a digital card so they bother to look for it and know it's not a scam.

I'm having less issues with mail lately, but that was a concern. Email was instant.

I am more concerned about me not using ones I received. I carry a sharpie in my purse to mark the balance on a gift card and it is difficult to keep track of remaining balance on an e card.

When I do an e-gift if possible is I have it sent to me and I print it out. I then buy a really nice card, perhaps a pop up, I wrap the paper e- card and put both items in a gift bag. Somehow it feels like a nice presentation.

If you have to send it directly that’s fine. I think e- cards are safer than a physical card.

I had a gift card that was hacked and will never buy one again.

I posted a while ago about giving my grandson Roblox gift cards...my printer wasn't working right and I didn't want to just email the codes/gift card to him, so I just made a little 'dupe' that looked like the handmade gift card it was. I didn't spend any time on it because I only discovered at the last minute that I couldn't print one out, but you could spend a little time and make one with colored pencils or similar and make it look as cute as you want. He loved it - I just wrote the code on the cards by hand and he could enter that into their system. I think I deleted the photos, but they were pretty funky anyway!

We're living in the future, and will have to get used to it, I guess.

I have no problem with gift cards in general - unless they're super specific to a place that has nothing I want or need.

Think of it as reducing plastic &/or paper waste 🙂

And I do like the idea of a very nice card in lieu of a wrapped present.

I can't believe that google found my funky gift cards, lol. In this thread:

Hand made gift card (lower your expectations)

DH’s grandchildren aren’t terribly organized or responsible and never send thank you notes or other acknowledgments of receipt. I’ve taken to Venmo-ing money to them….not even a cute gift card. At least I know it didn’t get lost or thrown out accidentally. They can transfer it to their bank accounts or use it to make Venmo purchases.