Fun Gift Cards for Kids

During the holidays, I love buying gifts for children. However, from time to time I find myself wondering if I'm making the right purchase. Will the gift be used? Will he/she like the gift I buy? Will it be played with, or put in the toy box and forgotten? If you find yourself in the same position and are unsure about what to buy, a gift card might be the right option for you.

Gift cards are becoming more and more popular as each holiday season approaches, and are good for children that are at an age to understand what they are and how they work. The following stores are wonderful options for children of all ages.

#1 Toys "R" Us: What's more fun than being a kid in a toy store, with the option to buy the toy(s) you want? You can buy a gift card in several different amounts, and send it as an e-gift card or personalize the gift card yourself. Toys "R" Us has a wide variety of toys for children, ranging from dolls, trucks, stuffed animals, and video games.

#2 Barnes & Noble: Have a child that loves to read? Encourage the habit by purchasing a gift card from Barnes & Noble or another book store. My nephew enjoys having stories read to him and is of the age where he is learning to read, so giving him the opportunity to pick his own books and watch his reactions as he looks at the pictures and enjoys the stories is priceless.

#3 Wal-Mart: Of course, a good option for a child you may not know well is a gift card to Wal-Mart. Your gift card can be used for toys, electronics, books, or clothes. I send these to my little cousin each year, and he likes being able to pick out his own things and make the purchases himself.

#4 Michaels: Have a creative kid on your gift list? Purchase a gift card from Michaels, an Arts & Crafts store that sells art kits, paints, puzzles, paint-by-numbers sets, clay, and various other supplies that will spark creativity.

#5 Gymboree: Know a child that loves fashion? Buy a gift card from Gymboree and let them choose their own clothes. Gymboree is a children's clothing store that changes their clothing selections often, and your junior fashionista can pick and choose from several collections that include holiday-themed clothing, accessories, shoes, pajamas, and rain and snow gear. There is also a small selection of toys.

#6 Target: Target is also a good option for a child, as they can not only purchase toys, clothing, and electronics, but they can choose items to furnish their bedroom as well. There are collections for girls and boys, with bedding, play rugs, toy chests, and accessories to match.

Remember, when making the decision to purchase a gift card, you'll want to ensure that the child understands how it can be used. Then, they'll have the opportunity to pick what they would like for Christmas, and will thank you for your gift!