The Must Have Gift of the Year

Looking for a must have Christmas gift this year? Shopping for someone that is hard to buy for or seems to have everything? No ideas for your secret Santa? I have the easiest solution out there. Gift Cards and certificates. I know that they seem like a thoughtless gift or a last minute grab but a gift card can be a great gift if done right.

First think about the advantages of going the gift card route. Stores will never sell out. There is a wide variety available from almost all businesses. No wrapping required. It is easy to stay within a budget because you know exactly what you will spend. You can buy them online. There are usually major sales after Christmas that makes the money go further. Another plus is that you are giving the person all the control to pick exactly what they want. No horrible ties, knick knacks, or awful sweaters. Last year my wife went on a mini shopping spree with all the cards we received. It was fun going into stores with free money to spend.

To make sure that you are not turning a gift card into a blah gift, take time to think of the person you are buying for. Before you run out to Hugemart and grab a handful of cards to charge up stop and decide what the recipient likes. Boyfriend like to hunt? Bass Pro Shops or a local specialty shop. Sport nut coworker? Champs or Fathead.com. Is your girlfriend really into shoes? Payless or that boutique downtown. By taking the time to really think about what someone likes you can make the gift card much more personal. Get a cool holder to put it in. Write a little note inside to let them know you really were thinking when you bought it. Don't worry that someone isn't going to like what they get as long as you tried. It is the same when you show up with a candle or baseball hat right? By going with a gift card you are showing that you care and that you want them to get what they want or need.

Who doesn't like getting money? Who can't use a little extra? Believe me when I say that everyone can always find something they want when someone else is paying. Just make sure that everyone you get a gift card for knows you took the time picking out just the one they would like. I personally would much rather get a gift card than a necktie that I will never wear.

Go on now and start your shopping. Give someone the power of choice this year and relax knowing that you gave them exactly what they want...whatever that may be.