Why Do You Give Gift Cards?

Maybe I am a little off here but I sort of agree with this statement:

"Here’s an idea. Let’s trade perfectly good money, and exchange it for something that serves the same purpose but has an expiration date, loses value over time, and can only be used at one store! Gift cards are the worst possible present you could give someone as a gift!"

In his article at American Consumer News, Matthew Paulson goes into the reasons we're all giving gift cards as well as the message it's sending to the recipient. You are either admitting that you have no creativity in your body or worse:

"When you buy someone a gift card, you are sending them a message that you know how to manage their money better than they are, and should be able to decide which store they spend the money you give them at."

So, here is the question. Do you give gift cards? If so, is it simply because it's more convenient for you? Don't feel bad, that is my reasoning. Perhaps I will begin thinking twice.

So remember, if you're thinking of giving me gift cards for christmas, I suggest you stop in your tracks and grab something more useful for me. I could use a notebook, maybe a truckload of caviar and a parentally-unaccepted amount of coffee.

Whatever, you got me started. Now I'm going to ignore this post and walk to starbucks.