Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location
Make sure the gift card can be redeemed at a convenient location or online.
I like to go to the movies. Though there are a variety of theaters in my area, Regal and Cinemark are closest to my house. So gift cards to those venues are most desirable to me.
Before settling on a gift card, be sure the recipient can use the card at an easily accessible location–in town–not in a major metro city that seems close enough. If you’re not sure, check store locations online and take the time to enter both the recipient’s address and the store’s address into an online map to verify the distance.
If you’re still not sure, get a gift card to one of the following instead:
- A store that offers online purchasing such as Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, or Gap. If the store isn’t convenient, the recipient can still shop online.
- A web site, accessible to all, such as Amazon.com, eBay.com, or Overstock.com.
- A service finder such as Fandango.com or SpaFinder.com so the recipient can choose which location to visit.
- A bank issued gift card such as Visa or AMEX that can be used almost anywhere.
If the gift card isn’t easy to use, it won’t be. And nobody wants that. While checking locations is a lot to think about, doing so can help you turn any gift card into a thoughtful gift.
