The culture of gift vouchers

Literally speaking and as per dictionary.com “gift” is a noun meaning “ something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present” or “something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without its being earned” . In the context of this note, I will abstain from other meanings like a special ability or something.

What is the reason behind giving someone a gift certificate?

From a strategic and tactical perspective for retailers it works wonders. Just before Christmas when the retailers are struggling to cope up with demand the gift vouchers are available in abundance and when they are redeemed after new year – retailer are more than happy to see the lift in the sales. They shifted the demand from high period to low demand period in order to utilize their resources better.

We hardly know people enough these days. Hence buying a gift for someone is a real pain but I guess it is worth a try and effort. Especially when you want to buy you a gift as a real gesture (not for the sake of formality like Boss's birthday) and I guess an effort needs to be put to understand the recipient as a person. A gift was never about the gift alone. It was always about the care and time spent in choosing something for someone you care and love.

Do you like a gift vouchers?

Personally speaking I don’t. I hate them it is like a short cut and means buying some gift for the sake of it. Well in my opinion a currency note would have been better at least every one will redeem it unlike vouchers at any place they choose with fewer terms and conditions. If that sounds rude what about a wire transfer – a gift certificate is socially acceptable way of doing the same thing. The difference is more like sipping single malt vs. country liquor and irrespective of where it comes from alcohol is injurious to health.

Over the period of years I have come across situations when people asked “what do you want for your birthday”. This used to be more frequent in my younger years. Months before the occasion the wish list used to be ready. Some time it was as trivial as the new set of sketching pens, some time it was a watch sometimes more trivial things as well. As the count of years steadily increased (does it sound like am very old – am just 27 and you know what they say about it – 27 is the new 15) the number of people who asked this question suddenly decreased and I have started receiving vouchers. There is no fun to receive a voucher.


I guess we need to step back and preserve this beautiful thing called gift. I know it is complicated to ask someone or choose something on behalf of someone but knowing someone better was the idea of a gift. It’s a tricky line – we all don’t want to sound greedy but a voucher culture is not a substitute.

Just for the sake of doing it, let’s go out and ask people what they want as a gift. A “Wish List” is a good idea to have – a lot of websites allow that. Or at least when someone pops up the let’s be frank share the information about the budget or at least give some options. A lot of people are afraid of dealing with this but I am sure this is not difficult compared to hundreds of complicated decisions you make every day. If you don’t like flowers please go out and tell people. If you want something special we can put it up on our desks.

Let’s preserve the personal touch of the gift and save it forever. And if you are looking for something to buy for me – please let me know. I will ask you the same question soon if I can’t make the decision on your behalf but please don’t send me a gift voucher.

What do you say. Do let me know :)

Changing Trends in The Gifts Meant For Your Valentine

14th February is a special day for the lovers. Known as the Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day, this day has always been celebrated as a special occasion where two people freely express their love for each other and exchange Valentine's Day gifts.

In earlier times, this day was celebrated by sending mutual love notes. However, since the 19th century, sending of valentines in the form of greeting cards became a common phenomenon. Amongst all forms of greeting cards, the heart-shaped cards have always been the most popular. It is a true symbol of the passion that two people share. The real story, however, is the sacrifice made by Saint Valentine for his beloved. On being rejected by his mistress, he was so heartbroken that he sent his still-beating heart to her as a token of his eternal love for her. However, cards depicting doves and cupid along with the heart symbol are also equally liked by people. During mid 19th century, hand-made Valentine's Day cards also became immensely popular. In fact, till date, Valentine's Day greeting cards are being considered as the most ideal gift for this day. This is the reason why this day is the second largest card-buying day of the year, worldwide, after Christmas.

As time passed by, the celebration of this day of love started involving more interesting gifts. People started clubbing flowers, stuffed toys, perfumes, and even confectionery with attractive greeting cards as a gift for their beloved. While red roses are considered just perfect for this day, people have started experimenting with other flowers as well, such as orchids, lilies, tulips, and many other exotic varieties. However, no one can deny the charm that is offered by red roses. In fact, even today, a red rose is considered synonymous with Valentine's Day.

Gift shops all across the world have also started offering various confectionery items as Valentine's Day gifts. The most preferred of them all is a wide assortment of chocolates. Heart-shaped chocolates have always been a favorite with lovers. Those who want to go to that extra bit for their beloved also love to team up a bottle of champagne with creamy lemon tarts, scrumptious brownies, luscious tirramisu and tasty yule logs. Wow! It's heaven in a box! This, however, demands quite a good budget. One can also impress his/her partner on Valentine's Day by simply gifting a good perfume brand. Of late, gifting perfumes has also become no less than a trend.

Another popular trend in Valentine's Day gifts is giving of soft toys such as teddy bears. Although, you are not a kid anymore, you can still get a cute, little teddy bear from your partner on Valentine's Day. What if you get a box of chocolates along with it! Won't it be the best day of your life?

At the end of the day, everyone wants to offer something different on the Valentine's Day. This is the reason why gift shops are coming up with new ideas every year for the Valentine's Day.