How to Buy Gift Cards

Not sure what to buy your friends and family this Christmas? Why not consider purchasing gift cards? There are a wide variety of cards to pick from, and this guide will help walk you through the process of finding and purchasing the gift card that is right for you!

Are you looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, but don't want to spend extra time fighting the crowds at your local mall or mulling over websites searching for the perfect item? Maybe you just don't know what to get your friends and family. You are not the only one, as many people find themselves in this dilemma during the holidays, as well as other times throughout the year when birthdays, anniversaries or graduations arrive. Why continue stressing out when there are so many gift card options out there? Restaurants, retail stores and even your local grocery stores usually have gift cards available for purchase. This guide will help provide you with tips on how to buy gift cards for your friends and family!

The first step in buying a gift card is to know who you are shopping for -- friends, family, a man or woman, a teenager or an older adult? Not only is it important to know the person's personality, but their age and social groups as well. You might be purchasing a gift for someone you don't know through a Secret Santa type program, so gather up as much information about the person you are buying for as possible.

How much do you want to spend? This is extremely important, as certain gift cards require you to spend a minimum amount that is higher than others. Most gifts cards can be purchased in denominations of $10, $15, $25, $50, $75 and $100 incriments. If you purchase a gift card in person, however, you will usually be able to pick a dollar amount that can be added at the register. Online purchases are usually have designated amounts.

Once you know the person you are shopping for and the amount you have to spend, it is time to start brainstorming. Stores offering gift cards stretch across the spectrum, and include:

1. Restaurants
2. Retail Stores
3. Computer Stores
4. Online Stores
5. Movie Theatres
6. Hotels
7. Airlines

One way to avoid the hassle of delivery and being limited to specific gift card amounts is to make the purchase in person at the store you chose. This is a great way to buy restaurant gift cards and gift cards at local stores and malls. You will usually be able to designate the exact amount you want on the card as well.

Online purchases are quick and easy and can be done from the comforts of your own home. Many of the places you purchase from will deliver the card free, but it often takes 3-7 business days to arrive. You can opt for an e-gift card, but these cards usually have to be used online and cannot be redeemed at a local retail store.