Submitted by an0nym0us11 t3_10pwap5 in LifeProTips
[removed]
Comments
Triassic_Bark t1_j6nl9wb wrote
As long as you understand that this is stupid, and you should just spend the same amount of money on whatever you want. You’re still buying yourself the gift card, it’s the same thing plus extra steps.
egnards t1_j6nlg91 wrote
I never said anything about buying a gift card.
We are talking about purchasing gift cards for other people instead of cash - And I’m making a comment as a receiver of gift cards.
BodyBy711 t1_j6miptf wrote
LPT: PEOPLE LIKE MONEY. Thanks, Tips.
FlopsMcDoogle t1_j6ofvmz wrote
OP got a gift card and he's pretty ungrateful.
BodyBy711 t1_j6oi6e2 wrote
OP is chapped about the .54 cents remaining on the card he forgot about from 2001 that he doesn't get to spend.
an0nym0us11 OP t1_j6p8vey wrote
lollll let your mind take you on wild rides of imagination.
NjelsPjelsGVD t1_j6n4eu3 wrote
You should buy gift cards if you know they like a certain kind of thing. Like a gift card for a weekend away somewhere, or a gift card to spend in a music shop. That way it's way more personal than just money and you will be sure that they will spend it on something they will really enjoy.
Triassic_Bark t1_j6nlov8 wrote
Never buy gift cards, they’re a scam. Write a personal note saying “I know you like (store), so you can use this to buy yourself something there.” Gift cards are idiotic scams.
NjelsPjelsGVD t1_j6nm09n wrote
How the fuck is it a scam lmao.
Allsgood2 t1_j6notph wrote
Exactly. It is so much easier to buy my nephew a Roblox gift card or an *insert console system* gift card. Depending on where you live, it can also be illegal for these gift cards to lose their money (California is an example). If the person you replied to is unable to use all of the gift cards they acquire, that sounds like a personal issue.
ealmandjoy t1_j6mgwde wrote
At least in the United States, gift cards do not expire. I do agree though that if getting a gift card for someone it should be for a place that they actually enjoy shopping/eating at.
aeolith t1_j6mj1mp wrote
They can expire under federal law, but each state varies. In CA, they cannot.
akindofuser t1_j6mhpe9 wrote
Some, in fact many, actually do. I’ve run into this numerous times.
an0nym0us11 OP t1_j6mh9oo wrote
Is that really true in all states? Gift cards here in Australia have expiry date of couple of years.
Bill_Buttersr t1_j6mxv9c wrote
I think the physical card can expire, but you'll be able to either add time or request a new one.
FlipGunderson24 t1_j6mhjp9 wrote
There are laws to protect here in Canada as well, but things like VISA gift cards can start charging fees if not used within a certain time frame.
sleeplessjade t1_j6n49oz wrote
Depends on the country you live in. Legally gift cards can’t expire in Canada. The only ones that break that rule is prepare Visa/MC cards.
Points can’t expire for reward programs either, like Air Miles.
throwRAdating_dad t1_j6ns1qf wrote
Same in California. Gift cards can’t expire here. Varies by state in the US.
green_and_yellow t1_j6p43y2 wrote
Same in Oregon.
why0me t1_j6mh8by wrote
So someone got you gift cards for your birthday and you didnt like it
akindofuser t1_j6mhr0j wrote
Dumb hot take. It’s good advice.
Triassic_Bark t1_j6nlig4 wrote
No, I hate gift cards. No one should ever buy gift cards, they’re a complete scam. Give money if you’re going to give money. A gift card is just money with strings attached, and it’s more likely that there’ll be money wasted because they buy something that’s under the value of the card and never spend the last few dollars. Gift cards are a SCAM.
OrangePeach88 t1_j6omnpr wrote
No, people who don't use them fully are 'stupid', to use one of your words (which you've happily used to judge others in comments). There is no scam.
an0nym0us11 OP t1_j6mhdi2 wrote
No. Never assume if you don't know.
bmaayhem t1_j6og79d wrote
Problem with cash is instead of using it for a gift I will usually pay a bill with it.
joe32288 t1_j6o9f97 wrote
In the U.S. it's illegal for a gift card to have an expiration date. They passed that law like 15-20 years ago I believe.
Edit: maybe this is a state by state law, idk
nattylite100 t1_j6nulap wrote
Gift cards don’t expire in California
Fresh_Pomelo8842 t1_j6mgxef wrote
no shit Sherlock.
rededelk t1_j6mkra5 wrote
Give old zero balance gift cards as a present to someone you don't like
angeredsoul t1_j6oqweb wrote
Gift cards in Australia have no expiration date. FYI.
keepthetips t1_j6mgen5 wrote
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!
Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.
If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
Luckyangel2222 t1_j6pcrc8 wrote
I love gift cards!!!
[deleted] t1_j6pjbzp wrote
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strawberry_rabbits t1_j6oib0o wrote
Totally agree. I think when we’re younger, a thoughtful present is appreciated more since we don’t generally have a good sense of money.
keyboardcourage t1_j6p77rm wrote
The only exception I can think of would be giving an Uber (or similar service) gift card to e.g. a student relative. I know you are going to go out partying and here is $100 you can not use for anything except getting home safely.
Yes, yes, I know they could sell it for cash if they really wanted to, but the point here would be to force encourage them to spend the money the way I, in my infinite wisdom, have decided is best for them.
RascalRibs t1_j6mk5a9 wrote
If you are deciding between cash and gift card to give someone, just save your money.
egnards t1_j6mwc00 wrote
As someone who rarely splurges on myself, giftcards are sort of like permission to be able to do so - which is why I like getting them.
I don’t live paycheck to paycheck but I do feel mildly guilty anytime I buy something for myself that is “for fun,” though I don’t feel this way about buying things for other people.
If I get a gift card to a place that is purely for fun, all of the guilt is totally gone.