...that you inevitably end up spending more than you have left on the gift card. Last night we stepped into Ikea with our $13 gift card, and walked out with $100 in stuff. It was all good, useful stuff, and we found lots of gifts (and a set of beautiful blue-gray dishes, six place settings for $18!), but not exactly within in the budget. Then, the Gap. I found a gorgeous men's zip-up sweater hoodie for me, perfect, and bought it. I used up my gift card and spent an additional $47! Yowza! I did a little better in Sephora - used up my $52 gift card and only spent an extra $8. Yes, I'm one of those people who has ridiculously expensive lipstick on my wishlist. I'd never buy it myself, but that's what a wishlist is for - wishing. I certainly don't expect it to be sitting under the tree. I'd be just as happy with something much cheaper.
All in all, we were very productive yesterday, and the shopping atmosphere was perfect. Virtually no one was at the Mall of America. There's no way I'd step foot in that mall on a December weekend, but Wednesday night was great. 
I've got a holiday party to attend this weekend...a very religious holiday party (i.e. having the children dress up and reenact the birth of Christ). I'm going to need to build up my patience reserves between now and then.
My take on the holiday season is this - I'm not religious, but if you want to be, go ahead (just don't force it on me). Personally, I take this time to sit back, take stock of all that I have and am thankful for, and show my love and appreciation for my family and friends. I love buying and making gifts for people. I love the spirit of giving and cherishing those you care about. I like making others happy. That's what the holiday season means to me...and I feel good about that.
and the problem with gift cards is...
December 7th, 2006 at 03:38 pm
December 7th, 2006 at 04:06 pm 1165507609
Not that I'd ever look at a gift horse in the mouth so to speak, but... I'd rather have cash to pay down my debts than getting gifts.
December 7th, 2006 at 04:54 pm 1165510467
December 7th, 2006 at 05:13 pm 1165511586
Because I love my SO.
December 7th, 2006 at 07:11 pm 1165518676
Just teasing. That's understandable.
December 8th, 2006 at 07:13 am 1165561986
we'd give cash but we're the poorest (out of our respective families) we try to put more thought and effort into the gifts instead... DH and i would love someday to give cash as gifts for those who are struggling... we're just not there yet...