Are Gift Cards Or Cash The Better Gift?

You want to give the perfect gift. But you also don’t want to buy the wrong size or give a duplicate item. We’ve all been there, and it seems most of us have discovered a fix. But are gift cards or cash a better option?

In recent years, gift cards have seen a boom in popularity. They don’t expire. The receiver can use them when they want and how they want. They’re the perfect solution, aren’t they?

It turns out that while gift cards can be ideal in many situations, cash may still reign king.

Gift Etiquette

Let’s get one thing straight. Both gift cards and cash are perfectly acceptable gifts.

For decades, many people remained convinced a gift should be a tangible object. However, in recent years, people have come around to the idea of giving cash (or checks!) and gift cards instead of wrapped presents.

In fact, Emily Post says cash gifts are perfectly acceptable. After all, how else can you guarantee the receiver will get something they want or need without having to worry about anyone else giving a duplicate gift?

If the flexibility of cash or gift cards appeal to you as a gift giver, you might be wondering which method is better. As with most things related to money, it may come down to your specific situation…