Nothing Wrong with Gift Cards

I've never had a problem with giving or receiving gift cards. In fact, I think that many people prefer them (who wouldn't love a chance to shop online on someone else's dime?). And, of course, e-gift cards save the day for those who procrastinate when it comes to completing their holiday shopping (yes, I'm talking to you).

When I give e-gift cards, I usually choose big stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Target so that the gift recipient has a wide range of products to choose from (in other words, so the gift mirrors cash as much as possible). I do try to choose gift cards that are aesthetically pleasing because, hey, if you're not going to wrap a present with paper and ribbon, the image on the screen should at least look pretty, right?

Here are some of my top picks for gift cards that you can send right up to the last minute (though, really, it will look better if you send them today or tomorrow!)

LL Bean gift cards ($5 to $500, no expiration). Love this retro graphic. And there's something for everyone to buy at LL Bean- from sweaters to gloves to housewares to luggage.


Target. A fun gift card to use, but note though they can only be used online, not in-store.


Barnes & Noble ($10-$350). Popular for teacher gifts, these also make great last-minute alternatives for any hard-to-shop-for relatives on your list.

Amazon.com E-Cards (any denomination up to a whopping $5,000). I like that an Amazon gift card pretty much enables someone to buy whatever they want. Whether it's books, toys, groceries, or toothpaste, they're happy.

Pottery Barn Kids (plus PB Teen, Pottery Barn, and Williams Sonoma) are all donating $5 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital when you choose the St. Jude design (not the one shown here) for your e-gift card. An extra thoughtful touch for an e-gift card.