Gift Cards

Gift cards are the non-gift this year. I don't like to give them because it isn't a personal gift. This year, with all the bankruptcies and lessons learned from previous years bankruptcies, along with value-reducing fees that diminished the value thereof, gift cards don't seem to be the way to go.

One thing I've noticed is that grocery stores and convenience stores now sell gift cards for other stores, which adds to the convenience; for those who shop late or early, you have a 24-hour option available. Thrift stores are now also in on the act and sell gift cards for their stores.

I would expect a spike in sales of gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations. People seem to be more focused on the basics, at least for right now.