Ever had that sinking feeling when you realise you've given someone a gift they don't like?

Even if you buy someone a high-quality gift, you’re never 100% guaranteed to get it right. Regardless of whether it ends up in the bin, at a charity shop or being gifted again to another awkward recipient, giving people stuff they don't want is just wasteful.

There's a way to bypass bad gift purchasing, where you can give someone the perfect present they'll love for life. The answer? Gift cards. With our Gift for Life card, we want to champion the idea that the gift voucher is the pinnacle of conscious gifting. Here’s why:

 

1. No more unwanted gifts

Buying things that aren’t wanted isn't just awkward - it’s a waste of money, time and resources. By giving the gift of choice, a gift card eliminates the chance of a disappointing present, and empowers your loved one to choose something they actually need.

2. It’s kinder to the environment

It’s not just unwanted gifts that might find their way to landfill. Choosing cheaply-made gifts that break by January does no one any favours. Even if you're on a budget, a Gift for Life card can be put towards the purchase of sustainably-made item that could last a lifetime. Plus, no wasteful wrapping paper needed.

3. Give a gift from a distance

If a loved one lives far away, there's a chance that you won't be able deliver a gift in person. The Gift for Life card arrives in your inbox instantly - a timely gift that still expresses that you care about your recipient. No post required.

4. Contribute to something bigger

Would you rather have one amazing present, or ten rubbish ones? It may be that what your loved one really wants is a dream item, that neither of you can afford alone. With a gift card, you can contribute to the purchase of the ultimate present, whilst working within a budget that works for you. 

5. They'll treat themselves

To truly give the gift of choice, why wouldn’t you just give cash? As we all know, life gets in the way, and it can be difficult to put money aside into making a dedicated 'treat' purchase for ourselves, even when instructed to. A gift card is a conscious present that means your giftee will have to treat themselves to something they love, instead of the weekly shop.

6. A gift with a story

When you give someone a Gift for Life card, you're not just presenting them with a soulless voucher. You can tell that person the story of Buy Me Once, whilst giving them a perfect entry point into our ethos. They'll be spoiled for choice with our huge range of things, all made to be loved for life.

7. Money well spent

The gift-giving expectations we place upon ourselves are so strong, we can easily forget our money is hard-earned, and shouldn’t be thrown away thoughtlessly. Gift cards ensure that gift purchases are productive, thought-through and wanted. This is a way to respect your money, and the time you spent earning it.

8. There’s no accounting for taste

Clothing and accessories are consistently the top type of gifts that miss the mark. Taste and style are so personal, even if you think you know what someone likes, it’s fairly likely you don’t. Even worse, now they have to wear it every time they see you! Let them choose something they actually love, avoiding any cringey unwrapping moments.

9. Don’t rush into a bad purchase

We’ve all been there - that anxiety-fuelled power walk around the high street buying a ‘that’ll do’ gift you know isn’t right just before the shops close. Purchasing a Gift for Life Card is not only stress-free and instantaneous, it allows the recipient to carefully select their own gift, without any rush.

10. Loved for life

‘Emotional durability’ means an item’s ability to stand the test of time as a loved object. Maybe you’ll buy your dad that wallet with the lifetime warranty on it - but what if he hates the design? You can’t always guarantee a gift will stay in someone’s life forever, but by letting them choose, it’s far more likely to happen.



So, do you think gift cards get a bad rap? If you’re ready to give the gift of choice, check out the Gift for Life card by Buy Me Once.

Jasmine Vorley
Tagged: Gifting Guides