Gift Cards as the Perfect (Or Not-So-Perfect) Holiday Gift?

When it comes to holiday shopping, gift cards have become something of a modern classic. They’re versatile, easy to wrap, and simple to buy—especially online. But despite their popularity during the holiday season, how do people really feel about receiving them? And, more specifically, what about male recipients? While gift cards may be popular for the giver, are they appreciated by the receiver as well?

Do People Like Receiving Gift Cards?

Gift cards have earned a reputation as a “safe bet.” A plastic card or digital code for a specific dollar amount removes the stress of trying to determine someone’s exact size or preferred brand. The gift card gives the recipient the freedom to choose what they truly want, avoiding those cringeworthy moments of guessing sizes or styles.

Surveys consistently show that gift cards rank highly among most-desired presents because they eliminate guesswork and ensure recipients don’t have to pretend to love something they don’t or face the hassle of returns.For instance, a November 2024 survey revealed that 40% of U.S. consumers would be happy to receive money, including gift cards, making it the most desired Christmas gift in the United States (Statista).

Why Men Might Appreciate Gift Cards

For many men, the autonomy gift cards provide is particularly appealing. Instead of receiving novelty ties, sweaters in questionable colors, or gadgets they’ll never use, a gift card allows them to select something they genuinely want. Whether it’s practical items or indulgent purchases, gift cards let them make the call.Consider pairing a gift card with access to a retailer like ALPHX, where men can find premium, functional underwear and lounge essentials designed for both comfort and style. In fact, when it comes to online shopping, men love it:

• Men tend to spend 28% more than women when shopping online.(webFX)
• Approximately 40% of men prefer purchasing items online rather than in physical stores. (Capital One Shopping)

Giving Made Easy

Procrastinators, rejoice! Most online retailer gift cards are digital—instantly created and ready to be emailed or texted to the recipient. This means you can still purchase and send one, even while heading to your holiday destination. Just remember: don’t shop and drive!

It is easy to understand why Gift Cards and Digital Gift Cards are so popular. They are easy to purchase, and desirable to receive particularly by the men on your shopping list.  But before hitting the purchase and send key, there are some unfortunate realities to consider. 

Reducing the Odds of Unused Gift Cards

While gift cards are popular, around 10-20% remain unredeemed each year. To avoid your gift ending up unused in a drawer, select a retailer your recipient already loves. For men who value style and practicality, a gift card to ALPHX is a thoughtful option, offering flexibility for them to choose products they’ll genuinely appreciate.Choosing a brand or retailer the recipient appreciates also shows you put some thought into the gift.  

Making Gift Cards Feel Personal

One critique of gift cards is that they can feel impersonal. Choosing a brand they love is a great first step.  Here’s a few additional ways to make a gift card gift more personal and encourage the recipient to redeem it.

•Include a Thoughtful Note

Add a message like, “I thought you’d enjoy refreshing your wardrobe—ALPHX has some amazing options to keep you comfortable and stylish!”

Combine with a Small Token: Pair the card with a small, related item for a thoughtful touch.

Suggest Favorites: Include a suggestion or link to specific products or curated collections from ALPHX.

Gift Card Expiration Dates and Fees

By redeeming your gift promptly, you can help ensure that this next issue never arises. Although gift card expiration dates differ from state to state, there are overarching federal regulations under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, which set minimum protections for consumers:Federal Rules:

• Expiration Date: Gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date they are issued or last loaded with funds.
• Fees: Dormancy, inactivity, or service fees can only be charged if the card has not been used for at least 12 months, and no more than one fee can be charged per month.

State-Specific Rules:

• Some states prohibit expiration entirely: For example, states like California generally do not allow expiration dates on gift cards, except for promotional or reloadable cards.
• Unclaimed Property Laws: In some states, unused gift card balances may eventually be considered “unclaimed property” and escheated to the state.
• Fee Restrictions: Some states have stricter rules on fees than the federal minimum.

Practical Tip:

Check the terms and conditions on the gift card and the laws of the state where the card was purchased for specific details.

Conclusion: Gift Cards are A Thoughtful and Desirable Gift for the Holidays

While gift cards may not replace the magic of unwrapping a physical present, they offer freedom and convenience that many recipients appreciate—especially men who enjoy online shopping. This holiday season, consider a gift card from ALPHX for a gift that strikes the perfect balance between practicality and thoughtfulness. After all, the goal is to give something genuinely useful—and a gift card, chosen wisely, can do just that.