As the holiday season fast approaches, many are scrambling to find the perfect gift. From physically shopping in stores to ordering online, there are thousands of options available! However, the true question becomes whether one should invest in a product that may go out of style in a few measly months, or to simply put money onto a gift card.
Times have changed since the days of simple gift exchanges. Now there are many options to draw inspiration from, but does the holiday magic feel cheapened due to the adult desires to simply have bills paid or money put down to their favorite stores? I don’t believe so! I think the concept of gift cards is that, someone cared enough to notice where you shop the most and provided a way for you to spend their money with no hoops to jump through or extra charges. But first, let’s take a look at the history of gift cards in America.
Despite several rebranding’s over the years, in the 1970’s, gift cards rose to prominence from major corporations like JC Penny and McDonalds! They were a replacement for the previous tracking of purchases through paper or gift certificates. That’s right, they are certainly not new establishments in corporate America. This recent phenomenon to purchase them for Christmas as a replacement for gifts, however, has raised quite the stir amongst true gift givers. It certainly lacks the warmth of a neatly wrapped, and well-thought out present, but despite this, it remains the most wanted gift from women and third most wanted from men. It also replaces the somewhat archaic thinking that giving someone cash directly is socially unacceptable. Now, let’s take a deep dive into traditional holiday gifting!
From purchasing wrapping paper, finding the right tape to hold down the gift, and even finding cute bows to add to the display, presents remain a fixed staple of Christmas culture. However, the original idea of using gifts as a surprise began in the 1600’s with Japan’s Furoshiki, or wrapping cloth. The modern day interpretation which uses funny cartoon Santa faces or laughing Elves began in 1917 with the Hall brothers. They pioneered the current gift giving sensation we know today, and thus a million dollar industry was born! But, as gift giving continues to modernize, is the surprise element still needed to deliver a high quality present?
In the end, it is ultimately the thought that counts, but nothing beats the tradition of seeing presents neatly wrapped under the tree. Gift cards, while thoughtful, can come off as impersonal, as you’re simply adding money to a corporation for the sake of the consumer, or friend. I’ve even been given gift cards for places that I don’t frequent, leading to wasted money and time! If you want to make the most out of the holidays and offer a surprising and sweet moment in 2022, continue the hassle of wrapping gifts for your loved ones and awaiting their sweet or shocked responses. It’s part of the wonderful holiday magic that makes Christmas so great.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this quick history lesson on presents, let me know in the comment section what method of gift giving you personally prefer. Traditional wrapped presents, or gift cards?
