Compare specialty gift cards

Forgo frugality just a little with gifts that cater to special interests

By Sharon Anne Waldrop

The cash that used to be devoted to hobbies and special indulgences is most likely being diverted to fund more practical items these days. With that in mind, holiday gift givers might want to consider giving a specialty gift card that encourages recipients to temporarily forgo frugality, despite the glum economy.

According to November 2008 data published by Tower Group, the sales of general purpose gift cards are projected to surpass those of merchant gift cards. The overarching theory behind the increase is the recipient's ability to choose when and how to spend the money rather than being forced to spend money at a particular store.

When getting a specialty gift card from a store that caters to one of their hobbies or interests, however, recipients will have no choice but to splurge on themselves.

Here is a comparison chart of specialty gift card merchants who cater to what your friends and family might really want -- and secretly crave -- for the holidays.

Never expires	Use online or by phone	Loss/theft protection
eCard available	Online balance check

Birdfeeding
The Backyard Bird
Bestnest.com
Duncraft
Baking
CHEFS
Crate and Barrel
Williams-Sonoma
Beading and jewelry making
Auntie's Beads
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Shipwreck Beads
Chocaholics
Ethel's Chocolate Lounge
Fannie May Chocolates
See's Candies
Coffee lovers
Café Britt
Flying Bean
SpecialtyJava.com
Crafts
Crafts, etc.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
Michael's

Never expires	Use online or by phone	Loss & theft protection
eCard available	Online balance check

Gardening
Gardener's Supply Company
MasterGardening.com
Plow and Hearth
Golfing
Golfsmith
In the Hole Golf
Pinemeadowgolf.com
Horseback riding
Back in the Saddle
Dover Saddlery
State Line Tack
Outdoor enthusiasts
REI
Sports Authority
Sport Chalet
Reading
Better World Books
Books-A-Million	*
Half Price Books

Never expires	Use online or by phone	Loss & theft protection
eCard available	Online balance check

*eCard expires after one year; regular gift card never expires.

(chart design by Tyler Metzger)

See related: Gift cards 2008: Special section, As holidays tighten, gift cards remain popular, 2008 gift card comparison chart, Top 10 creative ways to wrap gift cards, Tips: Don't let those gift cards expire

Published: December 23, 2008

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