Compare specialty gift cardsForgo frugality just a little with gifts that cater to special interestsBy 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 |
|
| Never expires |
Use online or by phone |
Loss & theft protection |
| eCard available |
Online balance check |
|
| 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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