You need to choose gift cards very carefully and know the terms and conditions that go with them. Virtually all bank issued gift cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) carry a lot of fees. Retail and Mall store gift card vary widely with some having no fees and other being just as bad as the bank cards. You need to me careful because the last thing you want to do is give money meant for the recipient to the store.
<A HREF="http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3044"> Gift Card & Fees - Why Gift Cards Aren't A Good Present</A>