Gift Vouchers: For needs vs for wants

[neatdesign]

Mark and I got a $100 gift voucher for Amazon.com for Xmas last year. We decided it would be best to split it $50/$50. We are in a lot of debt so it's nice to think that we can use this to splurge a little bit on ourselves without the guilt or adding to our debt.

But that got me thinking: Is it better to use gift vouchers for "needs" or for "wants"?

For instance, we could use the Amazon gift voucher for pretty much anything -- but should I spend my $50 half on CDs or DVDs or something fun, or should I spend it on something practical, like replacement heads for my Sonicare toothbrush?

Just wondering how the rest of you (especially those of you with a lot of debt) approach using gift vouchers.

~ Jenney

[kealina]

i would probably spend most of it on needs and save some for wants... i would also probably keep my eye out for sales... a want item i wouldn't buy at retail might be a little more viable at a good sale/clearance price...

[Ima saver]

I would use it all for things that I need!

[poundwise]

Since you've phrased the question as a 'what would you do'... I would sell the voucher on eBay. You can expect to get $90 or more for it. I have done this with several gift cards when I'd rather have the cash. Before you balk at losing a few bucks in the process, consider that if you order an item or items using the card at the designated store, you will not necessarily be getting the best price(s), since you aren't shopping around, and also you have to factor in the shipping charge.

In any case, I'd rather have $90+ cash to spend on what you described as 'a lot of debt' than a $100 gift voucher to Amazon.

Just a thought.

[sakigt]

I have the same decision to make. I have a GF from Target and a larger one from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Im using the Target one for necessities like household items and the Bed Bath and Beyond one for a shoe rack for my closet. BBB is a rip off, imo, so Im going to stretch the card as far as I can with store-coupons.

I think your answer depends on how in debt you are and how often you splurge on yourself. I was bad last month at Target so thats why my GC isnt getting used on anything "fun" there.

$100 at Amazon is a lot. Too much, imo. Id sell it on ebay and spend half on fun stuff like a CD or DVD...then save the rest.

[lrjohnson]

I'm looking at having enough points wiht one program to cash in for a $25 GC, and this quesiton is the reason I haven't ordered yet.

A third category I think of besides needs and wants is gifts; not necessarily as a gift itself, but a way to buy a new gift at a place when nothing else has appeared or will do.

So: $25 at K Mart for household needs, with a small gift possibility? the GAP: pure splurge for me? Overstock.com for gifts? Bath and Body-treat for me and gifts?

I'm thinking mostly gift, some splurge, and a small on the needs. Possibly because my needs are pretty low, and more easily met.

If I had debt I might consider selling on E-Bay.

[poundwise]

Another idea, in the case of smaller denomination cards, is to simply get them and then give them away as gifts when it is someone's birthday, Christmas, or etc.

A couple of years ago I received a free $15 Best Buy card. I gave it to my brother as a gift at a later time.

[Ima saver]

I have a couple of gift cards. I wish people would not give me gift cards I can't use. I wonder if the store would give me some money for it.

[Kirbycruiser]

I love gift cards. I would probably spend it on wants. Bad, I know but at least Im Honest. I think everyone deserves a little treat every now and then.

[Gruntina]

I get a Target Gift Cards often from my DAD. He has made it clear that it would make him feel bad if I spent it on something that was not a special want and put it towards house necessity. It’s easier for him to ship me a card long distance than try to go shopping for something he is not sure what I would like.

I always write him a thank you card with the type of purchase I made to show him I did get something enjoyable. Usually its softwares for my PC or clothes for work and he knows I enjoy clothes! I am a woman after all!

[PrincessPerky]

I think when finding a free one, I would not feel very obligated to use it for me, but when recieving one as a gift..well if the purchaser wanted you to use it for needs or debt they would have given you cash (or a check for the loan company or something)

so I do feel obligated to buy something for me when I get a gift card, but not all usually. (unless it is to a restaurant..) get somethign and let the giver know how thoughtful they were to think of you then use the rest to get a need/reduce debt