Gift dilemma

Kids generally prefer money.

Children love money. Can’t you remember the excitement of having actual money to spend or put towards something you want?

I always think theres a sort of gudgey undertone of "I wouldnt trust you with the cash" with gift cards.

Either chose an actual gift or give cash IMO.

Its good for kids to have their own money to manage independantly. They dont get that with gift cards

Gift cards are crap.
A lot cant even be used in branch you can only use online.

They can be really hard to spend. Some go unspent.

You either need to add cash to take it over the full amount to use up the card or else you end up leaving your "change" on it.

My kids ask me to sell them online. You dont get the full value (maybe £12 for a £20 gift card but at least thats £12 they can actually spend on something they want)

Companies make a fortune outta unredeemed gift cards

Money - and something little to,open. They almost always want cash at that age. I'd ask parents what would be suitable for the little present.

Other way round - my DGS at uni but also with a part time job- this year gave me some money for my birthday as he didn't know what to get. Usually his gift to me had come from his dad. I was very touched and later sent him a What's App pic showing him the wool I had bought with it.
I'm always happy to give money to DGC but it would be nice to know what they did with it.

My DGC also love having money so they can go shopping with their Dads (my DSs). Two DGCs are very frugal and will maybe buy a game and some other item, saving the rest. The other two love choosing whatever they want and unfortunately I now have to house a giant cuddly unicorn and a realistic cuddly life sized dog as Mummy wouldn't have them. I am pleased to say each one also bought her sister something too. DGS is straight to the sports shop for expensive football boots or trainers or tracksuits like daddy's! He then wears them to death!!!

We are on a pension and struggle to buy presents for four grandsons, especially as their parents are quite well off so they have pretty much everything. I now give them a card with money in and they tell me what they are using it for when they ring to thank me. Works well for them, and us.

My nephew (nearly 14) usually has vouchers and money amongst his birthday/Christmas presents. After last Christmas he was pleased to show me what he had bought with some - a chair which he uses for his homework on one side of the bedroom, alternatively turns it round to use as a gaming chair with his XBox. He is also an avid golfer and used others to buy new shoes for golfing (and was clever enough probably via Mum to use them when the shoes were cheaper on sale)

I would give money then he can buy what he wants

I've always given my grandson cash at birthdays and Christmases. When I asked him, at seven, what he had bought for himself, he told me he was saving up for his own house because he wanted somewhere quiet, away from his three sisters! He actually carried on with this saving, and at 21 he's halfway there.

Definitely cash, with a tiny gift, eg key ring with latest popular character on it.

My DGS1 is almost 9, he loves money & choosing what to spend it, with my DD's guidance, he is very good though & doesn't buy "rubbish" . It's so difficult to know what to buy although I always give my DGSs 1 or 2 books as well.

In my experience I think at that age money would be appreciated.

Our 12 yr old GS lives overseas and while money is always welcomed, he loves to get a birthday parcel of small gifts. (Through the post.) I pick up odd bits and pieces throughout the year, such as mini construction toys, Star Wars type toys/stationery, & the occasional clothing item. (A popular gift was a toy Tardis from a charity shop!). He also loves Lego, so I check (via DS) what he'd like & we pay for it - as a "big" gift.

My daughter's auntie gave her money, but she used to enclose a scratchcard too -- DD always enjoyed that even though she never won anything - and it hasn't encouraged her to become a compulsive gambler!

My teenage grandsons now have their own bank/savings accounts. So each Christmas and birthday I just do a bank transfer to their respective accounts.
It’s so much easier. I also ask them later on what they might be putting it towards. They always seem to be saving up for something, so I really don’t mind doing that,

I have a 12 year old grandson and he says money is the best present ever! Children of that age love going round the shops and choosing something they really want rather than something someone else THINKS they would like. I used to feel it was a bit of a cop out as it’s so easy, but I don’t any more!

I would suggest money too

You can get a voucher at the Post Office that covers many shops. However I think the boy would prefer cash.

My grand children are still young and when it comes to toys they already have everything. I have decided, and told the parents that I am giving them " nothing" on their actual birthdays, but I have opened up a savings fund for each one of them and when they are 18 they can get the lump sum of money towards something they need or want to do. With the birthday card I give something silly that does not cost much , just for the idea.

Amazon voucher then he can by whatever he wants

I've never come across a teenager or pre-teen that isn't in need of funds!

I don't give regular presents to my many young great niece's and nephews but I slip them a note when I see them in person and they are always highly delighted with that.

Once they are past 10 years old it seems money, cash or cheque if in the post, is the most wanted gift. It's very difficult to know which gift card to give as their tastes change so often.

I have similar dilemmas whenever the birthdays come around.
I put a £10 note inside the card. (or whatever you can afford)
Unless I'm told what they want well in advance.