Interesting read.<p>Gift cards are one of the worst presents around. They're a less flexible form of cash with an expiry date and they don't require any additional thought or care to choose them. I'd rather have cash or a gift that some time went into.
I never understood the purpose of gift cards, other than to prevent your child from using the money for drugs or something. Why force someone to a particular place? Is there some kind of etiquette no-no to give cash as presents?
How annoying.<p>If at the time of purchase you ask the sales clerk how to verify the balance and how soon it can be verified, they would be unlikely to sell you a worthless card.