Are you planning on camping out all night for Black Friday? You might want to reconsider. A lot of gadgets may not be worth the effort. Would you prefer a gift card or a device?
Gadgets are Hot for the Holidays
Amazon recently launched six new gadgets (priced below $150), and industry analysts are buzzing about the 2017 holiday season. My technology-sensitive ears are about to burst with talk of the new Echo Button, Echo Alarm clock, improved Echo Dot, Google Home, Apple Homepod, and more. I get stressed out sometimes when we talk about gadgets so much.
It can be overwhelming for parents to monitor and understand all of the technology in their homes. It can also be overwhelming to consider family budgets when writing letters to Santa. The sub-$150 Amazon options are excellent, but the price is not the only factor before buying a gift. So before purchasing someone, ask these questions.
Wait! It gets better. We have just released a study on the Worst Gadgets of 2017. Do you have a Black Friday gift on this list?
What To Consider Before Buying a Gadget for the Holidays
Before you spend that hard-earned money on a gadget for the holidays, take a moment to consider the gift-giving experience from the recipient’s perspective. Unrequested gifts are on the wrong platform or are challenging to use. Ask these questions first:
1. Does the Recipient Want the Gadget?
First and foremost, consider whether the person wants the gadget before buying it. I am not claiming that all devices are useless; however, often, people believe the “gadget of the season” because they are not sure what else to buy. (Does anyone else have an unopened digital photo frame in the back of the closet?
Give with confidence if the recipient has expressed a desire for the latest technology gadget. For example, you should put your gift-giving on hold if you’re purchasing a new augmented reality headset or a pair of smart glasses to check an item off your list.
Though recipients may be able to return other types of unwanted gifts, some stores have more restrictive return policies for electronics. Best Buy, for example, requires that a receipt within 15 days accompany returns of electronics. Amazon.com says that you can return an Amazon.com gift, but the recipient must initiate the return via their own Amazon accounts and must be able to locate the original purchase. Walmart’s electronics return policy states that electronic items such as tablets, e-readers, drones, and GPS units must be returned within 15 days of receiving them. In addition, must replace black Friday gifts must be replaced well before Christmas Day unless the store makes an exception during the holidays, which may not work for your gifting timeline.
Even $20 on a gift that won’t be used or can’t be returned is too much for my budget. Make sure the recipient wants the item before you give it to them.
2. Is the Gadget on the Right Platform?
I have both Apple and PC-based equipment in my home. However, she lives in a Samsung world, and my brother’s kids buy off-brand technology to save money. Four other Hunter siblings have different electronic strategies. For one of these family members, I would hesitate to purchase anything from Amazon, Google, or Apple without first asking what platform they prefer. Even though the inquiry would take the surprise out of the present, giving someone a gift they cannot use (or fully use) would be an even greater failure.
3. Will the Recipient be Able to Use the Gadget?
My friend and his wife bought Fitbits on their doctor’s recommendation to increase their activity levels. The older gentleman used his Fitbit until his increased activity led to hip pain. His wife never figured out how to use her Fitbit and never wore it. Both sit comfortably on a credenza.
Have you seen the Amazon Echo Silver sketch on Saturday Night Live? That is just what I worry about.
People of all ages sometimes need help using gadgets, not just the elderly. They have received drones that don’t work, remote-control cars that break within a few days, watches that don’t work, and music devices that don’t work. In all cases, we threw away the gadgets after hours of frustration or fleeting moments of enjoyment.
The mere fact that a gadget is supposed to do amazing things doesn’t mean the recipient will be able to program it, use it, or enjoy it as intended.
Consider whether you (or someone else) will be able to help set up the gadget if necessary before buying it. You should probably choose a different gift if using the device requires special skills or integration.
Get a Gift Card for Gadgets Instead
You probably think that as a gift card expert, I will suggest that you give someone a gift card instead of a gadget to avoid the pitfalls listed above is partly true.
In addition to gift cards allowing recipients to choose their presents, I also receive many questions about gift cards that stem from receiving the wrong gift card. Gift card is especially valid for gift cards for electronics.
Android phone owners who receive iTunes gift cards during Teacher Appreciation Week aren’t sure what to do with the cards. Children sometimes accept entertainment gift cards for the wrong gaming systems (e.g., a PlayStation gamer will not receive an Xbox gift card). Gamers prefer Steam gift cards to traditional electronics gift cards.
As much as I think it’s better to buy a gift card rather than a gadget for the holidays, it’s equally important to decide which gift card is best for a widget.
10 Best Gift Cards to Buy Instead of Gadgets
Instead of the top Christmas gadgets, here are ten gift cards you can buy for the 2017 holiday season:
1. Best Buy gift cards
I know Best Buy gift cards are trendy because these cards are always in high demand on gift card reseller sites. If the sites have inventory, the discount is usually only a few percentage points, and the exchange rate for selling a Best Buy gift card is often greater than 90%. You can use Best Buy gift cards to buy a wide range of electronics at various price points for nearly any technology platform. The recipient can also sell the gift card if they prefer cash over the gift card.
2. Amazon.com gift cards
Despite your intentions, the recipient may decide to buy a bunch of Amazon Echo Buttons or a good, old-fashioned book instead of an Amazon Echo. You get to pick a gift that fits your budget, and the recipient gets to choose one that suits their lifestyle.
3. GameStop gift cards
If you consider a gift card that you can use to buy a new video game, try a GameStop gift card. These gift cards can be used in stores and online. Plus, you can start the download on digital purchases almost instantly. In addition, with a GameStop gift card, you do not have to worry about which gaming platform the recipient uses because GameStop supports all of the significant devices.
4. Steam gift cards
Your giftee probably has a Steam account if they are a serious gamer. Steam gift cards can be purchased in your country’s currency and gifted to someone abroad. Steam gift cards are converted to the recipient’s Steam Wallet currency at redemption, as per the company’s website.
5. Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo gift cards
Consider Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo gift cards if you know the recipient has a particular electronics platform or if Santa will deliver one. A subscription gift card may not be interchangeable with a regular gift card. For example, @AskPlayStation (PSN customer service on Twitter) explains: “To purchase games, you need a PSN card, and to purchase PS Plus, you need a PS Plus code.”
6. Apple Store gift cards or iTunes gift cards
Apple Store gift cards can purchase Apple hardware and accessories from any Apple store (in person, online, or over the phone). In addition, music and apps can be purchased from iTunes using Apple Store gift cards. When selecting which gift card to buy and how much money to load onto it, it is essential to know the difference between how can use them. Choose an iTunes gift card that can redeem in single-digit denominations if your modest budget. A gift card to the Apple Store is a good choice if you have more money to spend, as long as the gift card balance is high enough to purchase a selection of Apple products.
7. Google Play gift cards
It is possible to purchase Google Play gift cards if you KNOW the recipient uses Android since you can use them to download music, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and Android applications. To purchase Google Play Music subscriptions.
8. Hulu, Spotify, and Pandora Gift Cards
You can give Hulu gift cards, Spotify gift cards, or Pandora gift cards instead of device-specific gift cards. However, I would still do some research to find out if your friend already has a streaming subscription so you can get them the best gift card.
9. Walmart or Target
Walmart gift cards and Target gift cards can also buy the latest technology, hottest gadgets, and gizmos of the season. Other items such as clothing, groceries, medicine, and more can be purchased using these cards. The best thing about gift cards is that recipients can decide what’s most important to them at any given moment. Gift cards can buy something you wouldn’t buy for yourself. You can also use the gift card to purchase necessities. Gift cards can be used however you want, as long as they are not wasted.
10. Visa® Gift Cards and MasterCard® Gift Cards
To conclude, I cannot discuss flexible gift cards without mentioning the most versatile gift cards of all – Visa® gift cards and MasterCard® gift cards. Here are some great ways to give a gift card. First, give someone a prepaid Visa card and a pack of batteries. Then, write a note that says, “Buy your gadget! “Or print this free printable that says “Gift Not Included.” This is a humorous way to ensure that the recipient has the batteries needed for the gadget they choose.
You can make a personalized gift card online by uploading a photo and adding a custom message. This kind of personalized Visa gift card will get the same response that popular gadgets get when given at a party. It gets everyone’s attention. Learn how to make your own.