Goaded by Gift Cards

I recently celebrated my birthday and like so many of us I received a Gift Card from someone as a present. I quite like Gift Cards since they ultimately free me up to purchase what I want as opposed to usually making a discreet and apologetic exchange afterwards. That said I have, over time, developed an understanding that the value of a Gift Card will never, ever wind up covering all that I walk out with after cashing in that same card.

The following describes what happened to me when I went to cash in that very Gift Card and tell me if this hasn’t happened to you:

The card was from a company that is perhaps my traditional favourite clothing retailer. It was for $50 and truthfully there isn’t much in that store that I could walk out with and have change left over from 50 bucks. However I thought there was probably a nice new shirt that I could put into my work wardrobe or perhaps some stuff on clearance that would suit my needs and fit the budget of the card. It turns out that when I walked into my favourite location all the above was true…and all at the same time!

I’ve gotten to really love shirts that are both wrinkle and stain resistant. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know that if I am at a business event and my elbow gets knocked by someone causing my drink to spill onto my shirt, it will just dribble off. Well it turns out that their new Fall-versions of these shirts were being featured at “buy one and get the second half off”. As there were many styles to choose from that I liked, and the deal was great I couldn’t just take one, now could I?

I continued to browse and then saw these really cool pants. They look like wool slacks but are made of cotton and polyester. Comfort, style and washable?! Count me in!!

Then it’s over to the clearance rack. What’s this? Various khaki pants have been reduced from $85 down to $15??!! It can’t be! Hmmm, let’s see there is a black one and a canvas one that are just what I could use. I mean who can say no to savings of $65 per pair? Not me! Send them to the register please!

My wife was also there and she couldn’t help but notice some awesome deals for her as well. For all I put her through I couldn’t say no to a couple extra purchases to show my love so “Clerk, take these too, please!” Now it’s off to the register and I gladly offer my Gift Card. I feel smug since I saved a bunch with sale prices and the Gift Card will take off even more. Then I hear: “Mr. Novak I’ll just need another $285 please and thank you for your purchases”.

As I walked out with my wounded wallet I began to think that maybe letting the giver choose the gift might be simpler after all…