ClarkDeals.com is adamant that we will only share deals that we think will truly save you money. To support our work, we do make money from some links to companies and deals on our site, which helps to pay our bills and support our Consumer Action Center. Learn more about our guarantee here.
Expired Deal
Expired Deal

73% of Americans don’t want to receive this Christmas gift

Christmas gifts
Get This Deal Read More
Image Credit: Dreamstime
Mike Timmermann |
Problem with a deal? Let us know.

If you’re planning to do most of your Christmas shopping at one of those gift card kiosks, a new Bankrate.com study says you might want to consider buying something else.

Gift cards aren't a favorite gift, survey says

Read more: The best days to shop between now and Christmas

According to the study, half of consumers plan to give a gift card this holiday season, but only 27% of Americans hope to receive one.

What’s interesting is that 34% of younger millennials, ages 18 to 25, would choose a gift card, the most of any other age group. But they were also the age group most likely to prefer a tangible gift, at 57%.

For those who do give gift cards, most say it’s because they think it would be the best gift for the recipient.

“Finding a gift that suits each individual on your holiday list can be a challenging task,” said Bankrate.com analyst Mike Cetera. “Given the vast selection, electronic delivery options and potential security features, gift cards are still a solid choice for many gift-givers.”

Here are some other key findings from the Bankrate.com study:

  • 67% of the cards offer the option for a Personal identification number (PIN)
  • 64% of gift cards are reloadable
  • 67% of gift cards are available as e-cards
  • 87% permit online balance check for gift card and/or e-card version
  • 13% of the cards have a purchase fee

Clark: Don't buy restaurant gift cards

If you’re going to buy gift cards anyway, Clark says you may want to avoid restaurant gift cards this year because so many restaurants are shutting down.

“Don’t buy a restaurant gift card as a gift because by the time the person goes to use it, the place could be out of business," Clark said. “If you’re buying one for yourself to earn bonus points, use it right away.” 

And to find more personal gifts to give this holiday season, see what's new on our Clark Deals site.

Read more: Don't buy these gift cards this holiday season

A better alternative!

If you want to avoid giving someone a gift card they don't want, consider just giving cash instead! That way the person isn't limited to how they use the money and won't have to worry about a store or restaurant going out of business.