| Today's gift of convenience is a Gift Card. It | | | | match the occasion. When you buy a card, |
| takes away the hassle of trying to decide what | | | | however, all that the store gives you is often just |
| would be the best present to buy. For example, | | | | a simple 4-page card with slots cut to hold your |
| what does Cousin Sally really want for her | | | | card in place. You have to buy your own gift |
| birthday? A gift card removes all of the | | | | cardholder or plastic card packaging. Even though |
| guesswork and ensures that you do not waste | | | | a card will be appreciated, it is neither attractive |
| your hard-earned money on an unwanted gift. It | | | | nor exceptional by itself. |
| also saves time and effort wracking your brain | | | | An ideal way to present your gift is to choose |
| over the problem. | | | | card packaging that offers a prestigious feel in |
| One drawback, though, is that a plastic card is | | | | order to give your card the impression of having |
| somewhat impersonal and is only slightly less | | | | a special value. Packaging that resembles |
| impersonal than giving a cash gift. In order to | | | | traditional gift packaging will also help to improve |
| move away from that feeling you could dress up | | | | the gift card experience. This is much more likely |
| your card with a gift cardholder or a card carrier. | | | | than a plain card to display the true spirit of gift |
| Gift card malls have been around in the States | | | | giving. |
| for a couple of years or more and plastic card | | | | However, if you are shopping in the UK and |
| packaging solutions such as gift card carriers, card | | | | Europe then you might not find too much choice |
| presenters and card holders are quite | | | | readily available on the shelves alongside the |
| commonplace in North America. However, the gift | | | | selection of cards but there are many different |
| card phenomenon is relatively new in the UK and | | | | ways to dress up the plastic card. Many shops sell |
| Europe and packaging solutions are not as | | | | attractive boxes and pillow packs that can be filled |
| prevalent. | | | | with tissue paper to help the presentation along. |
| However, that is not to say that plastic card | | | | You can add to the pack by tying a ribbon to the |
| presenters do not exist in Europe and when you | | | | box or affixing a self-adhesive bow. |
| want to give your gift a more personal appeal | | | | If you are lucky enough to find a specially |
| you need to look for a unique gift cardholder or | | | | designed gift cardholder or card presenter you |
| alternative gift packaging solutions. | | | | may be pleasantly surprised to find some really |
| As the gift card trend grows, cards are being | | | | delightful designs and innovative packaging |
| bought to cover many different occasions, such | | | | solutions. They are slowly but surely finding their |
| as wedding presents, baby gifts and anniversaries. | | | | way into retailers. |
| It would be nice to find a themed cardholder to | | | | |