Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Callie Athey and Helen Ford Wallace| Special to The Oklahoman
QUESTION: What is the proper way to present a gift card? Do you tell the recipient the amount of the card, write it on the envelope or let it be a surprise?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: If I give someone a gift card, I put it inside a regular card. Telling the recipient congratulations or happy birthday with the gift card inside.
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I write the amount on the packaging that comes with the gift card or on the gift card itself and then put it inside a regular card that I have signed so that the message is the dominant part of the gift and not the amount. When you use the card, it is helpful to know what the gift card amount is without having to type all those numbers into the computer or guess whether your purchase matches the card, so I think having the amount somewhere is important. You can include it in the message on the card if you need to, but try to make the focus of the gift the occasion and not the money amount.
HELEN’S ANSWER: It is really fun to give gift cards, particularly if you know that the recipient shops at the particular store. I usually write the amount, but if I forget, a favorite grandson always asks the amount the minute the card is delivered. We do like that instant gratification!
If you feel like it is not appropriate to include the amount or the receipt, then just wrap it up and put it in a box and let them be surprised when they take it to the store. Either way, it will be a wonderful gift!
GUEST’S ANSWER: Yvette Walker, Assistant Dean and Ethics lecturer at Gaylord College, University of Oklahoma: Giving a gift card is a more elegant way of giving cash — but should be no less convenient. Letting the recipient know how much he or she can spend is important. Some people include the receipt inside the gift card envelope. Writing a clever reveal on the card is acceptable, and fun, too. Either way I’m sure your gift will be appreciated.
Since 2009 Callie, Lillie-Beth and Helen have written this generational etiquette column. They also include guest responses from a wide range of ages each week. So many years later, Callie is 20-plus; Lillie-Beth, 40-plus and Helen, 60-plus.
