What are some benefits of giving gift cards instead of presents?

One benefit of giving gift cards instead of presents is that it usually prevents recipients from getting items they don't want. Another benefit is that giving gift cards often saves the giver money. Some stores sell gift cards for up to 10 percent less than the original retail value.

The shipping costs for purchasing gift cards online are typically low, since gift cards are lightweight. Most people pay the price of a first-class stamp for one card, as of 2015.

Another benefit of giving a gift card as a gift is that the recipient can choose to use the card whenever he chooses, provided the card has no expiration date.