If you give a "thing" gift from a basic department store with a reasonable exchange policy, it's almost the best of both worlds, because they can (a) keep it, (b) exchange it for whatever gift-type they want, or (c) return it for a store credit to use for their own everyday purchases (which is almost like giving cash).

But if I weren't going to give a "thing" gift, I'd give cash, not a gift card or a prepaid Visa. The only time I really like gift cards are if they are for something that the recipient really does have to pick out themselves. Like my favorite little gift for someone with a new (not a first) home: a gift certificate to switchhits.com or similar site, so they can pick out fun switchplates and outlet covers to give a little finishing touch to a room. But otherwise, I would either choose something myself or else give cash; if you want them to do the shopping, no sense limiting them.

Go with cash instead.

That is where our wedding cash/checks went. (Heck, give checks, then they can't fritter it away on gas or something)

I get really exasperated w/ the family members who give my kids big gift cards for bday presents. They don't need to spend $50 at Barnes & Noble; I usu. make them put most of their bday money in the bank, to save.

I was using "cash" to mean money as opposed to a gift card; I didn't mean folding greenbacks as opposed to a check.

I don't know about whether it makes it less "fritter-friendly," but a check is a much safer way to transfer funds. Certainly don't mail cash.