Memo to Santa: I’d Still Like to Receive Gift Cards…

…even though you might feel they are too impersonal. Signed, A consumer

‘Tis the season, officially. In NRF’s latest consumer spending survey, conducted by BIGresearch, one thing remains the same – consumers still love receiving gift cards; in fact, it’s the most requested item on their wish list.

With projected holiday sales of gift cards in 2008 reaching nearly $25 billion, the cards are hot commodities these days. Retailers of all shapes and sizes are now selling gift cards, and not only their own: shoppers can get gift cards from department store, specialty apparel, restaurants, electronic stores and home improvement stores at local drug stores or supermarkets.

In light of this, we thought we’d highlight a few of the really cool ways retailers are vamping up their gift card programs:

• Best Buy – Intertwining the popularity of social media with their gift card program, Best Buy is offering a “Pitch In Card” where friends and family can contribute to the value of a gift card through their website
• Macy’s – Traditional, e-gift cards and even personalized cards are the options shoppers can find on Macys.com
• Toys R Us – Their gift card website offers consumers the chance to check their balance and redeem their e-gift card. Shoppers can also personalize gift cards through this site
• GAP, Inc. – Multi-brand GAP Inc. offers an “Options Gift Card” where shoppers can choose a certain amount for one card that can be redeemed online or at any of their stores (Gap, Old Navy, Piperlime or Banana Republic)

Most retailers offer personalized and customizable ways to create a gift card for gift recipients on their website, and check out lines have hundreds of gift card options in their stores. One thing is for sure, there’s no such thing as an “impersonal” gift card anymore.