Gift cards are also a great way to give children a card that teaches them responsibility. Think of it has a present or gift that is perfect for just about any occasion and does not come with the hassle of sorting through the shelves at your local store to find that present that he or she may not actually enjoy.

This lets the recipient pick out what they want and when they want it. If you are unsure about what is a gift card, what types there are and just how to use them, then this article is for you. We will cover the basics of the present card world and even tackle some of the etiquette questions that might arise.

If I give a gift card, is it considered inappropriate?

When gift cards started to become available, many etiquette books and columns declared them 'tacky" because it was not a personalized gift. Those antiquated notions do no longer hold value.

It is an appropriate present because it can be used in any way the recipient desires. It can be used at a variety of stores and online websites. It is a great present to give someone if you are not sure of what they need, want or like.

Where can I use a prepaid gift card?

You can use a prepaid gift card, whether a regular present card from a store or a prepaid credit card, anywhere that you want. If the card is from a particular store then you must use it to purchase items there. If it is a prepaid credit card then you can use it wherever the logo on the front, such as Visa or Mastercard, is accepted.

Can I get my recipient's name put on the present card?

Most store gift cards do not allow you to put the recipient's name on the card. If you opt for a prepaid credit card then the person can elect to put their name on the front. This helps ensure that if it were lost or stolen, the person would not be held liable for fraudulent charges. There is usually a form to fill out but there is not a credit check.

What do I do if I lose my prepaid gift card?

If you have a prepaid credit card/gift card then the issuing company will replace the card for usually no additional charges. Many also offer protections against fraudulent purchases if you let them know the minute, or as soon as possible, that you have lost your card.

Regular gift cards are the responsibility of the owner and the issuing store will not refund your card should you happen to lose it. This is why many people are choosing to give prepaid credit cards as gift cards as an extra means of security.

Can I add money to a gift card that someone else has given me?

That is the great thing about gift cards. Unlike present certificates, a gift card can be reused. If you run low on funds and you know that you will shop there often, add money to the card. Gift cards can be a great way to control your budget by letting you know exactly how much you can spend in a given month on certain purchases.