Is it acceptable to give "group-buying" website vouchers as gifts this Christmas?

In these tough economic times it can sometimes be great to receive "the gift that keeps on giving".

We used to have a 'no vouchers' policy in our household but now allow regular vouchers because they are practical and allow people to buy something that fits and that they like. But what about group-buying website vouchers?

Pros

• It's great to get a voucher for an experience to use after Christmas. When everyone else's toys have run out of batteries, you can go and use your voucher.
• You potentially get a gift worth more than you otherwise would have, because it will be based on a special deal.
• The gift is for a service (like a massage) or an activity, rather than wrapped goods.
• You don't need to wrap a voucher as it fits into an envelope.

Cons

• The offer is limited to a specific retailer and has an expiry date.
• Sometimes there are other restrictions, such as not using it on weekends, or only one voucher per person.
• You may be forced to spend more if the voucher doesn't cover the complete cost of your visit.
• You do get an empty feeling when everyone else is unwrapping and playing with their toys on Christmas day and your present fits inside an envelope and you have to wait to use it.
• Often retailers on group-buying websites are new businesses or looking to boost their customer numbers – there could be a good reason for that!

If my family got me group-buying website vouchers I would feel ripped off having nothing to unwrap and play with on Christmas day. I could handle a small part of my present being a voucher, but isn't Christmas about enjoying playing with your toys on the day?

Scott Donaldson

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