Local paper ran a story last week to the tune of "avoid" giving gift cards this year because of the economic crisis and many retailers soon to bankrupt or fold. (esp. after holidays)
My nephew gave me a home depot gift card in April as a housewarming gift. The store wouldn't honour it. They said it wasn't "activated" and that I needed to return it to my nephew, who had to take it back to the store he purchased it at, with his receipt to get the matter resolved. It was too much of a pain in the ass to resolve, considering I only see this nephew a couple of times of the year - he's frequently out of the country on business.
The card went into the trash, and I just won't do business with home depot any more. Also, I never give gift cards as gifts. I'd sooner give cash and let the recipient decide where he wants to spend it.
W