The argument about gift cards is not new, but last week, while I was stuck in the worst traffic ever on the way to Ikeja, the guilt hit me. My sister’s birthday was just two days away, and I hadn’t even started looking for a gift.
“What can I get her that she’ll actually like?” I thought, staring out the window.
Then I got the idea to send a gift card.
Almost instantly, the guilt followed. That little voice saying: “Is a gift card not a lazy gift? Am I choosing convenience over care?”
We want the most meaningful gift to have a story, but the gift card’s story is often just, “I forgot until the last minute.” Honestly, the debate isn’t about the card (or the e-voucher) itself but the thought behind it.
So, are gift cards lazy, or are we just using them lazily?
When a Gift Card is Not Just Okay But a Lifesaver
Before we talk about why gift cards can be lazy, let’s acknowledge when a gift card is actually the best option.
1. It’s an Investment
For a friend saving every kobo for a big goal, like paying for an online course, buying new equipment for her small business, or saving for a flight, a gift card to a specific store (or even a contribution to a shared fund) is a massive boost. That’s strategic, smart, and exactly what they need. It’s the ultimate best-value gift because it’s a direct injection of cash for a defined purpose.
2. When Logistics are a Nightmare
For people in a long-distance relationship, shipping an item from Lagos to London can be frustrating and expensive. An e-gift card can therefore be a reliable solution. It guarantees they get something instantly, letting them buy a taste of home or a specific item that’s too expensive to ship. It’s practical love.
3. The Freedom to Pick Their Own Poison
Some people are extremely particular (bless their hearts!). They know what they like, what their size is, and what they need. A gift card respects their choices and ensures your hard-earned money isn’t wasted on something that will just gather dust in their closet.
The Giver’s Guilt: Why We Call Them Impersonal
No one complains about the monetary value of a gift card. The issue is often the emotional gap. When someone calls a gift card lazy, they’re voicing disappointment in the obvious lack of personal effort.
The Effortless Transaction
When you hand over a generic gift card to a huge department store without a single note, it feels like you spent 30 seconds buying the first thing you could lay your hands on. It’s transactional, a replacement for cash, rather than a thoughtful selection. This is the root of the “lazy gift” label.
The Hidden Pressure
Gift cards can come with restrictions. They can only be used for specific items at certain locations. Worse, they sometimes put pressure on the recipient to spend them quickly, which completely negates the joy of the surprise and makes it feel like a chore.
It Fails the Sentimental Test
A truly memorable gift has a story attached: “I was at the market and saw this ceramic mug that looked exactly like your mum’s, so I grabbed it.” A gift card’s story is just: “I swiped my card.” That fails the emotional connection test every single time.
The Verdict: Is a Gift Card a Lazy Gift?
Spending almost 4 hours on the same spot on the 3rd Mainland Bridge will make anyone conclude that a gift card is not a lazy gift option. But it can easily become the lazy option if you don’t put in the minimal effort.
| The Lazy Way (Avoid) | The Thoughtful Way (Embrace) |
| Giving a generic card (e.g., a huge department store) with no card or note. | Give a specific card (e.g., their favourite local bookstore or that new coffee spot) with a personalised note explaining why you chose that place. |
| Rushing the purchase because you completely forgot their special day until that morning. | Plan the purchase to align with a specific goal, like contributing to their small business inventory or fitness membership. |
| Just hand over the gift card or forward an email. | Presenting it with a small, relevant item (e.g., a bookmark with the bookstore card, a small candle with the spa card). |
Stop Gifting Transactionally. Start Gifting Intentionally.
If you’re still getting that sinking feeling about generic cards, the best way to be thoughtful is to transition from random cards to curated, high-value experiences or local goods. This is the sweet spot between convenience and a personal touch.
- Curated Gift Boxes: Instead of a store card, you can give a Lovebox Africa curated box filled with amazing products from Nigerian vendors. It shows specific effort, supports local businesses, and gives them a variety of cool stuff.
- Pre-Paid Service: Pay for a specific service, a one-off cleaning service, a month of their gym membership, or a digital subscription they wouldn’t buy themselves. It says, “I know you’re busy; let me make your life easier.”
- Local Experience Vouchers: Buy a specific voucher for a wine tasting, a pottery class, or a cooking lesson right here in Lagos. This is an investment in their memories.
The goal of any gift is connection. While the gift card can serve a very practical purpose, always try to anchor it in intention.
Want to give something meaningful that requires zero guesswork but still feels personalised and local?
Check out the thoughtful gifts and experience vouchers at Lovebox Africa. We’ll handle the logistics, and you get all the credit for being thoughtful!
Browse Lovebox Africa’s curated collections here!
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