Christmas Gifts Episode III – The Vouchers' Tale

When Christmas shopping, buying vouchers/gift cards as presents, or using vouchers to buy gifts, can be a great idea providing you check carefully what you are getting for your money.

The Tesco Clubcard Voucher Exchange is back. Until 5^th December you can exchange your Clubcard points for double their value in shopping vouchers (multiples of £5 into multiples of £10) redeemable for a variety of departments in store. Categories available include Toys & Bikes, Books, Skincare Cosmetics & Fragrance, Wine and Clothing; just choose how you would like them split. The vouchers issued can be spent up until 13^th December in the named departments. Although by exchanging your Clubcard points for days out you would get four times their value instead of two, this is still a great way of increasing the value of your points and helping out with the Christmas budget at the same time.

There is a large range of ‘Gift Experience’ vouchers available from places such as Argos, but I would issue a word of warning about these. A couple of years ago my daughters bought me one redeemable for a manicure and pedicure. However, to use the voucher I had to post off a form, then make a phone call in an attempt to make the desired appointment. The selected beauty salon was meant to get back to me, but didn’t, so I had to telephone the central information line a second time. They issued me with the salon’s number, but I got rather a frosty reception when I phoned. The manager ranted on about the scheme losing her money, but grudgingly gave me an appointment. The manicure and pedicure were of poor quality and performed to a background of further moans and groans – not the enjoyable, relaxing experience intended. The manicurist did have a point though, for the cost of the voucher she could have offered me a far more comprehensive beauty treatment had it been booked and paid for directly with her.

It appears that at least some of these ‘Gift Experience’ vouchers absorb a percentage of the money paid in admin fees, so check if you can book something similar for less by booking directly with a company, or at least ensure you understand the extra costs incurred, what exactly is being offered and how complicated it is to redeem the voucher.

I love the fact that gift cards for so many shops, cinemas and restaurants etc are available in supermarkets, so that you don’t have to journey to the store in which they are to be spent. They make great gifts, but avoid buying them too early. Some people have been caught holding invalid vouchers as stores have been closed down with very little warning.

Why not make your own gift vouchers? Have I gone mad? No, it’s simple. Design and print off (or draw out) your own, promising something you’ll do for the recipient in lieu of buying a present e.g. baby-sitting, DIY (if you have the skills), help with cleaning out the attic – just whatever is appropriate. This is a really useful idea if money is tight. Just remember to honour the vouchers!

It’s not over yet …

Let me know your ideas comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk