When I don't know what to get someone for Christmas, I just do a gift card. I know it is not exactly creative or anything but I feel it is better than just doing money. At least if it is a universal card, it can be used online.
A family member of mine somewhat shamed me over it calling it "lazy". I would rather get a gift card myself than something I don't want, need, or like so I approach it from that perspective.
I wouldn't say lazy but I would say uncreative or not as thoughtful but as you said, sometimes it is a better option. I know people in my family who would rather have cash or gift cards as they are always in need of extra income and it can come in handy when their budgets are tight.
I don't like getting gift cards myself, well, not food-related ones or store-specific ones anyways. I have always gotten ones that I never use. I end up giving them away. Last year I got one for a coffee shop and I don't even drink coffee!
I agree about them being not being very creative or maybe "thoughtless"? Not to say that is a bad thing but I know some people prefer people to put more time and effort into gift-giving than others do.
I think they are a bit tacky. That is just me though.
I mean if everyone just did money and gift cards, we may as well not buy anything at all. Like you end up just exchanging money at that point.
I always buy people gift cards when I don't know what to get them and I have never had any complaints. That being said, I can understand why some people might not like it for the reasons already mentioned in the thread.