Are gift cards tacky?  

I don't think they are. I would rather get a gift card than something I don't like! I feel bad too because if I don't like something, I pretend I do just not to hurt the person's feelings. 

I don't think gift cards are tacky. Amazon gift cards are good because people can pick out exactly what they want. But if you get someone a gift card for a specific place like Kohl's or Cheesecake Factory, they might not even go there to use it.

Gift cards can be great profit for businesses, because most people don't use them.

Yeah I would not worry. Most people, especially less traditional folks are more than open to getting them. In fact, most of my family prefers them these days. Beats having to run around doing returns!

No, not at all. I like getting them myself. If I get several of them, I can make a weekend out of it. Go shopping, grab some lunch or dinner, and just enjoy myself. 

If I am stumped, I would rather do a gift card than settle on something someone might not want or need. I think it is more thoughtful than cash but not as thoughtful as a gift. Try and do a gift card with the person in mind to keep it more personal. 

I was raised to put more thought into gift giving so in my family's eyes, it is unthoughtful and not appreciated. That being said, I still do it if I have no idea what to get someone. I just get them a gift card to a place they never tried or shopped at. 

I normally don't do gift cards. I think I have only gotten someone a gift card maybe once or twice before but this year, I had to. I had run out of ideas entirely and when asking, I couldn't get an answer. So I ended up buying mostly gift cards. 

So I got a few gifts already and they were both gift cards. I am happy about it. So yeah, I would not worry too much. Whatever you get I am sure they will be pleased.