What do you get for those hard-to-figure-out people, the ones who have everything they could possibly want and yet you have to think of something cool, thoughtful, and unique to give them? In the past, the easy answer was gift cards.

But, gift cards could become a Spendster's nightmare. Here’s why:

• Often, there’s an activation fee (anywhere from $4-10 depending on how much you spend).


• They usually have expiration dates. Some store gift cards don’t expire so shop around…


• With this economy though, stores are closing or becoming bankrupt pretty quickly, often leaving their store gift cards without value.


• If you buy the gift card online, shipping costs get tacked on.


• Getting a normal gift card amount ($25, even $50) at a really expensive store often means that the recipient has to spend a lot more to get anything there. Unless you know that the person wants to get something at the store, but needs a monetary boost, rethink the gift card.

Also, think about when you’ve gotten a gift card in the past. Did you spend more than the amount on the card? If so, you’re a retailer’s dream. Or, maybe you had a Spendster moment where you bought something you now regret buying? It’s almost like the money isn’t real if it’s on one of those cards.

Well, there is something that you can give this holiday season that won’t have an expiration date, cost you activation fees, have you worried about bankrupt stores, or cause the receiver to overspend. I warn you though, it’s not glamorous or romantic in any way, but it’ll get the job done.

Give a check or cash money.