My opposition to gift cards is well documented.
I say, just give cash and be done with it.
But now, there is a practical reason.
A new company Gift Card Rescue offers you bankruptcy protection should the company that sold you the gift card go out of business.
Another risk you don't face with cash.
And don't tell me, "oh Barnes and Noble won't go out of business."
Yeah, that's what people said 40 years ago about GM and Ford...and they may as well be.