When you do not know what type of gift to buy for someone, a gift card or gift certificate makes the perfect gift. The recipient can use the card to buy whatever he or she desires, so the guesswork with finding the right gift is gone.

A gift certificate is generally a form or a a certificate number that has a dollar amount credit applied to it so that it can be used like cash to make a purchase at a specific merchant. A remaining balance after a purchase can be used for future purchases.

A gift card works in the same manner. It is usually in the form of a credit card that is mailed to the recipient. A gift card can be used just like a standard credit card, but can only be used with a specific merchant’s physical store or online store.

Regardless of which type is offered, they are both essentially the same thing–a prepaid gift for your friend or loved one.

	Amazon Gift Cards Amazon.com offers the widest range of products available from any merchant on the web. Amazon will e-mail or mail your gift certificate to your gift recipient, or you can print it and give it to them yourself. They can then use it to purchase anything that Amazon or their partner merchants offer. Many items qualify for their Free Shipping offer, which makes a purchase at their web site an even better bargain.
	Cabelas Sporting Goods Gift Cards Cabelas in one of the top sporting goods stores in the USA and is known for high-quality merchandise and excellent levels of customer service. If you are looking for a gift for someone into camping, fishing, hunting, boating or if they simply enjoy the great outdoors, they will find everything from gear to clothing at Cabelas.
	Chefs Catalog Gift Cards If you are looking for some of the finest cookware and kitchenware, you will likely find what you seek at Chef’s Catalog. Check out their large inventory of quality products that will make an excellent gift for any cooking enthusiast, and one that they will really appreciate.
	Duncraft Gift Certificates Duncraft is well-know for their wide selection of high quality wild bird products. If you or someone you care about loves to feed and watch wild birds in their back yard, a Duncraft gift card can be the perfect gift. Choose from a wide variety of wild bird feeders, food, bird baths and other yard accessories. Duncraft Gift Certificates are available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations.
	Gourmet Station Gift Certificate Gourmet station offers prepared gourmet meals. The meals are deep chilled and shipped to your home or the home of a loved one. All you have to do is heat them up according to the simple instructions, and enjoy a fine meal. A gourmet meal makes a great gift for a couple as a anniversary gift or for any special occasion. You can either send a prepared gourmet meal that you select, or a gift certificate that can be used at any time.
	Koa Coffee Gift Certificate The perfect gift for any coffee lover. Koa Coffee offer premium blends of coffee grown under perfect conditions in Hawaii. Koa Coffee is made from 100% pure Kona coffee beans. This is a very fine coffee that Forbes called the “Best Coffee in America.” Try a bag yourself or send one to your favorite coffee lover.
	Netflix Subscription A Netflix subscription is a real nice gift idea for someone who enjoys the latest movies on DVD and Blu-ray. If that special someone has a Blu-ray player or HDTV that is Netflix enabled, they can watch downloaded movies any time they wish. The only catch with a Netflix subscription is that the recipient must have Internet access to set up their movie queue on the Netflix web site.
	Northern Tool Gift Card If you are looking for the perfect gift for a handyman or someone who loves to build things, take a look at the wide range of tools and hardware available from Northern Tool. Your favorite handyman or tool enthusiast will love the selection available from this tool merchant. Available in $10. $25, $50 and $100.

Tips for Using Gift Cards and Gift Certificates

1. Everyone loves a gift card or certificate that allows them to select their favorite products. Many times people will buy things that they would not normally purchase due to the high cost of an item.
2. Select a merchant whose products represent the interest of your gift recipient. If they are into sporting goods, select a well-known or specialty sporting goods store where you think your friend or love-one would normally like to shop.
3. Restaurants and web sites that offer prepared gourmet meals are popular items for friends and family who enjoy a fine meal.
4. Follow-up and ask your friend or loved-one what they purchased with the gift card or certificate. If they have already used it, you will likely get an enthusiastic response. If they have not used it, your inquiry will likely prompt them to use the card so that it does not become a wasted expenditure.