Useful in a gift emergency (Gifts & Greetings Shops in general)

Member Name: justathought

Product:	Gifts & Greetings Shops in general
Date:	23/08/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very aesthetically pleasing

Disadvantages: overpriced

Gifts and Greetings shops like Birthdays and Clinton Cards are present on most town centres. They usually have a large selection of greeting cards, wrapping paper, teddies and other gists, for various occasions. The layout is usually very convenient and attractive to tempt you. The prices, however are not! Just a couple of months ago, I was out with a friend, and she paid £5 for a card - to me, that's a waste of money for a folded piece of card with some decorations on it!

Although I may go to these shops for inspiration, or to buy a gift in an emergency, I don't normally think it's worth it to buy from there. I prefer to buy people personal, rather than generic gifts. E.g my sisters and I bought my parents personal printed mugs, unique to them, and they loved it. When my older sister was getting married, my younger sister had the idea to get all her recipes printed in a book, along with recipes from each family we knew, and some photos with captions under them. This meant she could cherich it as a present from everyone she knew - she loved it!

Personally, I think these gift shops sell generic gifts, and that it's nice to be more imaginative. I'd prefer to make cards when I can, or buy them in the sales, in pound shops, or online; and not just because I can't go spending £5 on cards for every occasion.

I don't know how well they will survive now due to the supermarkets selling an almost equal variety of cards and giifts.

Summary: I avoid them most of the time