Giving a gift card to someone you care about isn't impersonal. In fact, it's considerate of you to let them choose their own gift and ensure they don't become disappointed instead.

When it comes to e gift cards, they're like the plastic gift cards at grocery stores checkout lines except there's no plastic involved. Emailed directly to your recipient is the gift card notification.

There's no lag time and they'll instantly get the notification. This is a great option if you're doing last minute gift giving. Not to mention you can personalize the email greeting that notifies your recipient.

You can buy e gift cards in increments (usually of $20). Some places will tack on a processing fee, too - but it's usually very nominal. Looking at the restrictions and making sure your recipient knows about them too is important.

Besides online, will the shopper be able to use the e gift card in retail stores? Will there be an expiration date? Discover e gift cards, for example, have a $2.50 per month service fee is the e gift card sits inactive for 12 months or more.

E gift cards like a Visa, American Express, or Discover can also be bought and used anywhere those cards are accepted.

An e gift card is the perfect convenience when it comes to getting our Christmas shopping a lot faster and with a lot fewer headaches, but it's also the best way to ensure the person gets exactly what they wished for this Christmas. An e gift card is the perfect convenience when it comes to getting our Christmas shopping a lot faster and with a lot fewer headaches, but it's also the best way to ensure the person gets exactly what they wished for this Christmas.