Valentine's Day Articles >

Excitement, Personalization Top Gift Card Buyer’s Valentine’s Wish List (ARA) – Romance lives on and not even a soft economy can change the fact that many Americans want to “wow” their sweethearts this Valentine’s Day. But just as holiday shoppers demanded more for their dollars in 2008, Valentine’s Day buyers are looking for both baubles and bargains that will still thrill their loved ones. “Shoppers may be spending less, but they’re demanding more value and excitement from the presents they purchase,” explains Eric Goldreyer, founder and chief executive officer of BedandBreakfast.com, a specialty travel Web site that attracts gift card purchasers with completely customizable cards that can be imprinted for free with the buyer’s own photography. “The qualities that have attracted shoppers to gift cards in the past -- like convenience and confidence that the recipients will like the gift -- remain compelling. But in this economy, there are some extra bonuses to buying gift cards,” Goldreyer says. Online Convenience Though salaries are flat and spending is down, consumers are under as much time pressure as ever. Fortunately, online shopping continues to lead in speed and convenience.  What’s more, some online sellers offer free shipping of gift cards. BedandBreakfast.com, for example, charges no shipping or handling fees on purchases of its gift cards, which can be used at over 4,000 independently owned and operated B&Bs throughout the United States and Canada. Spend over $100 and your gift card will be shipped via FedEx at no charge. One Size Can Fit All While many Valentine’s Day shoppers favor the convenience of gift cards, some may feel guilty that gift cards are too generic.   This year, however, gift cards are developing personalized -- and romantic -- appeal. “Not only can you find a gift card for virtually anything you want to purchase, you now have countless options for customizing the gift,” Goldreyer says. Some sellers, including BedandBreakfast.com, offer a range of gift wrapping and delivery options, from elegant presentation envelopes and boxes, to the ability to immediately print a gift card from your home printer for last-minute presents. Other gift card retailers are appealing to consumers’ search for excitement and personality. BedandBreakfast.com, for example, now allows buyers to create a customized card complete with a personalized message and choice of design. Buyers can either select a pre-set design or upload their own image or photo; it’s the only gift card now on the market never charges for this option. The gift cards are also a budget-friendly way to give a romantic get-away, even if the economy has put a damper on your “big trip” plans. Welcome at more than 4,000 B&Bs across the country, BedandBreakfast.com gift cards afford buyers great flexibility in terms of scheduling a romantic retreat. Although Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, giving a gift card allows the giver and recipient to escape on a date that’s most convenient for them – even during off-peak times that may offer the best savings. “There’s no doubt the economy will continue to impact retail sales in 2009,” Goldreyer says. “But gift cards give consumers convenient, exciting and customizable choices that fit the bill for a personalized Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one who has everything… but time for romance.” Visit www.bedandbreakfast.com to learn more about customizable gift cards good for accommodations at 4000 B&Bs across the USA and Canada, or call (800) GO B AND B (800-462-2632). Courtesy of ARAcontent