They may feel impersonal and have a reputation of being a "last-minute" option, but gift cards are actually quite the perfect present. If you give 'em, the shopping process is stress-free and the receiver's always satisfied. If you get one, you can save it for a special occasion — or immediately set forth on a full-on spree.
Looking at what's in stores now, we're already planning what we'll buy once Santa comes to town with those tiny plastic treats. Scroll through for picks, separated by card amount, from our favorite places to shop. Then be sure to add gift cards to your list this holiday season.
Nordstrom
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
August Hat Nylon Baseball Cap [3] ($28)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Kate Spade Hydrangea Skinny Silk Scarf [4] ($48)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Topshop Ruffle Satin Blouse [5] ($65)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Kenneth Cole New York Wool Blend Maxi Wrap Coat [6] ($178)
Lord & Taylor
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
BCBGeneration Knit Beanie [7] ($28)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Vince Camuto Goldtone Double Tassel Necklace [8] ($48)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Highline Collective Metallic Bomber Jacket [9] ($99)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Daniel Wellington Classy St Mawes Rose Goldtone Brown Leather Strap Watch, 26MM [10] ($149)
Macy's
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
Fossil Keely Zip Coin Purse [11] ($30)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Casual Sneakers from Finish Line [12] ($50)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Michael Kors Pavé Triple Layer Huggy Hoop Earrings [13] ($75)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Tory Burch Sunglasses, TY7097 [14] ($165)
Ann Taylor
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
Ann Taylor Sheer Dot Tights [15] ($20)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Ann Taylor Cashmere Fingerless Gloves [16] ($50)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Ann Taylor Reversible Cape [17] ($98)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Ann Taylor Tallulah Suede Booties [18] ($198)
J.Crew
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
J.Crew Leather tassel with beads [19] ($15)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
J.Crew Beaded ostrich T-shirt [20] ($45)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
J.Crew Colorblock Sweater [21] ($98)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
J.Crew Rayner jean in hope wash [22] ($135)
ASOS
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
Asos Geeky Round Clear Lens Glasses [23] ($16)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Asos Zip Front Square Backpack [24] ($43)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Lavish Alice Rib Knit Open Back Wrap Tie Midi Dress [25] ($91)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Asos Coat in Plush Faux Fur [26] ($128)
H&M
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
Pleated Skirt [27] ($20)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Open-Shoulder Blouse [28] ($35)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Pile-Lined Bomber Jacket [29] ($80)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Nubuck Handbag [30] ($149)
Zara
If Your Gift Card Is For $30:
Jogging Trousers [31] ($23)
If Your Gift Card Is For $50:
Short Frilled Dress [32] ($50)
If Your Gift Card Is For $100:
Long Waistcoat [33] ($70)
If Your Gift Card Is For $200:
Over-the-Knee Flat Leather Boots [34] ($179)