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For three years in a row my sister has given me a "PetSmart" giftcard for Christmas. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift HOWEVER the nearest "PetSmart" to me is a 60 mile round trip. I am going to burn half the giftcard's value in gasoline and waste an hour of travel time just to redeem the silly thing at a store that is over priced compared to my regular source of pet supplies.
I don't want to sound ungrateful but it is such a waste. I have been trying FOR YEARS to get her to stop exchanging gifts on Christmas since we are both adults. I am thinking about compromising and suggest we just buy each other a 25 dollar gift card from Amazon and be done with it.
What is a good way to approach this without sounding ungrateful.....
The only way to do it tacfully is NOT to mention the gift she's given you for the past 3 years.
Just start new, and say something like, "For Christmas this year, let's try something new. Why don't we take each other to a nice lunch at XXX restaurant? I'd really just like to spend more time with you rather than $$."
If she brings up the gift card, casually say, "Well that is such a thoughtful present, but I buy most of my pet stuff at XXX store anyway." But try not to mention the gift card if possible.
Of course, prepare yourself to graciously accept one this year since it's too late to do anything about it.
You could always try selling your gift card on one of the gift card sites. You won't get full retail value for it but at least something, then buy something at a closer pet store if you'd like. I've received some not so great gift cards and go on there. For example, I will get a restaurant that may be too far or not my fave so I will exchange it for something else on the site. Helps to feel less guilty for me, I suppose, lol.
I just found out I could use it online....... Still, "PetSmart" is way overpriced compared to my preferred vendor.
My thing is that she is forcing me to buy from a vendor I would otherwise not consider and a product (pet supplies) that I may or may not need.
I guess I need to find a way to tell her an Amazon gift card would be much more useful to me. I get free shipping with Amazon but had to pay 7 dollars out of that 25.00 for shipping with Petsmart.
Another issue is I left 2.59 on the card. PetSmart is likely to keep that since it is hard to find something that is exactly the amount of the gift card. If I had an Amazon card I would likely be able to use it all since I regularly buy from them.
The whole problem is it bugs me to leave money on the table.
I will second the idea to give it to an animal charity. Even the $2.59 can be used. Then it is not leaving it on the table.
Just be honest and tell your sister you value the thought but Amazon would be better value since you could also save on shipping.
I have rarely seen someone complain so bitterly about a gift card. My rule is if I get a complaint, they get nothing. Simple. So it should be phrased very nicely.
OP, I try not to buy from PetSmart, since they're owned by Walmart, but if someone gave me a gift card for PetSmart, I would happy. Does that make me a hypocrite? Maybe, but I love gift cards of any kind.
About their overpriced-ness, you're not spending your money, so what the hey. Load up on greenies!
For three years in a row my sister has given me a "PetSmart" giftcard for Christmas. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift HOWEVER the nearest "PetSmart" to me is a 60 mile round trip. I am going to burn half the giftcard's value in gasoline and waste an hour of travel time just to redeem the silly thing at a store that is over priced compared to my regular source of pet supplies.
I don't want to sound ungrateful but it is such a waste. I have been trying FOR YEARS to get her to stop exchanging gifts on Christmas since we are both adults. I am thinking about compromising and suggest we just buy each other a 25 dollar gift card from Amazon and be done with it.
What is a good way to approach this without sounding ungrateful.....
Play Santa, and pass the gift card on to a needy person or animal rescue org.-- who lives in, or is located in, the same town as the store. If you can't find one, try posting a Craigslist ad. Make someone else's day, and give in the true spirit of the season!
For three years in a row my sister has given me a "PetSmart" giftcard for Christmas. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift HOWEVER the nearest "PetSmart" to me is a 60 mile round trip. I am going to burn half the giftcard's value in gasoline and waste an hour of travel time just to redeem the silly thing at a store that is over priced compared to my regular source of pet supplies.
I don't want to sound ungrateful but it is such a waste. I have been trying FOR YEARS to get her to stop exchanging gifts on Christmas since we are both adults. I am thinking about compromising and suggest we just buy each other a 25 dollar gift card from Amazon and be done with it.
What is a good way to approach this without sounding ungrateful.....
They do have a website.
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Still, "PetSmart" is way overpriced compared to my preferred vendor. 
