Gift Cards Are Top Choice for Birthday Gifts

In addition, birthdays are the No. 1 occasion driving gift card sales. Nearly 90 percent of people agree the primary reason for purchasing gift cards is the desire for the recipient to get what they want. Fifty-five percent purchase gift cards to avoid worrying about the gift's color, size, etc.

Additional results include:

• Men are nearly twice as likely as women to spend more money on a spouse or significant other while women are more likely to spend more on kids or grandkids.
• Out of the 81 percent who chose gift cards for the top birthday gift, respondents ages 35-54 favor them most. Across all age groups, women prefer gift cards more than men.
• After gift cards, men prefer to receive electronics or tickets to a show or sporting event while women are more likely to want clothing and cosmetics for their birthday. Women are more likely than men to shop at a mall, while men are more likely to shop online for birthday gifts.
• Seven in ten respondents admit to having forgotten someone's birthday, but don't blame old age. Respondents ages 65 and older were reportedly the least likely to forget!
• As for excuses given for forgetting a birthday, most people admit they plain forgot or were too busy. Others said they didn't have time to call or pick up a gift.

"We're happy to see gift cards are the overwhelming favorite for birthday gifts," said Jeff Keller, Chief Customer Officer, Cardways.com. "They're easy to purchase, desirable among both men and women, and allow the freedom to choose. Furthermore, Cardways.com confronts the common belief that gift cards are impersonal by offering customization of the gift card. People want to be thoughtful and Cardways.com makes it easy."