I did a bit of online shopping last night and one item I couldn’t find but the more I thought about it I think I will pay the few extra dollars to get that item and accessories locally. Sure I will save about 6 or 7 dollars since I will have to pay tax instead of getting a reduced shipping rate. If the person doesn’t like the item, and didn’t specifically ask for it, I would rather buy the item at a store where the person can exchange the item with a gift receipt.

I have exchanged items online before and even when you get free shipping returns aren’t always free especially if the item is not defective.

To me the few extra dollars is worth it especially if the person decided that he doesn’t want the gift or would like it in a different color. When there is no doubt that the person would like this gift or if it is a food/floral item then ordering online versus in person always comes down to cost. When you are not sure whether or not the person would like the gift and know that the person would not use a gift card make sure you can return it.

Cash would be an option, but this person doesn’t really need any cash and I think the person would like the gift.

Unless I can find a place where I will receive free shipping for what I want today because I have exhausted my ususal sources – they are sold out of what I want.

If you are uncertain about the gift like I am, I would say spend the few extra dollars buying an item where the gift recipient can return it without any problems. That is what I am going to do.