So says an article on Stuff.
This makes sense to me, after all having the means to buy what you value the most is useful. In fact, this is incredibly relevant for my article in the Dom Post tomorrow 
Dec 17 2010
All I want for Christmas is … cash?
About the author
Permanent link to this article: http://www.tvhe.co.nz/2010/12/17/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-cash/
19 comments
Eric Crampton
December 17, 2010 at 12:59 pm (UTC 12)
You have to reference the Seinfeld bit about giving cash.
Miguel Sanchez
December 17, 2010 at 9:34 pm (UTC 12)
“Considering the economic climate, this wasn’t surprising, managing director Jacqueline Ireland said.”
Question: in what kind of economic climate would people prefer home-made gifts over cash?
Max Shapiro
December 20, 2010 at 7:55 am (UTC 12)
I wouldn’t necessarily say that cash is the most useful present. The actions of the US Federal Reserve could very well lead to the inflation of the monetary supply of currencies all over the world. Cash deprecities, many tangible assets do not.
So to answer your question, during a high inflation period, getting a tangible item as a gift would be preferable to cash. Who would have wanted cash as a gift during the Weimark inflation in Germany?
Miguel Sanchez
December 20, 2010 at 4:12 pm (UTC 12)
Ah, the Weimar Republic – the Godwin’s Law equivalent for talking about inflation.
I don’t think that really answers my question though. A cash gift can easily be turned into goods – in fact I would’ve thought that was the point. Similarly, a bad purchased gift can at least be turned into cash through TradeMe. But a bad home-made gift, you’re stuck with. I can imagine an economic climate where the givers favour home-made gifts… but the receivers?
skelbimai
December 21, 2010 at 7:59 pm (UTC 12)
answer your question, during a high inflation period, getting a tangible item as a gift would be preferable to cash
Katten
December 22, 2010 at 9:04 am (UTC 12)
Skelbimai is right, but from a ‘freedom’ point of view I love getting cash! You know the awkward silence when people ask you what you want….. and you just don’t know… Getting a crisp note would be perfect!
Katten
December 22, 2010 at 9:12 am (UTC 12)
also Mr Nolan I like the stretch to a blog post this was…
TITLE followed by
‘so says this’. Props to you however, creating content that gets comment replies instantly.
Katten
http://www.jamesschofieldtraining.co.uk
Electrician Elwood
December 23, 2010 at 12:41 am (UTC 12)
Everyone need money.but in my opinion I don’t like to accept cash as gift.When we spend the money,it will be over.I would like to take and give presents which are remembered for a long period.It is my personal opinion only.
Snow Plowing Louisville KY
December 23, 2010 at 11:05 am (UTC 12)
Cash is always welcome under my tree!
Deportes algeciras
December 23, 2010 at 11:25 am (UTC 12)
cash. cash.cash. cash.
Sabrina Toss
December 23, 2010 at 3:14 pm (UTC 12)
A crisp note will definitely be great this time but there are some instances that we should consider like the age of the person who will receive the gift. If the person is too old to buy stuff, might as well buy something that will be of use like vitamins or some really healthy food. If you’ll give them cash, it may be used by the wrong persons for the wrong use and not that of the real recipient of the gift…just a thought.
Gloria
December 23, 2010 at 10:44 pm (UTC 12)
Getting cash for Christmas has ruined the meaning of Cristmas IMAO…
LED Tape
December 24, 2010 at 3:34 am (UTC 12)
Christmas is for giving and I wouldn’t mind giving someone the opportunity to send me some cash!
DeWayne
December 25, 2010 at 7:42 am (UTC 12)
Almost every Christmas, my relatives give me a card with cash in it and back when I was a kid I use to get real gifts like Mr. Potato Head, Legos and Tinker Toys. As an adult, it seems to be much easier for people to just give cash and I’ll admit, I’ve been doing the same thing, because I really don’t know what my relatives want. Receiving gifts is fun, but spending time with family, is the greatest gift of all to me.
Atlanta CPA
December 26, 2010 at 7:01 pm (UTC 12)
If not cash, how about a nice gift card? Now isn’t that thoughtful?
Guys like American Express make a killing off of gift cards. You get the benefit of paying an extra bit, something like $5 for a $100 gift card, for the honor of giving away one of their cards.
What a racket. Personally, I like gifts because then I don’t have to think about going shopping!
SMC Media Web Design
December 29, 2010 at 12:40 pm (UTC 12)
Doesn’t make any sense to me… why wouldn’t everyone keep their own cash/gifts and just enjoy each others company instead of exchanging? Kids like gifts, but really the rest of us just accumulate junk.
Ross
December 29, 2010 at 2:19 pm (UTC 12)
Giving cash enables the recipient to extract maxiumum utility from the gift by buying what they most want. The problem is, you may not approve of what they buy. But is the point of giving a gift (1) to feel good oneself or (2) to give pleasure to the recipient? Talk of inflation is extraneous – we are talking utility here.
Katten
January 1, 2011 at 8:31 am (UTC 12)
Is it gloating to say I got a small amount of cash for Xmas!
haha. Nothing else though! Hope everyone had a great Christmas…
Aaron
January 6, 2011 at 12:01 pm (UTC 12)
I think many people just prefer cash these days. I hope things will change in the near future and the economy will become strong again.