No matter who we're buying for, birthday and Christmas presents can be a tricky business. It's hard enough to think carefully about the kind of gift that a friend or member of the family might be pleased with. Add to that the possibility of buying something they already own and we can begin to understand why gift vouchers are becoming an increasing popular choice.

Here, we take a look at why there are few better ideas for a present than a gift voucher, chosen with a loved one in mind.

Flexibility

When you're buying somebody a gift, you often have to specify certain things. Beyond being incredibly particular about the product itself, you might have to set a date and time at which the present can be redeemed.

When you're buying gift experiences for friends, it's best to allow them to choose the finer details. Not only will this ensure they get a date which works well for them, but it can also allow them to tailor the experience to their own desires, getting the very most out of it when it comes around.

Avoiding duplicates

It can be awkward for everyone involved when the present you buy for someone is something they already own. No matter how accurately you might have guessed what someone would like as a gift, duplicates are often completely useless, forcing them to exchange the gift for something else.

Of course, you can always ask to find out whether something is owned by the person you're buying for, but this raises the chances of the surprise being ruined. Let's face it, the surprise is half the fun of giving and receiving gifts.

The best way to avoid buying something which is already owned is to make use of a gift voucher. This way you can choose something which you know will be cherished, and that someone might not ordinarily treat themselves to, without running the risk of choosing a duplicate.

Allowing for taste

Taste is a funny thing. Just about everything in the world of gifts – from clothing to music – comes down to taste. Sometimes this is something we share with friends and sometimes we find it impossible to see what somebody else sees in an item. When we're buying a gift, it's the taste of the gift's recipient that counts.

Gift vouchers allow people to choose something which suits their own taste, rather than being embarrassed when we choose them something which they simply do not like.