Is a $25 USD Gift Card from Old Navy Good Enough?
November 23, 2015 10:07 AM   Subscribe

Help Me Determine How I Should Spend My Charity Funds

My company holds an annual "Toy Drive" where they collect toys for needy children ages 0-18. In the past I have gotten toys for the younger kids, but, this year I would like to get something for the teenagers (who are usually forgotten during these events).

My company has suggested gift cards for the older kids, but, has provided no guidance beyond that. So I am at a loss as to what dollar amount I should get and to which store.

I was thinking about getting four $25USD gift cards for Old Navy, as I know that their merchandise is fairly inexpensive, but, I wanted to get the Hive's opinion. Would this be the best option? Would $25 be enough for a teenager to get something decent at Old Navy or is there another retailer where the receiving kid would get the most bang for their buck? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
posted by Hanuman1960 to Shopping (9 answers total)
 
Best answer: I'd probably do Target gift cards, because then they have the option to buy something like a book, game, nail polish, etc. if they aren't interested in clothes. $25 sounds fine to me.
posted by belladonna at 10:15 AM on November 23, 2015 [12 favorites]


Best answer: Yeah, I'll second that Target is a better bet, and $25 is a good amount.
posted by litera scripta manet at 10:22 AM on November 23, 2015 [2 favorites]


You can buy like, 30 polo shirts at Old Navy for $25. I don't think that's a bad deal.
posted by gehenna_lion at 10:33 AM on November 23, 2015


Nthing Target, because stuff from Old Navy tends to fall apart quickly.
posted by xingcat at 10:34 AM on November 23, 2015


Best answer: Yeah, depending on which is more prevalent where you live, either Target or Walmart. A lot of kids just don't like the clothes from Old Navy, so you want to make sure they have some options. Also, fast food is pretty popular: McDonalds or Chipotle (I live in DC, and a Chipotle gift card is basically like solid gold for any teenager) or Subway or Starbucks or any place where you see a lot of teenagers hanging out where you live.

The idea is to let teenagers whose parents happen to be poor feel not-poor for a little while by giving them the same choices that not-poor kids take for granted, at least a little bit. Something where they can get a treat of their own choosing is great.
posted by decathecting at 10:44 AM on November 23, 2015 [5 favorites]


Depends where you are located. I'm in NYC, and there are no Targets near me. And Old Navy stuff is much nicer and lasts longer.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:06 AM on November 23, 2015


I think Old Navy would be better for a young teenager than Target, personally. $25 is fine, though $40 might feel a little more generous without being all that different. One thing I sometimes do with gift cards is add something very small (under $5) as a "gift topper" type thing. They can return it, but it also feels more like a gift in the moment.
posted by vunder at 11:20 AM on November 23, 2015


Is there a popular mall near you? Malls often do "mall-wide" gift cards; $25 in a mall card would enable the teen to shop for whatever they please, and be part of the social mall things (if kids there do that; kids here still do but we have winter...)
posted by anastasiav at 11:28 AM on November 23, 2015 [3 favorites]


Nthing just being careful to make it a card to a place that teens can get to. For example there is one Target in Manhattan and it involves a subway ride up to Spanish Harlem and then a long walk, so that wouldn't be a great choice (although I don't think you're in NYC based on your profile).

Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic are all owned by Gap and a gift card to one of those stores can be used at any of them (although I don't think they go out of their way to advertise this fact). Target is also a good idea if there's one that's reasonably conveniently located.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 1:59 PM on November 23, 2015


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