1. Holiday gift shopping would be SO much simpler. 

Do you know how much time I spend trying to find the perfect gift for all my friends and family members? No, because you're not me, but just take my word for it: a lot. I'm sure you can relate.

Now, imagine a world where it is socially acceptable to give that really picky friend (you know, the one who notoriously hates every gift they receive, yet claims not to have any idea what they want every holiday season) an Amazon gift card and just call it a day. Talk about a Christmas miracle, amirite?

2. Gift cards are more personal than cash.

"ThEy're iMpeRsOnal."

Okay, Martha, well at least I knew what your favorite store was. Guess I'll just have to go shop at [insert clothing outlet] by myself. A pity you won't be getting new clothes today. :(

But no, gift cards don't have to be impersonal. It's so nice to receive a gift card to your favorite restaurant or clothing store because it shows that the gift-giver really took the time to figure out which gift card would benefit you most. Not to say that I'd turn down a wad of cash, but I love getting gift cards because they're convenient and they show me that my friend or family member understands what I like or need.

3. All of us could use some extra money.

We could all use a little extra funding between paychecks, and gift cards are a perfect way to support each other and still be thoughtful. It might be weird if you gave a friend some laundry detergent and cleaning supplies in a gift bag, but what if that's genuinely what they need?

With a gift card from Amazon, your friend can get important things like textbooks or just fun home items. With a Target or Wal-Mart gift card, they can get a lot of the essentials like food or laundry detergent. With a clothing store gift card, they can refresh their wardrobe at the change of the season. Gift cards are helpful.

4. It's a relief to find that one unused gift card in the back of your wallet just when you think you're totally broke.

It's like finding that spare $20 bill tucked away in the pocket of an old pair of jeans. Sometimes, I'll stow a gift card away in my wallet for a while just so I do have it when I need it. If I really need to de-stress by treating myself to a shopping day, it's much more relaxing to not have to spend all of my own money on the things I want. Gift cards are a relief.

5. With a gift card, there is no guesswork on the gift-giver's behalf.

With a gift card, your friend can get something they actually want. It's difficult when you know your friend is an avid gamer and loves the "Kingdom Hearts" series, but which games do they already have? Give them a gift card, problem solved. They won't have to fake being happy and then return the game that they definitely already owned. Same goes for clothes and everything else—with a gift card, it's always 100% satisfaction guaranteed.