You can even purchase a disposable card at a gas station and load it with cash, almost like a gift card you can use anywhere.

Proper etiquette is to always maintain a smile while receiving gifts — even if it's something you may not want or can't use. If your stocking was stuffed with gift cards you have no interest in ...

especially if they request repayment via gift card Purchase gift cards directly from the card’s merchant, don’t use little-known, third-party sites When buying a gift card at a store ...