If everyone just gives money for everyone as a gift: what is the point?

Money lets me get what I want/need - not what somebody else thinks I want/need.

There have been years when I was down on my luck and really could've used a few dollars extra to pay for food or bills... And, instead, I got a shirt. Or socks. Or a video game. Or a plush critter.

Yeah, it's nice that they were thinking of me... But that video game doesn't help me pay the bills. And I'm going to have a hell of a time getting anywhere near full purchase price for it. I would've rather they just handed me $50 in cash.

Gift cards are the same thing. You need an extra $100 to help pay rent? Too bad, you can only use this money at the Outback Steak House. You can't pay the rent, but at least you can get a Bloomin' Onion.

Or maybe I really wanted to new dildo for Christmas. But there's no way in hell my parents are going to buy me that. And the $50 gift card to LL Bean isn't going to help any, either. Cash would've been nice.

Or maybe I just wanted a nice bottle of liquor. Nope. That gift card can only be used at Chipotle. Enjoy your E. Coli.

The problem is that giving is often more about the giver than the recipient. They want to give something that they would like. Or that they think you could use. They don't want to give money because that seems cold and impersonal. They want you to know that they put lots of time and thought into the gift - they got that gift card because they know you, they know you like Hot Topic, it's more personal.

The point is that you're doing something nice for somebody else. You're giving them some money. They can use it for whatever they want. They can pay the bills, or invest it, or buy something frivolous, or donate it, or whatever. You've done something nice for them.