Is this a new birthday party trend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On the topic of kid birthdays, is it acceptable or even encouraged to give a bookstore or Target gift certificate as a present? We had an all class party and got several of these and I was surprised and pleased to not get another toy (while I am usually anti gift card). I am thinking of giving gift cards to parties DS is invited to this year but don’t know how they are viewed by others.

A gift card is a gift that says I trust you (or your parents) to know what you want. It's far better then grabbing something random off a shelf.
Highly encouraged. The kid doesn't mind or is happy, and the parent is delighted. Random junk gifts from friend's mom are dead weight loss.

[Anonymous]

Only thing better than a gift card is a check or cash.