With Christmas just a month away, it can begin to feel like a daunting task to get all your loved ones gifts in.
We've all been there, you run out of time so you go and get a voucher from one of our friend of family' member's favourite store. But it may not always be as good of an option as we think it is.
The Mirror reports that Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anyone giving out Christmas gift cards this year, as they might want to check a few things to make sure they don't waste their money.
The consumer expert explained that most vouchers mainly go out of date before people get the chance to go out and spend them.
The reason for this is that most gift cards have an expiry date - and if not used before then, you will be out of pocket and lose your cash.
Martin also explained that you could be out of pocket if the company you bought the gift card from goes bust, as the company can stop accepting any vouchers - even if you have purchased them.
Speaking during his Martin Lewis Money Show Live Christmas special, Martin said: “Understand they are not protected.
“If the firm goes bust, the money is gone. Many of them also have use-by dates on them that people forget to use.
“Personally, I’m in favour of cash - it’s the most flexible gift voucher there is.
“If you’re going to give a gift voucher, think about: is this company safe?”
The consumer expert is well known for providing shoppers with handy hints and tips to save some cash, and he is reminding struggling families to to waste cash on "unnecessary presents."
He described Christmas as having become “a retail festival” that causes some people “unhappiness, debt and worry”.
“Many people feel obliged to buy gifts for others that they know they won’t use, with money they don’t have, and cause themselves stress they don’t need,” said Martin.
“I think part of the reason is we have disconnected from why we give gifts.
“We do tit for tat gift giving - which means people end up with tat.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
