I know that lots of people out there are big on giving gift cards during the holidays. This is fine if you aren’t sure what the person likes or what will fit them. If you live a long way from them, a digital gift card from Amazon might be a great thing to give. The catch is that if you are giving a gift card to a younger child, you can’t be sure what they will purchase.
Amazon’s Innovative Gift Card Patent
Amazon has been granted a patent on a gift card that allows the giver to limit the purchases to a specific type of product. This means a grandma could send a gift card to her grandson and guarantee he didn’t use the card on video games. This feature can be particularly useful for parents and guardians who want to ensure that the money is spent on educational materials, books, or other beneficial items. The gift card patent also outlines a way to recommend some products that the buyer might like, making the shopping experience more personalized and enjoyable.
For example, if the gift card is restricted to educational toys, Amazon’s recommendation system might suggest popular STEM kits, puzzles, or books that are age-appropriate. This not only helps in making a more thoughtful gift but also ensures that the recipient gets something meaningful and useful.
Additional Features and Implications
The other thing the patent covers is a way to alert the giver about what the receiver ended up buying. This feature can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows the giver to see if their gift was used as intended, providing a sense of satisfaction and assurance. On the other hand, it could get embarrassing for some folks if they purchased certain items or media using the card. For instance, if a teenager buys a mature-rated video game or an adult buys something personal, the giver might receive an unexpected surprise.
This patent was filed for in 2008 and was recently granted. The delay in granting the patent could be due to the complexity and the innovative nature of the features it encompasses. The ability to restrict purchases and receive notifications adds a layer of control and transparency that is not commonly found in traditional gift cards.
Moreover, this patent opens up new possibilities for other retailers to adopt similar features. Imagine a world where all gift cards come with customizable restrictions and notifications. This could revolutionize the way we think about gift-giving, making it more thoughtful and intentional. It could also reduce the chances of gift cards being wasted or misused, thereby increasing their overall value and utility.
In conclusion, Amazon’s new gift card patent introduces several innovative features that could significantly enhance the gift-giving experience. By allowing givers to restrict purchases and receive notifications, it adds a layer of control and transparency that is both useful and potentially controversial. As this technology becomes more widespread, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of gift cards and gift-giving in general.
via GeekWire
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