Run out of gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for person? Buy gift cards and simplify holiday shopping. And, in turn, reduce holiday stress. Gift cards not only make your life easier; gift cards let recipients buy what they truly want.

Gift cards are great gifts for kids but they work well adult relatives, colleagues and friends. They mail easily, so no going to the post office with big boxes. And they're quick and easy to purchase.

(I keep a supply of inexpensive gift cards on hand for unexpected birthday parties.)

Below are a few ideas for gift cards. You can purchase through the links below, and the cards will be sent to you or the recipient. Or use the list for ideas, and browse the racks of gift cards at your local grocery store. Just be sure to check whether the gift card retailers have outlets near your gift recipient and read all restrictions and shipping info.

Aeropostle – casual clothing outlet teenagers love Good for? Tweens and teens Shop for Aeropostle Gift Cards

Build-a-Bear Workshop – kids choose all the features of their new stuffed animal and then blow in the stuffing Good for? Girls and boys through elementary school age; tween and teen girls Shop for Build-a-Bear Workshop Gift Cards

Best Buy - electronics retailer that sells big ticket items as well as electronic games and software Good for? Teens, tweens, technophiles Shop for Best Buy Gift Cards

California Pizza Kitchen - upscale national chain of pizza restaurants offering unique pies Good for? Families, clients Shop for California Pizza Kitchen Gift Cards

Claire’s - nationwide chain of mall boutiques with inexpensive jewelry Good for? Girls kindergarten age through teens Shop for Claire’s Gift Cards

Cooking.com - online retailer of cooking and kitchen supplies Good for? Foodies, men and women who like to cook Shop for Cooking.com Gift Cards

Crate & Barrel - housewares seller with both an online and retail outlets Good for?Women Shop for Crate & Barrel Gift Cards

Franklin Covey - calendar and day planner company with a complete organizing philosophy Good for? Clients or any adult Shop for Franklin Covey Gift Cards

Home Depot - retail home improvement and garden center with online shopping as well Good for? Adults who are handy types or gardeners Shop for Home Depot Gift Cards

iTunes - download digital music from iTunes online store Good for? Teens, tweens, music lovers, iPods owners Shop for iTunes Gift Cards

SpaFinder - find local spas and purchase gift cards through this website Good for? Women, some men Shop for SpaFinder Gift Cards

Sunglasses Hut and Watch World – not valid at locations in Macy’s Good for? Teens Shop for Sunglasses Hut Gift Cards

Target - general retailer sells toys, clothes, electronics, housewares and more at retail locations and online Good for? Kids and practical adults Shop for Target Gift Cards

Toys "R" Us & Babies "R" Us - sells toys, games and baby supplies online and at stores; for a fee upload a picture create a personalized gift card Good for? Kids of all ages, new parents can buy supplies at Babies "R" Us Shop for Toys "R" Us Gift Cards