I don't think anyone did that. I know I merely pointed out that there might little things CONTRIBUTING to the gift card situation. I see the trend within my own very small elementary. And, if it's happening here, it's happening other places.
My concern over the economy and our own tightening budget is EXACTLY what prompted me to decide to purchase the fundraiser gift cards for larger amounts. I knew I'd need to spend that money anyway so might as well let my kids benefit by contributing to the PTA. With increasing gas prices and skyrocketing hay/horse fee/bedding prices, our ability to give to the school is being reduced. My use of a scrip card helps counter that.
Additionally, I am opting to do other things that may also impact the overall gift card "crisis" ... if that's what we are calling this matter. For example, I try to help my father with portions of the equine bills at his section of our farm. It used to be I often gave him cash or a check. In today's world, however, it is way more convenient and easy for me to send him gift cards. Now, he's using gift cards for "necessities" ... however, the money behind those gift cards is the exact same as it would have been had I written him a check instead.
So ... yes, I do think that a small portion of the increased use of gift cards for "needs" purchases may be partially due to the fact that they are just soooo much more readily available and easy to use. Besides ... CHECKS have gotten pretty danged expensive for me to order. Why use one of those at MY cost when if I can just give my dad the gift card that works JUST the same ... only saves him a trip of going to the bank before he goes to the feed store. And, it's not inconvenient for me as I'm buying those when I'm already at the feed store for my own purchases.
Another way we are particularly contributing to the "crisis"... I specifically suggested gift cards for Christmas gift ideas for members of my family to many friends and family when they asked for ideas. I now have said gift cards tucked away and plan to use them to purchase things like supplies for our upcoming WDW trip as well as gas. All of that will "look" like needs ... food, fuel, medicines, etc. Frankly, I don't need any more lotions or ugly candles. My family is way opposed to giving cash and would never give the kids money to spend on a vacation. However, they are warming up to give cards. Now, I can take that gift card, buy gas or food and have more money to spend once I get to WDW. The effect is the exact same as if I had spent my OWN money at Walmart and my family had given us cash for our trip as a gift.
If I'm doing things like that, so are others.
So ... while the overall gift card usage scenario might have negative connotations, there are segments of the gift card useage that seem to me to point to not-so-UNhealthy budgeting and spending decisions.