Shoppers may be giving the gift of necessity this holiday season, buying up cards for gas, groceries and even utilities to help friends and family through lean times. The gift card has become popular during the holidays, providing an easy way for shoppers to make sure recipients get exactly what they want. But as job cuts grow, portfolios shrink and economic problems deepen, many people may just want help getting by. Gift cards are once again expected to be the most-requested present for the season, the trade group said this week, even as total spending on them is expected to slip this year as shoppers limit how much they spend for the season.
