How much would you spend on a movie gift card for a teenager or couple?

[LoveOurBabies]

If the movie ticket costs anywhere from $18 (basic) - $28 (luxury) each, what gift card value do you think is appropriate for a 17yo teen?

How about if the gift card was being gifted to a couple in their 40's?

All the recipients are close family members.

I'm organizing my 2013 christmas list in the hopes that I can begin contributing to the fund from now (so no rude shocks next December). I've decided to give movie gift cards for christmas.. I've never done gift cards as a present before (ever), so 'scuse my ignorance about the topic..

TIA!

[Sharlla]

for a teenager i would have enough for 2 (basic) movies so they can treat a friend if they like or go to a 3d movie and get a snack too. 
 

[crunchy_mommy]

Honestly, at those prices I would probably choose a different gift! Back when I used to go to movie theaters they only cost $1.50. Or maybe $5 at the fancy places. Yikes.

But if you can afford it, and that's the only theater around...

For the 17yo I would do 2 basic tickets plus a bit extra for snacks -- so probably $50?

For the 40yo couple -- either $50 like above, or spring for the luxury tickets, so maybe $75.

Wow do people really spend that much to see a movie once???

My approach to gift cards is that the recipient should not have to spend any money to use their gift. This is also why I very rarely give gift cards because it's too costly for me. Giving enough only for one ticket just seems like a let-down since I don't think most people go to the movies alone... Maybe you could get away with it for the 17yo, just give $25 or so, enough for ticket + snacks, and assume friends/date will pay their own way. I'd also check snack prices. Mostly just try to avoid giving weird amounts... for ex. $35 might be tricky because it's not enough for 2 tickets but possibly too much for one ticket + snacks. Think of how the recipients are likely to use the gift card, calculate how much it will cost them, and give enough to cover that amount + taxes.

[tiqa]

I'd get the price of two tickets plus about $10 for snacks added on.  In each case.  The teen can treat a friend or go to two movies, and the couple can spend a nice evening out together on a date.  So like $50 for either one, give or take.

[zebra15]

Teen would get 'basic' ticket

married couple would get 'basic ticket' for 2 people.  Possibly snacks but around here snacks - 2 sodas and large popcorn is another $20 min.

Generally gift cards are sold in $25 and $50 amounts around here.

[ollyoxenfree]

I would give about $55 for the teen or the couple. Snacks here are pricey. The cost of 2 popcorns and 2 drinks is easily more than $10. So I would give enough to cover the cost of 2 tickets (the teen isn't going to go by himself, is s/he?) and popcorn/snacks and drinks. If snacks cost less where you are, then $50 is reasonable. 

[wildmonkeys]

I would be fine with enough for one ticket and snacks for a teen. Teens don't go to the movies by themselves, but they also don't treat each other so $25 should do it.  I would probably say $50 for an adult couple - that is enough to buy a ticket each and share a popcorn.

Good for you - planning for next Christmas already!!!!

[Sharlla]

i treated friends and vice versa when we were teens. it was either that or go alone lol
 

[Purple*Lotus]

What do you get for the luxery ticket?

[LoveOurBabies]

Thanks so much for all the responses :D I just double checked the prices and silly me did not actually have a look at the local cinema price for the recipients.. instead I looked up my local cinema price

The ticket price for the teen is just under $18 each at his local cinema.. And the ticket price for the couple are $23 each at their local cinema.

I am thinking $50 for the teen (that's shouting a friend and $14 for snacks) and $65 for the couple (that's a movie together with $19 for snacks).   

Is that tightwad-ish or reasonable?

[wildmonkeys]

I think it is very reasonable.  My ds (nearly 13) has actually gotten a gift card for the movies and it was just enough for him and snacks and I thought it was very nice.  I still can't believe teens (not on a date) would treat each other? I thought the movies were the kind of place where everyone decides to meet up.  Recently my friend and I took about 7 boys to see a movie and they all came with cash for their own ticket.

So IMO not tightwad-ish at all. Congrats on the donuts - I am hoping the January thread can get me to do the same. 

[ollyoxenfree]

Originally Posted by LoveOurBabies 

I am thinking $50 for the teen (that's shouting a friend and $14 for snacks) and $65 for the couple (that's a movie together with $19 for snacks).   

Is that tightwad-ish or reasonable?

I think that's reasonable and not at all tightwad-ish.

As for whether to pay for a single or a double for the teen, if I'm giving an "experience" type of gift (tickets, museum pass etc.) I lean toward providing enough for an inclusive experience, including some companionship. My DS has had a girlfriend for the past few years. If I gave him a present of a movie or performance, I would definitely give him enough for a date. If I give him 2 tickets, it's only fair that I would give DD 2 tickets too, so that she could take a friend, even though she isn't in a romantic relationship. 

I also wonder if I've been unduly influenced by game shows and Oprah-talk show-type giveaways - "TWO TICKETS! FOR YOU AND A FRIEND! ON AN ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE!" I don't watch those shows but maybe I've seen enough for it to shape my thinking a little.