Like Nessie; we use the credit card to buy then pay it off immediately... But we don't buy the granddaughters the lavish gifts that the other side of the family does (her inlaw family).. we find out what size clothes they need, socks, undies. If they need a new back pack; items like that. We do give the three granddaughters each a 25.00 gift card to their favorite store to buy something they truly want as well.
We don't like to go into stores carrying alot of monies, and its just a little safer with a card (unless of course you get the card number thief.. then its heck with credit card company!).