There are advantages to both. A card to a pricey shop allows me to shop in a store I normally cannot afford. A card to JoAnn's allows me to make my money go further.

I'd opt for the pricier fabric store, if for no other reason than I live between two different Joann's and have "used up" those stores. I'm bored with their fabric selection at this point, and I have enough rulers and tools and toys to open my own shop.

A gift certificate to a store I'd never been to would be best of all.

I'd prefer a Visa or MasterCard gift card. Then I could go wherever I want or need to go. I'm on a very limited budget, so this would allow me to get whatever I needed any place. I've been shopping my stash for fabric. I have more than enough fabric. My DD shops my stash also as I do hers.

Nothing ever beats CASH! :D It spends everywhere.

I have to agree with Sewbizgirl - cash does go everywhere. I don't like the American Express or Visa cards because they charge to activate them (and they are not cheap). Since I shop at Joann's, Amazon, MSQC, Fabric.com, etc. it always seems that when I have a gift card to one place, that is when I want something from somewhere else. And my family was saying once they hated giving me the gift cards because I use it to make things for everyone else. But since I very rarely make things for myself it would be very rare for me to spend it on me. But I love having those gift cards, it's like having a super coupon!

My SIL wanted a membership to the San Diego Zoo - but she had moved to Palm Springs - the year she moved she went once to the Zoo in over a year. So I gave her the cash to buy it herself when she goes to the zoo next time. At first she thought I was crazy but after holding onto the money for 6 months and realized she was not going anymore it was a nice donation to the zoo but was a waste of money for her, so she spent the money on something else she wanted.

My kids give me a Credit card for a certain amount that I can then use for any fabric store! With Fabric Depot and Craft Warehouse nearby its perfect for me!

The pricey one! I love gift cards. I use them to buy the most expensive item I want in the store. Not my money and I didn't have it to begin with.

I'm of the same mindset as cjsews and Cari-in-Oly, either gift cards are welcomed...I shop different products at different locations.

I like to stretch my money so I would pick a card from Whittles

I think I would be happy with either. I don't shop the pricey LQS but that would be a special treat over Joanns.