<p>I have relatives looking to get gift cards for my D who will be an incoming freshman in the fall. One asked about Starbucks gift cards. </p>
<p>I'd like to know what types of chains are on campus or convenient to campus which might be good options for gift cards. I know there is an Einstein Bagels in one of the student unions.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>We have a Starbucks at like…55th and University? As well as one in the Campus bookstore right west of the Main Quad which most likely takes gift cards, though I’m not sure. We do have an Einstein’s in the Reynold’s Club, though I’m not 100% sure that they take gift cards, since they’re so related to the University. Worth asking around, though.</p>
<p>If it was ME, I think a cool thing would be to get a gift card for some store downtown, so she could shop on Michigan Avenue on a student’s budget. I’ve “gone shopping” there like 4 times, but I’ve never bought anything because I’m cheap. That would be a fun thing for her.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions KMad, do you have any store suggestions downtown? Preferably ones which are chains or have an internet presence. I know that AMEX and Visa gift cards are a more versatile option, but I’m trying to get the largest group of possibilities to offer to the relatives.</p>
<p>The Starbucks in the bookstore isn’t an “official” Starbucks and does not accept gift cards, which kind of sucks.
I’d recommend the Visa or Amex giftcards- they can be very helpful because they are so versatile. Also, one of our campus bookstores (where textbooks- not all books for classes, though- and UChicago apparel can be purchased) is a Barnes & Noble, and accepts gift cards even for the purchase of books, which can be a nice gift.
Amazon.com gift cards can be sent electronically and are also nice.
For downtown shopping, Macy’s is nice and versatile because they have both clothes and housewares. Another good option is Nordstrom, as you can use a gift card both at the full-line Nordstrom on Michigan Ave, as well as the Nordstrom Rack discount store on State Street.</p>
<p>thanks for the additional ideas Grace!</p>