I like Gifts as well.
To me gift cards are impersonal. However they are needed in certain cases. For example, between my wife and I, if we want something we just go out and buy it. This means we have nothing we want for Christmas. I can't not give my wife something for Christmas so instead I need to get her gift cards from places I know she likes to shop for herself.
But for everyone else, I would rather give them a thoughtful gift that they will use and enjoy.