Jewelry is such a personal gift, it just makes a lot of sense.

FORBES: Mother's Day By The Numbers

The Lyric Theatre's donation from Dr Martin Naughton is thought to be the biggest personal gift made to an arts organisation in NI.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | ?1m donation for Belfast theatre

But Mrs Brooks, who left her role as NI chief executive because of the hacking scandal but denies having had any knowledge of the practice while at the paper, says the phone "was not a personal gift".

BBC: Phone hacking: MPs vote not to recall James Murdoch

Campaign contribution or personal gift?

FORBES: The John Edwards trial: The prosecutors' ball of steel wool predictably sinks

Welsh Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson Eleanor Burnham said "he had a personal touch and an unique gift that will never be reproduced".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North West Wales | Tributes for 'iconic' Sir Kyffin

While perhaps the most convenient, gift cards are far from the most personal way to give value.

FORBES: 6 Holiday Gifts That Make Financial Sense

Rather than just giving generic cash as a gift, Skype Gift Cards can be accompanied by a personal message.

ENGADGET: Skype launches gift cards, lets parents drop hints to distant kids

Menendez could have invoked what is known as a "friendship exemption" regarding the two personal trips, which would have required the senator to report the travel to the Senate Ethics Committee as a gift.

NPR: Menendez: Reimbursed Donor $58.5K For 2 Trips