Don't know whether they're available in the UK, but Visa also makes gift cards. Visa has a much wider acceptance at shops than AmEx. My brother gives them as a gift and I like them (have one that's burning a hole in my pocket now.) We spoke recently about Christmas presents and I told him to give the usual, he said "great - that's easiest for me." Sure, the gift-giver pays a nominal fee for purchase and mailing but not out of line to what shipping a boxed present would cost. With the ones I get you just register online with your name/address and it can be spent like any Visa -- online, in store, etc. You can confirm the remaining balance online, and when it's low then I just go a gas station and say "12.61 on pump 5" to use every last penny.

This is the one he gives, the website says for use in USA only but maybe they will mail to a UK address - I don't know.

http://www.simon.com/giftcard/

Marginal, thanks for clarifying re: Bloomies and Macy's on the same gift card. A lot of corporations do share one card, but it's good to know that Bloomies and Macy's do not.

I still vote for a Tiffany's box-- there's nothing like receiving that blue box with its white ribbon!
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bluestar, using up your balance to buy gas is interesting, but that won't work with the AMEX gift cards which state that they are not accepted at gas stations.

I'm looking into the possibility of buying a Tiffany gift card

I've been thinking about this and I agree with Maureen that actually giving her a gift is preferable, in this case, to a gift certicate, especially if you're thinking of Tiffany's. While there are lots of options there for $1500, there are many more that are more than that. (I'm not suggesting the amount of your gift is not enough, btw. In fact, I think it's too much. But you haven't asked about that).

Do you plan on shopping with her or do you want her to go on her own? If you do plan on accompanying her, why not just make it clear you'd like to buy her a (or some) birthday gift(s) and let her chose and you just pay?

Wow! Just read that link Patrick posted on Amex gift card. Just horrible! Thanks for the heads up and let's not buy that one!

A Tiffany's gift card is a great option. It comes "wrapped" like a blue box.

The only problem is if she doesn;t like anything at Tirffany's. Their stuff tends to be more classic and not so trendy - and if she's 21 she might want the sort of thing you can get in a downtown boutique instead.

If you're going with her - why not give her a card with a gift certificate that you make up yourself - cute little computer design - and the amount. Then you can shop with her - or give her your CC info to pick what she wants up to that amount. Also no problem about any small odd amount left over.

You could check out New York Magazine and Time Out New York for some trendier jewelry places if that's what you want to focus on - so she has a choice.

Decided on Bloomingdales or Barneys but having trouble ordering from the Uk anyway so probably not possible.