Is a gift certificate a good idea for a birthday present?

Is a gift certificate a good idea for a birthday present? My mom's been wanting to redo her living room for her birthday. She's been hinting at a new couch or some comfy chairs to chill in. But I have no clue what style she'd go for. Would a gift certificate for a sofa be a good idea? She could pick out whatever she wants. But it feels weird to show up empty-handed on her birthday. Any advice?

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Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M

Gift cards are fine. Be sure it is for a store they normally shop at.

akindheart · 61-69, F

@Crazywaterspring good point. someone gave my coworker's husband a gift card to the hunting store but the nearest one was over 100 miles from their home