The Value of a Visa Gift Card

I stopped in at the credit union this morning to make a deposit and pull out a little cash for the hairdresser's Christmas gift. Spying the gift visa cards and thinking cash might be a little "tacky" I asked about the cards and learned 1) they cost $3.50 and 2) they expire in one year. So for a small amount of cash they don't make sense. I asked whether they are accepted in Europe and of course "they are accepted everywhere Visa is accepted" so that's a plus. My next thought was--Wow, wouldn't this be a nice way to send money over to my brothers' kids for gifts!! My next thought was--bad idea! who would want American dollars anyway these days?!!