Not sure if this is what ConciergeMike meant, but a southwestgiftcard in an odd dollar amount could look like a castoff, unless it came to exactly the amount required to purchase a particular itinerary the recipient has been eyeing (and such an amount would be hard to nail down). Otherwise, I don't think it is possible to tell that a southwestgiftcard has been partially depleted. IIRC, when you use it or check the balance, the original full amount is not displayed anywhere.

yanxfann, thanks, glad you liked the idea. A gift consultant would probably say my suggestion #1 would make for a more thoughtful and personal gift. (Others might just call that old-fashioned nonsense.)