Facebook launches gift vouchers

Facebook gift cards are to go on sale in the UK this week, allowing people to buy virtual gifts and goods from the social-networking website.

Available from Tesco and Game, the cards will be available in values between £5 and £25. The credits on the cards allow users to buy items in Facebook games such as Farmville and Mafia Wars. It also means that people can make transactions on Facebook without having to enter card payment details.

The service was launched in 2009 and Facebook hopes that the the cards will "be an ideal Christmas present for those who enjoy playing social games".

Christian Hernandez, Facebook's head of international business development, said: "Gift cards are easy to use and very popular and we’re really excited to be launching in certain stores here in the UK."

Facebook also said the cards were a way parents could help their children be responsible about their online spending.

“Parents must be responsible for the use of their credit cards on and off Facebook.

"By using Facebook Credits as an alternative payment option, they can control the budget their teen has to play with games online and also avoid fees or overpayment on their credit card. It’s a real plus in terms of security and peace of mind," a Facebook representative said.

The cards have already proved popular in the USA where they went on sale in September, through nationwide chain Target.