i guess it really depends on how much you'll be using it as to whether it's worth paying out for a bamix or another type of stick blender. we got a cheap stick blender when we got married - the only thing i don't like about it is that you have to hold the button in while you blend - apart from that, i don't find it all that much different to mum's exxy bamix. i have used ours a lot on soups and things, with no drama at all. i know mum has had her bamix a lot longer, but doesn't use it anywhere near as much as us

i've never used a special bowl with it though - if we are making a soup, we use it in the pot rather than taking it out into another bowl (i hate doing the extra dishes!). if whipping a small amount of cream, we just use a tupperware bowl (larger amounts we use the egg beaters cos it moves it round more and whips it better).

it really is personal choice though - is there something else you're thinking of getting if you DON'T go the bamix branded product? do the gift cards have an expiration date? if there is something else you need/want and you won't use it excessively, then use your cards to get a cheaper stick blender and the other item - if you don't see there being anything else you'll use your voucher on, and you'll end up buying "stuff" just to use it up, then go the Bamix!