I find it maddening when a situation like this arises. I'm with you in that I wouldn't want to send it to them since it could get 'lost.' Every gift card/certificate I've either received or bought, has the strong admonitions: 'treat as cash,' 'cannot be replaced if lost,' etc.

I'm surprised Williams-Sonoma doesn't operate the way J. C. Penney does in my area. I can order from the catalog requesting the item(s) be shipped to their location nearest me. I make a short drive, pick it up, and the best thing is: No shipping or handling charges.

I hope they resolve this problem to your satisfaction.