Is it still a crime??

So we as hobbyist & providers are always on the lookout for LE when seeking one another. My question or curiosity is this.....I f making a donation to said provider is done with gift cards, is it still a criminal charge since no actual legal tender/currency is being exchanged?

Most states use a definition of:
"Of value".

And its been that way for quite a while.

Texas Statute states “a fee,” which would be construed as anything of value.

(a) A person commits an offense if, in return for receipt of a fee, the person knowingly:

(1) offers to engage, agrees to engage, or engages in sexual conduct;  or

(2) solicits another in a public place to engage with the actor in sexual conduct for hire.

As follow-up to my earlier, and Ms. B Three's, posts:

Texas code that defines "fee" reads as follows:
Sec. 43.01 (1-a) "Fee" means the payment or offer of payment in the form of money, goods, services, or other benefit.

As the "other benefit" verbiage covers anything you can dream of, the "of value" comment made by both Ms. B Three and I, is valid.

It does amuse me that wedding rings don't appear to fall under that Section though.

Thanks for the input. Was a passing thought I had earlier on.