In the US atleast, when buying a lot of the prepaid cards (maybe even all of them), the card you initially get is a "temporary" card. In order to get the real (aka "personalized") card you have to complete an activation process, then you'll receive it in the mail after a couple days. I don't know if it's possible to send it to an address other than your own since they add these steps to prevent fraudulent activity, so in that case you'd have to get the card before your parents or have an excuse ready. Also make sure each vendor you're buying from supports using prepaid cards, and keep in mind that the fees on these cards can be high and drain your balance.