Unfortunately many folks are not getting the GMRS license from the FCC and using the "blister pack" radios from their local electronics aisle anyway. Plus, many manufacturers are marketing them as "FRS / GMRS" radios. (I think eventually we will see the GMRS license requirement go away, similar to what happened with the MURS VHF frequencies after radio makers flooded the market with cheap models.)

Something else to consider is eventually going for your ham radio license. The ARRL has a good section for new folks:

http://www.arrl.org/