Make Good Use of Bad Gift Cards
Did You Get Some Unwanted Gift Cards?
It happens to all of us. The minute we go on a diet, somebody decides to give us a gift card for fancy chocolates. Give up caffeine, and you know a Starbucks gift card will be on the way! In fact, Americans waste millions of dollars every year because we do not use gift cards. I am sure that stores count on this, and that is why gift card giving is promoted so much. So how can we make frugal use of unwanted gift cards?
Re-Gift Gift Cards
If you have a drawer full of unwanted gift cards, consider passing them along. I have lots of friends who would really appreciate a trip to the mall, while I never tend to make it there.
I do not see why passing along an unwanted gift card, unless it is totally inappropriate, woud be any different than buying a new gift card. You may not want to pass along a fancy undies gift card to your 300 pound neighbor, but you can certainly re-gift with the same consideration you would apply to buying a new present!
If you just cannot stand the though of passing along a gift like that, then buy something for the person with the gift card, and then give that item along in good conscience.
Donate Your Gift Card
If you do not like the re-gifting option, why not donate it to charity. If the charity cannot use the actual items that they could buy with the gift card, they may be able to use it for a fundraiser. Charities are always throwing silent auctions, or similar events, to raise money. A gift card is a perfect item! Your place or worship or a local charity would be a good place to start.
Sell Your Gift Card
You can find hundreds of online auctions or classifieds sites with gift card offers. You have to decide if the amount of the card is worth the time, listing fee (if any), and trouble because you will not get 100% of the value of your card online. But if your card has a substantial value, you can get some cash for something you really do want!
Visit the Frugal Pig for more Frugal Living Ideas! Get some more ideas for things to do with unwanted gift cards.
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Very nice post, maybe by combining yours and my ideas I will manage to start some serious work on my first blog.