During this holiday season, sometimes you don’t know what to give someone…or you find a gift card would fit perfectly! Here is why I love gift cards and my creative tips for gift card giving:

 

1.       There are so many to choose from. Whether someone is into sports (Dick Sporting Goods) or likes to go out to the movies (Fandango), there are hundreds of gift cards to choose from.

2.       They fit everyone! From kids to teens and adults, gift cards are easy to use.

3.       They can be used online or in store. Gift cards are flexible and can be used online or in store.

4.       They come in different amounts. From $1 and up, you choose how much to give.

Here are some fun ways to give them!

• This year I made a New Year’s gift basket for my sister Em and brother in law Jeff. I included a $25 Fandango gift card and a $25 Red Robin gift card (their fave restaurant), along with popcorn and cocoa. It was kind of like an “dinner and a movie” kit.
• Pick up a gift card holder at your favorite store or make it yourself with a bit of wrapping paper. And for extra fun, hide it somewhere on the Christmas tree!
• Or you can hide the gift card in a fuzzy pair of slippers, mittens, hat, the choices are endless. So when someone opens it, they’ll find a special surprise!
• Go with a theme. For example, one year I gave one of my friends a kit of her favorite Starbucks coffees and a mug and included a Starbucks gift card with it. You could also make a chef’s kit, with a Williams Sonoma gift card. The ideas are endless!
• Instead of just giving a gift card, attach it to a fun gift, like a book, dvd, box of candy, etc.
• Here is a great trick to play on someone. Wrap up the biggest box you can find and put the gift card in the very bottom. They will think they are getting a huge gift, but not understand why the box is so light until they open it!
• Container Store has so many cute packaging items to wrap up your gift cards.
• If you are looking for a bonus gift with your gift card, Target sells holiday LEGO sets with their gift cards. For as little as $5, you can give a LEGO set and a gift card! (These sell out fast though, so you have to be quick!)

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.