Purchase Gift Cards Throughout The Year

By

MocaMcEmu

I love this idea. Personally, if I have cash, I'll probably spend it, but keeping the cards just in a box someplace would stop me from doing that. This is a great idea!

By

ApacheAngel

Being of an extremely limited income, I do this as well throughout the year but make sure there is no exp. dates...

I also do online shopping and emails from mypoints and then redeem my years accumulated points for Giftcards for Christmas... I was able to earn 6 KB Toys gift cards and 4 Walmart cards this year...

By

imaqt1962

why not just put X amount of money in savings account and when christmas or birthdays, etc... the money will be there to purchase your gift cards

By

Debbie52

Yes, I would say check exp dates and preferably buy ones without them if you're going to try this idea. I think the idea is great tho as a way not to have the expenditure all at once.

As far as the bagel store gift card, it's possible the giver was re-gifting a card he or she hadn't used.

By (Guest Post)

Hi, This is a great idea. Our church sells scrip and not only are the gift cards welcome with the recipients, but our church benefits from the sale. ALS is correct. A little at a time is much easier on the budget.

By Rosalie Shoeman (Guest Post)

I agree with the above comment; however, in CA - this is illegal. Regardless of the date on the card, the merchant MUST HONOR THE FULL AMOUNT SHOWN ON THE CARD.
My other comment is this: there was an item on our local news channel today that said that if the card is from a certain store; lots of people can't find anything that they want from that store; others 'forget' to use them, Thought you'd appreciate this information.

By

azDana

I would suggest that everyone make sure to check the expiration dates on the cards before buying them throughout the year. Last Christmas, my daughter received a gift card for $25 from a local bagel store. She found out that the card was purchased almost 10 months before she received it as a gift and that it would expire 12 months after purchase. Subsequently, instead of enjoying bagels throughout the year, she ended up with a gift card that expired before she could use it up.