Use those gift cards : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Use those gift cards

Gift cards have become extremely popular. In fact, the variety of cards offered and the sheer convenience of these little plastic gems have created a new global culture of gift–giving that few could ever have anticipated. The National Retailers Federation estimates that a total of $97 billion in gift cards – $26.3 billion during the holidays alone – were purchased in the US last year. This year, however, experts say that this hassle–free holiday gift may have met its match: a tough economy.

Earlier this year, when Sharper Image declared bankruptcy, nearly $20 million in gift cards were instantly voided, forcing shoppers to suddenly reconsider the merits of the gift card. Remember, unlike banks accounts, gift cards are not protected by the FDIC or anyone, and there is no guarantee that you can redeem the value of the card if a company goes under. And with other major retailers filing for bankruptcy protection recently (Circuit City, Mervyns, and Linens–N–Things, to name a few) giving gift cards this year could be as risky as playing the stock market.

The good news is, with US retail sales expected to shrink this holiday season, retailers will be working hard to get their share of your holiday budget, no matter how large or small. This means major sales and deals that could make going to the mall this year a much better option than simply handing out gift cards anyway. Because of these deals, what a $50 gift card would have purchased last year could turn into a much more valuable and memorable gift for everyone on your list.

Either way, if you receive any gift cards this year, or you still have a few you haven't used yet, be sure to redeem them right away.