What To Do With Your Unwanted Gift Cards

Have you ever opened a gift box or birthday card and found a gift card that you just don’t want?  I’m sure we’ve all been there.  So what do you do?  You probably smile politely, say thank you and then start creating a list of all the things you can do with your newfound unwanted gift cards.

I appreciate all gifts.  When I receive unwanted gift cards it’s not so much that I don’t actually want them, it’s more that I don’t live near a store location or I don’t have an immediate use for the card.  However I’ve come to learn that just because I don’t need to use them now doesn’t mean that I won’t ever be able to use them.

Here are four ways to creatively use unwanted gift cards:

Check the expiration date

Some gift cards never expire and some must be used within a year from the purchase date.  Before you giveaway or re-gift your gift card check how long it’s good for because you might be able to use it down the road.

I don’t know about you but I always get rid of items that I haven’t used in the last three months and then 30 days later I find myself needing it.  Sometimes it’s better to hold on to unwanted gift cards for the long run…just in case you end up needing them down the road.

Sell it to a friend

Just because you don’t like or need a gift card doesn’t mean that no one does.  If you find yourself with an unwanted gift card ask your friends or family if you can make a trade or sell it to them.  This way you still get the value of the gift without having to buy something you don’t want or need.  Spending just to buy is a waste of money, even if you’re paying with a gift card.

Donate it to a charity

Believe it or not charities don’t only want your cold hard cash, they welcome gift card donations with open arms.  They can use them to buy goods for those in need or even raffle off at their next fundraiser.  If you really want to do some good with your unwanted gift cards donate them to your favorite cause.

Re-gift at your next party

There’s no shame in re-gifting a gift card…as long as you don’t give it back to the same person who gave it to you.  If you don’t have a birthday party coming up you can use it as a door prize for your next event such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party.

Gift cards are a great idea for gifts because the recipient can buy anything they want at the store and usually over an extended period of time.

What’s the last gift card you received?  Did you love it or re-gift it?

Kristina Tahnyak

Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.