Unwanted Gift Cards: You've Got Options

It happens, people own gift cards they simply do not want. In fact, it happens so much entire industries have come into existence to make a profit. The good news is you have options for unloading that unwanted gift card. Depending on your personality you might take one of several approaches.

The Selfish Way: Sell Your Gift Card For Cash

While you won't receive the full value, you love the smell of cold hard cash. After all, what were they thinking giving you a gift card instead of cash? While the person who gave you the gift may not be thrilled to know you just sold their gift at less than face value, it's better than buying something you don't even want, right?

The Frugal Way: Trade Your Gift Card

Whether trading with a friend, co-worker or stranger in a marketplace for gift cards, you'll have a better chance of getting full value, but a tougher time finding a match. I once exchanged a $50 gift card with a co-worker and it worked out great. Are you bold enough to nag others and see if they are willing to make a trade?

If you're interested in these first two options, take a look at Gift Card Advocate's Resources page for companies involved in the 'unwanted gift card market'.

The Risk Takers Way: Regift Your Gift Card

Mention the word regift and people cringe, snarl and boo; nevertheless, I'm putting it on the table. The truth is, your recipient will likely have no idea you just gave them an unwanted gift card. The chances of getting caught are much lower than regifting that ugly sweater from your grandma that you gave to another family member. Just do yourself a favor and check the balance, expiration and fees before passing it along. If you're caught, expect to have people gossip about it for a long time.

The Good Guy Way: Donate Your Gift Card

Donating is perhaps the safest, most admirable and just plain feel good thing to do with your unwanted gift card. This one is so safe you could even tweet about it. Take a look at Plastic Jungle's non profit partner list and consider turning you 'misfortune' into a positive for others in need. Just be sure to read the instructions for donating carefully, it's not intuitive. Also, consider GiftCardGiver.com as an alternative.

The Lazy Way: Keep Your Unwanted Gift Card

After all, you might want it SOMEDAY and many gift cards never expire, right? Whatever! It's always best to use your gift cards sooner than later. Don't let them pile up!

ScripSmart Can Help

If you find yourself with several gift cards, ScripSmart can help. It's easy, just create a ScripSmart Account, add your gift cards and we'll send you personalized monthly summaries, bankruptcy alerts, you can even try our nag-me alerts. ScripSmart helps simplify gift cards.