Holiday shopping is right around the corner.  So many of us will go out and purchase gift cards to save time and we hope that the person receiving the gift card will love it.  But did you know that 49% of Americans have an unused gift cards worth an estimated $8 Billion?

Nothing is worse than being at your favorite clothing store when you realize you left your gift card at home, or you just went to pick up your dinner “to go” and can’t find the gift card when we need it. This is why so many gift cards go unused, we just need a system for our gift cards.

I like to put all of my gift cards in one of my slots of my coupon organizer, which I keep in my purse or you may prefer them in the glove box of your car.  Another idea would be if you have just few gift cards put them in your wallet next to your credit cards.  If I am heading to the mall I double check to make sure I do not have any unused gift cards.  Nothing is worse then leaving a Banana Republic gift card go unused, it is a crime if you ask me!

We love to go out for lunch on Sundays so the first thing I do is check which gift cards we have not used and ask my family where they want to eat according to our gift card selection.  Not only does this help save you money but it allows to use the gift cards before they expire.

I think gift cards are a great idea to give and receive during the holidays.  Just be sure to set up a system that will work for you so the gift cards do not go unused!  Happy Shopping!

Photo Credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

Tags: gift cards, money, organizing