Consumers will spend $28 billion on gift cards this holiday season, up from $24.8 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation. And while gift cards are as good as cash at most places, a gift card to a retailer you don’t like or shop at is pretty useless. But not to worry—you still have plenty of options for what to do with an unwanted gift card.
At websites such as GiftCardGranny.com, plasticjungle.com and SwapaGift.com, you can sell an unwanted gift card or use it to buy another gift card at a discounted rate. There are several sites that allow you to sell unwelcomed gift cards, but experts warn that the sale price can be less than the face value of the card at some sites, so be sure to read the fine print.
Continue the giving spirit beyond the holidays by donating an unwanted gift card. Many charities, such as the Make a Wish Foundation and Project Gift Card accept donations of gift cards and gift certificates from a variety of retailers.
If want to exchange your gift card, check out Gift Card Swapping. The site allows you to swap your card for another on from a retailer you are more interested in.
Even if the gift card isn’t right for you, it might be perfect for a friend or family member. Just be sure that you give it to the person before the card expires or starts to decrease in value—both tell-tale signs you re-gifted it.