My kids each received a $50 American Express Gift Card from a good friend of mine. What I love most about my kids having gift cards is that for a brief period of time, the “Can I have that?” nagging turns into, “Mom, can I buy that with my gift card?” I typically reply, “If that’s how you want to spend your money, then let’s see how much it cost.” From there, we compare prices, discuss how badly the item is wanted, and calculate how much money will be left on the card after a purchase. Trust me, my kids become discerning shoppers when they have to cough up their own cash.

My son Matthew, in particular, constantly “needs” sports gear. If he sees a new sport, he wants to play it (live it, breathe it). So when kids at school started showing up with lacrosse gear, I knew the request to buy a stick, shirt, shorts, ball, and whatever else is part of the lacrosee layette would follow. As an athlete myself, I get it and like that he’s so passionate about sports. But as a mom to three kids, there’s a limit to how much I can spend on his various interests.

Sure enough, he needed a lacrosse stick. Lucky for me, he still had money left on his gift card so he could buy it himself. Lucky for him, his little brother wanted in on the game as well. So we took a little trip to the sporting goods store and the boys suited up. An hour later when they headed out to the front yard to play, I couldn’t help but repeat a thank you to my girlfriend for the gift cards and a thank you to my Heavenly Father for sending me this boy.

Click here to learn how you can help your kids redeem gift cards.

I started this site because I want to show people how to gift card without feeling guilty. But I discovered that most of us need a little more help than that. We need to know what to do with unwanted gift cards, what to do with the balance left on a card, how to avoid gift card fraud, and so forth.

To meet this need, we added the “Solution Center” to our site. This is where I’ll put advice and information on some of your biggest concerns, such as:

• Gift cards are too impersonal.
• Not sure what to do with unwanted gift cards.
• Givers don’t want recipient to know how much they spent on a gift.
• Gift card fraud, expiration dates, and hidden fees can ruin the gift card experience.
• Kids and gift cards create a new set of problems.

As I navigate the gift card industry, I’ll update this page with ways to help you avoid gift card pitfalls so you can gift card with confidence instead. Check it out: Solution Center.

As you know, my little sister Brooke is expecting a baby. Her co-workers surprised her with a gift certificate to her favorite spa on one of her last days before maternity leave. They cleverly Photoshopped a Pampers diaper logo onto a poster that read, “Pamper Yourself!”

I couldn’t help but copy that SO cute idea in a less graphic-skills-required kind of way. Get your expectant friend a package of Pampers and attach a gift card to a spa or salon so mom and baby both get a little “Pampering!” You’ll be the hit of the baby shower!

This got me thinking about other ways to pair mom gift cards with newborn baby necessities. You could get a pack of baby wipes and a restaurant gift card, then write, “For when you’re too wiped out to cook!” My brain is a swirl with ideas.

Check out the New Baby section for other ideas as well.

My view of Valentine’s Day has forever changed thanks to the comments in this contest. Once thought only to be an opportunity for special someone’s to tell each other how they feel, I’ve widened my view. I’m especially touched by the dads who give their daughter a Valentine each year so no matter whom she pines for, there will always be at least one guy who loves her for who she is. I’m going to suggest (insist) my husband start doing this for our daughter.

Also noted is that amidst all the grand gestures this holiday often evokes, most of you said your favorite Valentine gifts have been homemade, inexpensive, and simply heartfelt. I love that.

My thoughts are now turning to spring, Teacher Appreciation, and birthdays. Did you know that birthdays are the number one gift card occassion? It’s true.

Pop over to Gift Card Girlfriend to get some birthday ideas and go to our blog to find out who won the Sephora Valentine’s Day Gift Card Giveaway!

Get your eco-conscious sweetie a green Valentine this year. Pack an organic picnic lunch in a reusable shopping bag and deliver it with a gift card for an environmentally friendly adventure. Using Google, I had no difficulty finding green ways to tool around my nearby city. Blazing Saddles has gift certificates for bicycle or tandem bike rentals. Wheel Fun Rentals would allow me to pre-purchase and reserve surrey, carts, or electric cars. And I could get a gift certificate for a GPS-guided carbon-friendly GoCar tour in seconds.

If you prefer to skip the adventure, get a gift card to an eco-friendly store and give your guy or gal a shopping excursion instead. Maybe even start the day with a little Green Eggs and Ham?

“Green day” would also be a fun family or anniversary gift.

For more Valentine’s ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day page or read about Valentine’s Day on my blog.

And don’t forget to make a green Valentine card out of recycled materials.

Though you may think it a risky relationship move to give a gift card on Valentine’s Day, I think spending wisely is just as important as telling someone how you feel. I also think a gift card is less risky than picking out the wrong gift.

Do you REALLY want to give your girlfriend a gold necklace only to have her burst into tears because somehow you failed to notice she only wears silver? Conversely, do you want to be the picky Valentine who returned the gift he selected especially for you?

A gift card delivered with the right sentiment and a little something to open immediately will save you both from embarrassment.

Here’s a tip: Get your gal a candy necklace or make one yourself like shown here on the “birthday in a box” web site. Then give her a gift card to the jewelry store as well. It doesn’t have to be a fine jeweler either. A gift card to Claire’s or another accessory shop will do just fine. She’ll appreciate the effort and your creativity. And she’ll enjoy picking out a little bauble for herself later.

For other gift card ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day section.