Before Easter, I bought a $100 JC Penney gift card from Plastic Jungle for $84. Today I am reporting back on my shopping trip.

The Purchase

I used the gift card to buy the following Easter clothes for my two boys:

• Two pair of khaki pants
• Two Izod pastel shirts
• Two coordinating ties

The Savings

The grand total came to $100.05. I handed over the $100 e-gift card I’d printed on the computer and owed just a nickle more. Remember, however, that I REALLY only paid $84.05 for my purchase. And yes, I felt just a little smug as I strutted out of the mall with my double-digit savings. I’m no extreme couponer, but am pretty proud of myself when I create a deal using a little smarts.

Worth the Effort

Because I already planned to shop JC Penney for Easter clothes, taking a few minutes to order a discount gift card before making the trek is like flipping through the ads before walking out the door. The process is simple. And if you order e-gift cards, the gift cards arrive the same day. These are the sites I regularly use.

Think Ahead

The holidays aren’t the only time you’ll likely have some pre-planned shopping to do. There’s “back to school” time, spring break, and summer vacation that will likely spur shopping as well. Think ahead and consider purchasing discount gift cards to ease the financial burden during these times of the year.

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I just spent most of the day at the LDS Family History center in Oakland helping a friend track down her ancestors. She’s going on a trip next month to Germany and wanted to know more about her heritage before embarking on the journey.

Online tools

Although the real help we received came from the genealogist at the center who helped us crack the code, the tools we used are available to everyone online. Primarily, we used Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. Both have online tutorials to get you started.

Make History a Gift

I hadn’t thought about giving the gift of history as a bon voyage present until today. But watching my friend gather information that will ultimately shape her journey, help her decide where to visit, and move churches and gravesites to the top of a list previously filled only with tourist attractions inspired me. Now I think a kickstart into family history would be a wonderful gift for anyone taking a trip or starting an even bigger journey.

Consider a gift subscription to Ancestry.com for the following:

• Family Vacation – maybe they’ll find new places to visit.
• Newly Married – for the merging of family trees.
• New Baby – learn more about the gene pool you’re drawing from.
• Graduation – he passed world history, now it’s time for personal study.
• Significant birthday – find out who you really are.
• Anniversary – genealogy is more fun to do in pairs.
• Bereavement – maybe not immediately, but it can be therapeutic to find out more about the people waiting for us on the other side.

Make it Personal

While at the Family History center, the computers were abuzz with people searching, pondering, and digging for clues. And there was no shortage of personal stories either. Consider delivering a gift of history with a personal narrative of your own. Tell about the first time you met this person, character traits you admire about him, or your hope for the future in finding his past. Tie the gift card and your thoughts onto branches of a potted tree that can be planted to commemorate this occasion.

Found this gift card recycling idea on Pinterest and loved it. Though you need a binding system (don’t have one…can’t imagine how much binding you do in order to buy one), I do love the idea of it. But I would make this idea with a NEW gift card instead. (Just don’t bind through the magstripe).

Source: thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com via Jocelyn on Pinterest

Two Gifts in One

Not only does the recipient get a gift card, but they get a little notebook to use as well. It’s two gifts in one. Plus, the gift card will not easily get lost or be forgotten about in the wallet. They’ll probably be carrying it in their purse anyway.

Take It A Step Further

If you’re going to make this idea, then I would take it a step further with the following suggestions:

• Make it reloadable. Use a reloadable gift card so the recipient can use the gift card more than once.
• Make it a photobook instead. Bind the gift card with wallet-size photos of the kids. Perfect for Grandma.
• Add store coupons. Get new mom a gift card to Babies R Us and fill the booklet with every diaper coupon you can find.
• Add coupons of your own. Give a gift card to the movies and include a babysitting coupon inside.
• Multiple coupons. As long as you’re binding things, why not put dinner, movie, and dessert all in one handy date night notebook?
• Group Gift. Have everyone contribute a gift card to the “book.” Imagine leaving a baby or wedding shower with a prized book of gift cards!

Great for Teachers, Coaches, Graduates…Anybody

This would make a great gift card for teachers or coaches. Deliver a gift card to the office supply store (teacher) or sporting goods store (coach). Bind with a note of thanks from each of the kids.

Send graduate to school with a book he’ll for sure want to crack open. Help new moms and newlyweds by stuffing their wallet with gifts cards in this highly manageable system.

Now, where can I get a binding thingamajig?

Quite possibly the cutest version of the Cookie Dough jar I’ve ever seen. It’s a seriously great gift on it’s own. But you know me…gotta think gift card. How to Add a Gift Card Let’s play on that “dough” theme. Add a gift card and write the words, “Thought you could use a little extra dough.” As is, the idea works for any gift card and for any occasion. But here are a few ocassions when money is particularly useful: Graduation. Visa or Mastercard gift card is perfect for grad. Wedding. Gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond sounds about right. New Baby. Gift card to Target or Babies R Us. Moving. Gift card to Home Depot or other home-inspired store. Holidays. A gift card around the holidays would be welcome in my home! You can write, “Thought you could use a little extra dough on your wedding day” or more generic, “Everyone can use a little extra dough this time of year.” Either way, what a great message and fun way to deliver a little extra dough in a fun, personal, thoughtful way. Happy Gift Carding!

Source: flickr.com via Shauna on Pinterest Source: southernliving.com via Brennaon Pinterest

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The great thing about buying discount gift cards for personal use is that the decision to buy is ALL about the savings. The typical anxieties over giving a gift card are totally gone.

Although I planned to do some of our back-to-school shopping at Old Navy, I bought this Baby Gap gift card at PlasticJungle.com for a double-digit savings. Since this baby gift card can be used at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and other stores owned by the same company, it didn’t matter to me which brand was on the card–only that I could save money buying and using it.

Where to Buy Discount Gift Cards?

I’m a fan of PlasticJungle.com because of the selection and prompt delivery. But you can shop various sites to find the gift cards and discounts you need. Below are a few options:

• GiftCards.com – Up to 25% off Merchant Gift Cards
• Cardpool.com – Buy Discounted Gift Cards For Up To 30% Off!
• PlasticJungle.com – Save up to 35% at your favorite department store! PlasticJungle.com – The new way to save money.

Stack Coupon Codes and Extra Savings

Stack discount gift card savings with in-store coupons, online offers, and online coupon codes to save even more! Below are a few to consider:

• Starts 8/12/2011: Get 25% off your purchase of $100 or more with coupon code BRSUMMER25. Expires 8/16/2011.
• Starts 8/11/2011: Kids Back to School Event: 30% Off Regularly priced items with coupon code GCKIDS. Expires 8/17/2011
• Save up to 90% on Used Textbooks – Order today at BarnesandNoble.com!
• Free Shipping to Home on School Uniforms at Walmart.com!