I saw this Tim McGraw gift card at Target and want to applaud InComm for their creativity in gift card designs.

We often talk about ways to make gift cards more personal because simply handing over a piece of plastic as a gift can make you feel sheepish. Unless there is something to look at (or “ooh and ahh” over), the gift exchange can feel awkward.

But in this case, the plastic is worth reviewing–and passing around the party.

Oh yeah, the gift card is for Outback Steakhouse. (If that matters.)

What Goes with Tim?

If you insist on dressing up this hunky gift card, below are a few suggestions:

• Deliver the gift card with a mix CD of your favorite Tim McGraw songs
• Deliver it with other things that are HOT such as Hot Tamales candy, Red Hots, Flaming Hot Cheetos, or Hot Sauce
• Complete the duo by pairing a Tim McGraw gift card with a Faith Hill CD or an inspirational quote, wall vinyl, or book on Faith.

Or….

Do Nothing. Like I said. This is one time when the plastic itself feels more like a present than just a placeholder.

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I just gave my kids CASH for their birthdays INSTEAD of gift cards. And here’s why.

About a month ago, both of my April children started talking wish lists. Matthew wanted a myriad of things ranging from duct tape to an iTouch 4G. Ally wanted clothes from nearly every store in the mall. I won’t pretend that we’re poor, but flush we are not either. I like the idea of duct tape for a birthday gift. Not so much the new iPod.

Birthday Budget

Tired of the looming financial tug-of-war, I offered them both a “birthday budget” in which they could decide how money allocated for their gifts would be spent. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

For the past month, to every whim of a want that surfaced, I simply responded, “take it out of your birthday budget.” Surprisingly, both held the coffers tightly, spending nary a dime prior to their celebration days. Both turned into QUITE discerning shoppers once they understood money spent today would be gone tomorrow.

Cash is Better When…

• Saving Up – Matthew decided to save all his money for an iTouch. Since he wanted to shop for the best deal, a gift card wouldn’t work. He needed cash.
• Shopping Around – Ally wanted a bonafide shopping trip. She wanted to shop from store to store with her only restraint being the total dollars spent. She needed cash for flexibility.

Both loved the control and are obviously pleased with all of their gifts. But there was little “ceremony” to the day other than blowing out the birthday candles. Though I rather liked it, I’m wondering if they will one day claim I didn’t celebrate their birthdays properly. Only time will tell.

P.S.

My June birthday boy is already asking if it’s too early to dip into his “birthday budget.”

Just a quick post to let you know about a sale on iTunes gift cards at Target. Rarely do gift cards go on sale. When they do, it’s time to stock up!

Save All Year Round

Unlike food storage or couponing where you buy products to save for a rainy day, buying discount gift cards is like creating a sale for future shopping. You might not need to download music or apps for another few months, but when you do, you’ll be paying less. (Plus a stock of gift cards doesn’t take up much space!)

Target In Store

I checked Target.com and the sale does not appear to be online. So you’ll have to venture into the store. I realize stores can offer different sales regionally, so if you see something different in your area – let me know.

Will You Use It?

• Upcoming birthday gifts
• New apps or songs you want to download yourself
• Last-minute gift you forgot to get (always good to have one handy)
• Graduation gift coming up
The beauty of iTunes gift cards is that you don’t need apple products to use them. Most everybody I know likes to download music to play on whatever device he or she has. And even the most shocking old school people I know…still like to get a handmade CD to play in the car. So take advantage of this deal and save all year round.

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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.

Got a TWEEN headed to Hunger Games this weekend? Let me help you save money before you blow it all on ticket prices and concessions. CardPool: AMC Theatres Gift Card are 15% off. Look for the MOBILE GIFT CARD OPTIONS if you’re going to the movies this weekend. Download and use directly from your phone. Plastic Jungle: AMC gift cards are discounted 14% on 3/22-3/23. Buy one now! These aren’t digital, but good savings if you have plans to go later in the week. GiftCards: Regal Theaters are on sale for 12% discount. Also only available as plastic. Won’t get in time for this weekend, but can definitely help with a future movie or gift.

Give a Gift

I love to give movie snacks or popcorn with a movie gift card. It’s simple and also works for most people. Download this cute “It’s Movie Night” gift tag to personalize your gift or let me do the work for you.