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?

While trolling for gift card ideas, I came across the cutest of all ideas on the BatemanBuzz blog. I knew the second I saw it that I could convert this idea into a favorite gift card holder.

Great Idea For…

This idea is great for birthday, coach’s gift, Father’s Day and any time you want to reward (or say thank you to) someone who is into sports.

Here’s How

• Get a mason jar (I got mine at Walmart), but you could just reach into your cupboard
• Fill jar with gum balls, malt balls, foil wrapped chocolate balls, etc.
• Get a ball-themed gift card like Footlocker, Sports Authority, 24-Hour Fitness, Champs, MLB, Golfsmith, etc.
• Get crafty. Spray paint lid, tie with ribbon. String our “Have a Ball” Gift Card tag on the jar.

So cute. So Easy. What a ball!

Shop digital downloads to make your gift carding easier!

My friend Shannon is SHARING her recipes! This is not small. She’s one of those cooks who makes even the simplest of dishes taste better. She even inspired me to bust out the measuring cups more often than not this past week.

This gift card idea is a tribute to her new Blog, Lucy Jane’s Best. I gotta say, it’s a cute one.

Ingredients

• 1 Measuring Cup (any size)
• 1 Bag of Chocolate Chips
• 1 Gift Card
• 1 Cello Bag
• 1 Ribbon
• Immeasurable Gratitude

Directions

Throw Chocolate Chips in measuring cup. Plop measuring cup in Cello bag. Thread ribbon through hole in gift card backer and tie around bag. Add a heartfelt note with “Gratitude Beyond Measure.” Any gift card will do. A cooking store gift card, if appropriate for the recipient, would be the cherry on top of this delicious idea.

Substitutions

Substitute a measuring cup for any measuring device. And again, any gift card will work. But some fun combos include:

• Ruler with Gift Card to Office Supply Store (Great Teacher Gift!)
• Yardstick with Gift Card to Craft Store
• Measuring Tape with Gift Card to Home Improvement Store
• Sewing Tape Measure with Gift Card to Fabric Store
• Stop Watch or Distance Gauge with Sporting Goods Gift Card (Thanks Coach!)

Jamba Juice is doing it right this holiday season. At participating locations, you can buy a $25 gift card and get a free smoothie. If you’re a Jamba Juice regular, buy the gift card for yourself and start slurping! If you’re going to give a Jamba Juice gift card, then this next offer is even better.

Gift with Purchase

As Kevin B at the San Ramon Jamba Juice explains, for $15, you get a 22 oz. Tumbler and a $5 Jamba Juice gift card. I love ths promotion because it follows my 5 Steps to Better Gift Card Giving. The gift card can be used at a variety of locations, is in a usable amount ($5 is plenty for Jamba Juice), and the recipient gets to “open something.” This would make a great gift for teachers, office staff, and others you want to give a small token to this holiday season.

Add a Personal Scoop

Make it even more personal by putting a list of your favorite smoothies or the “secret Jamba Juice menu” inside the tumbler. Have fun with it.

The whole family makes a sacrifice when a parent is the coach.

Last year, my husband helped coach my son’s basketball team. At the end of the season, one of the moms gave me an orchid and said, “We know it’s a sacrifice for you to have your husband coach.” This sweet gesture has stayed with me ever since–recognizing that coaching is a family commitment.

I’m in charge of the coaches gifts for my older son’s baseball team. Following her example, I got each coach a gift card to the movie theater and a bowl full of movie-themed treats. On the card I wrote, “We know the family gave up a lot to have you coach our boys. We are grateful for your family and hope you enjoy a nice night out. You all deserve it!”

Check here for other Thank You Coach ideas.

I love baseball season. As much as I tire of washing uniforms and struggling to feed everyone a healthy dinner on game night, I’m a little sad to see it end. My youngest, who waited three years to be old enough to play in the league, would also like to stretch this season into extra innings. He had a great year and especially enjoyed having his Dad for a coach.

At the team party, the parents gave each of the coaches a gift card to REI attached to a bag of trail mix. This gift, though not baseball related, is perfect because it demonstrates that the parents recognize coaching means giving up a great deal of your time. Paul certainly would he would spent more time bike riding, working out, or hanging out by the pool had he not been teaching these little tykes how to play baseball. He’s very excited to use the gift card and to re-engage in some of his favorite past-times now that the season is over.

If you’re thanking a coach, think of what he or she might have done had they not been out on the field with your child. Then get a gift card they can use to return to that activity. If you’re not sure, movie tickets, music, or other entertaininment gift cards will work.

Check out the “Thanks Coach” section for other ideas.