I think of changing the oil in my car the same way I think about going to the dentist or cleaning the furnace vent. I know it’s important, but is certainly nothing I look forward to doing. And honestly, not my first choice in how I spend my money.

But a good friend of mine posted a comment on her blog that reminded me why practical gift cards like Jiffy Lube are sometimes even better than the fanciful ones. If I’m trying to save money, I can opt not to buy something I want but don’t really need (like a new tennis skirt). Putting off maintenance tasks (like taking care of the car), however, could end up costing me more later if I avoid them now in an effort to be frugal.

The Jiffy Lube gift card we’re giving away, inspired me to take better care of my car. With the Signature Service, I got a needed oil change plus a variety of fluid levels topped off. I also got the tire pressure checked which is something I’d been worrying about lately. And they vacuumed every last Cheerio out of the car. With three kids nesting in the back of that minivan, the vacuum service alone would have been worth the trip.

Coming out of the shop, I felt great. It’s truly a gift to take care of something that needs to be done without having to pay for it. So don’t feel bad about getting someone a gift card instead of a “real gift.” Chances are you’ll be giving them exactly what they need.

Don’t forget to enter the Jiffy Lube Gift Card Contest.

Jiffy Lube sent me a couple of $50 gift cards–one to give away and one to test drive. Ally and I ditched the boys last Saturday to get the “Hottesy” all tip-top again before going on a little shopping trip. Rex and the guys at my local Jiffy Lube took care of us right away–fast and friendly. (You can watch our video and read about the adventure in my next blog.)

For the give away, I love the idea of partnering this “on the go” Jiffy Lube card with the popular Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The combination would be wonderful as a:

• Graduation gift
• A going away present
• Congratulating someone starting a new chapter in their life
• Birthday gift for a new driver or someone who just got their first car
• Wedding gift for a young, newlywed couple

To enter this contest, leave a comment and tell me how you would turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift. How would you package the Jiffy Lube card? What items would you put with it and who would you give it to? (This is a family show, so keep it clean.)

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends April 15, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be posted on the site for one month and notified by e-mail. Be sure our e-mail address (@giftcardgirlfriend.com) clears your spam filter. If winner doesn’t respond within one month, a runner-up will be chosen.

Ok, answer the question! How would you turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift?

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!

Having never been to Sephora, I planned to dash into the store for a quick preview before posting this Valentine Sephora Gift Card Giveaway. 

Instead, I found myself perusing the cosmetic aisles with my eyes all a twinkling. My 4th grade daughter looked just as mesmerized. She ogled neon eye shadows. I tested long-lasting lipsticks. Together, we caught a whiff of Amazing Grace and followed the delicious scent back to the fragrance section. 

I haven’t worn perfume since realizing my signature scent masked the new baby smell on this very girl now by my side. We decided that Mom, after nearly a decade, could smell like something other than peanut butter and Lady Speed Stick for a change. I like the smell of Amazing Grace. I love the quote on the packaging even more. So I bought a bottle for me and one to share. 

For Valentine’s Day, we’re giving away a $35 gift card to Sephora, a .5 oz. Amazing Grace spray fragrance, and a Sephora compact mirror (their gift card freebie), with one of Brooke’s most popular prints, “Love in red.” 

Two ways to enter. (Yes, you can do both and get two entries in the drawing): 

1. Sign up to receive blog posts and announcements via e-mail.
   
   Enter your email address:
   
2. Finish this sentence in your post. “The best Valentine I ever received…”

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends February 14, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner announced February 15, 2010.