Wish my iPhone had a flash!

I took my kids to see Toy Story 3 this morning. I don’t normally like the animated flicks, but I chuckled even more than the little ones this time. Toys I hadn’t thought about in years showed up on screen like old friends. (Including a few toys I coveted but never got to make friends with, like that three story Barbie Apartment!) But the best part of the day was using the gift card I found last week to offset the cost of admission.

Saving Money

This little Disney-Pixar flashback would have cost me $45 without the gift card. That’s a lot of money for a matinee, especially when I’m trying to stretch the family budget across a summer’s worth of activities.

While a movie gift card may no longer be the most original gift to give, it’s still a great gift for a kid, teen, family, or anybody who likes to go to the theater. The recipient might not use it right away, but is certain to appreciate it when they do.

Make the Movie Gift Card More Personal

Partner a movie gift card with some movie snacks, popcorn, or something relevant to the movie you think they’re most likely to see. For Toy Story 3, for example, get a slinky akin to the one in the movie. For the new Twilight movie, Eclipse, get a gift card to the movies with some fake blood and vampire teeth. Or, if you’re like me, a movie gift card would go perfect with a purse size salt shaker for the tub of popcorn I’d buy once I got there.

With the kids home for summer, my once quiet work-from-home mornings have turned into a swirl of Legos, Wii games, flying Nerf balls, flying Legos, and a constant barrage of tattle-taling (You don’t want to know about my new threat, ominously called, “The Tattle-Tale Treatment.”). I can barely remember what day of the week it is, much less get anything done. And just when I feel guilty about that, I remember that it’s summer–my kids are old enough to remember the days we share, and young enough to still want to share them with me. What a treasure.

Another Treasure

So today, I shook my head in shame and then threw my arms into a double fist pump when I found an unused movie theater gift card tacked to the bulletin board in my office. ME, the one who spends her days obsessing about gift cards, forgot I had one. Unacceptable!

Then the self-loathing mixed with euphoria turned to anxiety as I wondered if the unused gift card would still be usable. On the back of the gift card, I found a web address on which to check the balance. Thankfully, I still had $21 to spend at the movies. (Back to the fist pumping!)

No More Worries

The good news – as of August 22, 2010, gift card laws are changing in a way that you’re less likely to feel anxious about unused gift cards. The new law says that gift cards can’t expire in less than five years and you can’t be dinged a non-use fee for at least a year. Most importantly, in my opinion, terms such as these must be clearly specified on the card before purchase. No more wondering.

So if I ever find another unused gift card in my possession, I won’t have to worry or wonder about whether or not I can still use it.

Now, my friends…Shrek 3, Toy Story 3, or Karate Kid? Any help here?

Save me a seat!

People who know my husband will find this hard to believe, but it’s true. Paul likes chick flicks. He willingly indulges every Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams movie I put in front of him—at home or in the theater. So I’m pretty sure we’ll see the new movie, “Valentine’s Day” when it comes out in a few weeks. I’m excited.

(Don’t bother sending me a review. McDreamy and McSteamy on the big screen. We’re going.)

My sister, on the other hand, has to bargain with her husband to get him to see a romantic comedy. To surprise her this Valentine’s Day, all my brother-in-law needs to do is agree to see this movie, without rolling his eyes. To exceed her expectations, he could get her a gift card to the theater, a box of tissues, and some movie candy–all packaged up with a pledge to willingly watch (even embrace) this likely-to-be-cheesyrom-com.

If he can’t stomach the Valentine’s Day movie, then a gift card to the video store and a promise to indulge a chick flick of her choosing would be equally romantic.

Find other creative gift card ideas on our Valentine’s Day page.

Teryn gave us a gift card to the movies plus free babysitting.

My 20-year-old step-daughter lived with us for about six months. Though we tried to insulate her from the constant chaos of kids, Teryn couldn’t escape the early morning wake-up calls, dinnertime negotiations, and a constant barrage of questions (“Where are you going?” “Who are you talking to?” “Why do you go to school at night?”).

It’s no surprise she knew exactly what Paul and I needed for Christmas–a babysitter!

Teryn gave us a movie gift card and a homemade ticket that reads, “Redeem for a night off. Admit 3. Ages 9, 7, and 5.” This gift is a treat for the whole family because I get to enjoy a date with my husband and the kids get to spend an evening with their big sister. The movie gift card is a wonderful bonus, but the babysitting alone is all she really needed to do. We can’t wait to redeem this very special gift card!

Click here for more Family Gift Card ideas.

DRAMA-FREE Christmas

After the post on turning a gift card into an ornament, my mom got into the spirit and created one of her own for an ornament exchange. It’s so cute, I had to share it with you…and will probably copy it myself this holiday season.

My mom got fancy with the details (no surprise), but all you need is a movie gift card and a little ribbon. Tie it up with a note that says, “Wishing you a DRAMA-FREE Christmas!” or “Hope this is the only drama you see this holiday season.” Cute!

Family trip to the movies, complete with popcorn, movie snacks, and gift cards.

I’m excited to announce our first Gift Card Giveaway.  Here’s what’s up for grabs!

We’re giving away a night at the movies, one of our family gift suggestions.  This prize includes a $25 gift card to Blockbuster (can be used online or in stores) and a $25 gift card to Regal Cinemas (and other partnering theaters).  You’ll also get movie snacks like Whoppers, Raisinets, Mike ‘n Ikes, and Milk Duds–all packaged up in a bucket of kettle corn ready to pop. Yum!

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends December 14, 2009 at midnight PST. Winner announced December 15, 2009.

To enter, answer this question, “What gift card would you most like to receive this holiday season?”