Give the recipient something to open now. The gift card will be enjoyed later.

One of the reasons gift cards can feel emotionless is because there’s nothing to open–no wrapping paper to rip, no ribbon to wrestle. You simply hand over a piece of plastic tucked inside a greeting card. And though the recipient will certainly have a good time later, the basic card presentation is lackluster.

That’s why I like to give a little something extra. I’m not talking about a random trinket or a cute gift card holder. I’m suggesting pairing the gift card with something (inexpensive, free, or homemade) that creates a thoughtful vignette around the gift card itself. For example, rather than just give mom a gift card to the salon for Mother’s Day, get her a gift card for a pedicure and take the time to photograph or make footprints of her children’s feet. Add a note that reads, ”From our feet to yours.” This simple act turns a typical gift card presentation into a sentimental surprise–something for mom to cherish now and a moment to savor later.

A movie gift card is easily paired with popcorn and typical theater candy. A music gift card can be paired with a playlist or burned CD of “our songs.” A gift card to the cooking store can be tucked in a stack of new recipes to try.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help. On my site are hundreds of ideas to jump start your creativity. Though it may take a little extra effort to deliver a gift card in this way, doing so is the final rule to follow if you want to turn a gift card into a thoughtful gift.

Read all of my gift card rules:

• Gift Card Rule #1: It’s Not About You

• Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location!

• Gift Card Rule #3: Buying Power

• Gift Card Rule #4: Avoid the Gotchas

• Gift Card Rule #5: Something for Now and Later

Read the back of the gift card to learn about possible fees and expiration.

In 2009, laws went into effect that prohibit gift cards from expiring before five years from the date of purchase. Some states enacted stronger laws and those take precedence over federal. (You can check your state laws here.)

In my opinion, the most important change is that terms of expiration must now be clearly and conspicuously stated on each gift card. So I always flip over gift cards to check for gotchas before purchase. As companies come into compliance, finding this information has gotten easier. For example, at Target, gift cards clearly state, “No fees. No expiration. No kidding.” That makes it easy.

Be aware, however, that rebate gift cards are different. For example, if a store offers you a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card, the $10 bonus card (or rebate) may only be valid during a specified time period. Certainly, this information should also be marked. Though you can keep the rebate gift card for yourself, it’s also fine to give it to the recipient along with the other card–making sure to point out the difference.

Admittedly, I’ve tripped over this one myself. My husband and I received a gift card plus rebate card to Benihana. But we didn’t notice the rebate gift card could only be used during a certain time frame until after we’d polished off our Splash ‘n Meadow combos. Oops.

Though fewer gotchas exist, it’s still a good idea to look for terms on any gift card you purchase. If you can’t find that information clearly marked, pick another card. Doing so will be just another way to ensure the recipient gets the most out of your gift card gift.

Read all of my gift card rules:

• Gift Card Rule #1: It’s Not About You

• Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location!

• Gift Card Rule #3: Buying Power

• Gift Card Rule #4: Avoid the Gotchas

• Gift Card Rule #5: Something for Now and Later

Be sure the recipient can buy something without spending her own money.

My sister-in-law recently gave each of my children a $10 gift card to Target. Though ten dollars isn’t extravagant, it can be used to buy a variety of things at that particular store. Matthew bought a book. Ally bought a shirt. Michael is saving up for a new Wii game so he put the card away in his wallet. (Good boy!)

The dollar amount you put on a gift card should give the recipient enough buying power to make a purchase without spending additional cash. Otherwise, your well intentions could turn into more of a burden than a gift–requiring the recipient contribute towards his own present or possibly not use the gift card at all.

That doesn’t mean you need to spend more than you can afford on a gift card. Stay within your budget, but choose a gift card accordingly. If your limit is $20, for example, then a gift card to Kohl’s or Jamba Juice, where low-price items are available, would be more fitting than a gift card to Anthropologie or Outback Steakhouse, both of which are more expensive.

Picking the right dollar amount is another way to show you put some thought into selecting a gift card.

Read all of my gift card rules:

• Gift Card Rule #1: It’s Not About You

• Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location!

• Gift Card Rule #3: Buying Power

• Gift Card Rule #4: Avoid the Gotchas

• Gift Card Rule #5: Something for Now and Later

Make sure the gift card can be redeemed at a convenient location or online.

I like to go to the movies. Though there are a variety of theaters in my area, Regal and Cinemark are closest to my house. So gift cards to those venues are most desirable to me.

Before settling on a gift card, be sure the recipient can use the card at an easily accessible location–in town–not in a major metro city that seems close enough. If you’re not sure, check store locations online and take the time to enter both the recipient’s address and the store’s address into an online map to verify the distance.

If you’re still not sure, get a gift card to one of the following instead:

• A store that offers online purchasing such as Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, or Gap. If the store isn’t convenient, the recipient can still shop online.
• A web site, accessible to all, such as Amazon.com, eBay.com, or Overstock.com.
• A service finder such as Fandango.com or SpaFinder.com so the recipient can choose which location to visit.
• A bank issued gift card such as Visa or AMEX that can be used almost anywhere.

If the gift card isn’t easy to use, it won’t be. And nobody wants that. While checking locations is a lot to think about, doing so can help you turn any gift card into a thoughtful gift.

Read all of my gift card rules:

• Gift Card Rule #1: It’s Not About You

• Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location!

• Gift Card Rule #3: Buying Power

• Gift Card Rule #4: Avoid the Gotchas

• Gift Card Rule #5: Something for Now and Later

Pick a gift card the recipient would want, not one you think he should have.

A couple of years ago, a parent at our school collected money to buy the teacher a gift card. Then she asked other school staff where the teacher liked to shop. Unanimously, they responded, “Target! She loves to go to Target!” To which the room mom said in disgust, “I’m NOT buying her a gift card to Target. I’ll get her something nice instead.” Then she took the collected monies and bought a gift card to a swanky restaurant in town. It’s always bothered me that the room mom bought a gift card she would want rather than buy a gift card the teacher would want.

In selecting a gift card, pick a place at which the recipient likes to shop, dine, visit, or hang out. Only veer from this list if you’re positively certain your choice is a stretch the recipient wants to make—not a stretch YOU want the recipient to make.

Read all of my gift card rules:

• Gift Card Rule #1: It’s Not About You

• Gift Card Rule #2: Location, Location, Location!

• Gift Card Rule #3: Buying Power

• Gift Card Rule #4: Avoid the Gotchas

• Gift Card Rule #5: Something for Now and Later