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?

Give your sweetie a Green Valentine

Get your eco-conscious sweetie a green Valentine this year. Pack an organic picnic lunch in a reusable shopping bag and deliver it with a gift card for an environmentally friendly adventure. Using Google, I had no difficulty finding green ways to tool around my nearby city. Blazing Saddles has gift certificates for bicycle or tandem bike rentals. Wheel Fun Rentals would allow me to pre-purchase and reserve surrey, carts, or electric cars. And I could get a gift certificate for a GPS-guided carbon-friendly GoCar tour in seconds.

If you prefer to skip the adventure, get a gift card to an eco-friendly store and give your guy or gal a shopping excursion instead. Maybe even start the day with a little Green Eggs and Ham?

“Green day” would also be a fun family or anniversary gift.

For more Valentine’s ideas, check out the Valentine’s Day page or read about Valentine’s Day on my blog.

And don’t forget to make a green Valentine card out of recycled materials.