Before Easter, I bought a $100 JC Penney gift card from Plastic Jungle for $84. Today I am reporting back on my shopping trip.

The Purchase

I used the gift card to buy the following Easter clothes for my two boys:

• Two pair of khaki pants
• Two Izod pastel shirts
• Two coordinating ties

The Savings

The grand total came to $100.05. I handed over the $100 e-gift card I’d printed on the computer and owed just a nickle more. Remember, however, that I REALLY only paid $84.05 for my purchase. And yes, I felt just a little smug as I strutted out of the mall with my double-digit savings. I’m no extreme couponer, but am pretty proud of myself when I create a deal using a little smarts.

Worth the Effort

Because I already planned to shop JC Penney for Easter clothes, taking a few minutes to order a discount gift card before making the trek is like flipping through the ads before walking out the door. The process is simple. And if you order e-gift cards, the gift cards arrive the same day. These are the sites I regularly use.

Think Ahead

The holidays aren’t the only time you’ll likely have some pre-planned shopping to do. There’s “back to school” time, spring break, and summer vacation that will likely spur shopping as well. Think ahead and consider purchasing discount gift cards to ease the financial burden during these times of the year.

.

If you’re planning to buy a new Easter dress, have a birthday gift to purchase, or are in the process of updating your home decor for spring, then check out these deals on gift cards. Plastic Jungle, one of the many gift card exchange sites, sells gift cards for less than face value. The discount offered depends on the popularity of the card. But in many cases, you will save at least double digits.

Through March 30th

While supplies last, take advantage of the following offers:

• Save 13% on JC Penney gift cards
• Save 9% on Old Navy gift cards
• Save 9% on Banana Republic gift cards
• Save 12% Kohl’s Options gift cards
• Save 16% on Anthropologie gift cards
• Save 6% on Best Buy gift cards

Follow my lead

I just ordered a couple of e-Gift Cards from JC Penney. I had already planned to shop there for my boys’ Easter Sunday clothes. Since I am able to get these cards quickly (don’t have to wait for the plastic cards to arrive in the mail), I decided to buy two for my upcoming shopping trip. I feel pretty good having done this because I often shop that store for my kids. This way I know I’m getting a deal before I even head to the register.

In the market for some new duds from Anthropologie? Then do yourself a financial favor and start your shopping at Plastic Jungle first. (PJ is one of my favorite websites for buying and selling used gift cards.)

On March 13th/14th, Plastic Jungle is selling Anthropologie gift cards at a 16% discount.

(No code required. Just click the link above.)

One for Me…One for You

I did a quick check on Plastic Jungle to see what gift cards are available. There are several, but most are in the $200-$300 range. If that’s a little steep for your budget, remember that you can split the discounted gift card from Plastic Jungle into smaller (full value) gift cards at the store.

Here’s how:

• Brainstorm upcoming gift needs such as birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, etc.
• Buy the highest dollar Anthropologie gift card you can afford at Plastic Jungle.
• When the gift card arrives, go to Anthropologie.
• Do your personal shopping.
• Buy new (smaller denomination) gift cards with whatever money is left over.

Although you bought the gift card at a discount, it’s still worth the full face value. So buy a $325 Gift Card for $273. Spend $225 on yourself and get a $100 gift card for someone else.

Worth the Effort

Yes, it takes a little extra effort to buy discounted gift cards before you go shopping, but a 16 percent savings cannot be ignored. While you’re at Plastic Jungle, look for savings at other stores you like to shop. Some gift cards are even available electronically, so you don’t have to wait long for the discount to arrive.

The great thing about buying discount gift cards for personal use is that the decision to buy is ALL about the savings. The typical anxieties over giving a gift card are totally gone.

Although I planned to do some of our back-to-school shopping at Old Navy, I bought this Baby Gap gift card at PlasticJungle.com for a double-digit savings. Since this baby gift card can be used at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and other stores owned by the same company, it didn’t matter to me which brand was on the card–only that I could save money buying and using it.

Where to Buy Discount Gift Cards?

I’m a fan of PlasticJungle.com because of the selection and prompt delivery. But you can shop various sites to find the gift cards and discounts you need. Below are a few options:

• GiftCards.com – Up to 25% off Merchant Gift Cards
• Cardpool.com – Buy Discounted Gift Cards For Up To 30% Off!
• PlasticJungle.com – Save up to 35% at your favorite department store! PlasticJungle.com – The new way to save money.

Stack Coupon Codes and Extra Savings

Stack discount gift card savings with in-store coupons, online offers, and online coupon codes to save even more! Below are a few to consider:

• Starts 8/12/2011: Get 25% off your purchase of $100 or more with coupon code BRSUMMER25. Expires 8/16/2011.
• Starts 8/11/2011: Kids Back to School Event: 30% Off Regularly priced items with coupon code GCKIDS. Expires 8/17/2011
• Save up to 90% on Used Textbooks – Order today at BarnesandNoble.com!
• Free Shipping to Home on School Uniforms at Walmart.com!

Do you shop JC Penney or Kohl’s? If so, click over to GiftCardRescue.com and buy gift cards for personal shopping.

3 Reasons to Buy Gift Cards for Youself?

If you shop these stores anyway, might as well get 16% savings before you even head into the store. Here are 3 reasons to buy gift cards now for future purchases:

• Back to School Shopping – Ease the budget crunch that happens at the start of each school year. Both stores have great Back to School sales. So buy the gift card now and combine the 16% savings with in-store offers and you can save a bundle.
• Cheap summer clothes – We just went through the kids drawers and all are in need of shorts and t-shirts for the summer. With a 16% savings at either store, I can get what we need for less.
• Graduation or Wedding gift – Give the gift card as the gift or use the 16% savings to buy a traditional gift at either of these stores. They have everything from clothes to furnishings.

Break it up!

Wanna know a trick? You can buy a gift card with a gift card–which allows you to get a gift card that looks like new or break up the dollar amount into smaller gift card denominations. For example, get a $100 gift card at GiftCardRescue.com for $84. When the used gift card arrives in the mail, go to JC Penney and buy two $50 gift cards that look new and are ready to gift. (Plus, that’s an easy way to ensure the gift card is valid.

We have a winner!

We have a winner! “Shenais” is the winner of the Family Playtime gift card giveaway. She gets to choose from the following online games gift cards, compliments of Gift Card Mall:

• Nexon
• Sony Playstation
• Xbox Live
• Adventure Quest
• Neopets
• Stardoll

You know I’m a fan of the gift card kiosk. I did almost all of my Christmas shopping this season while at the grocery store. I saved time by not not making trips to a variety of stores. I saved money by taking advantage of gift card promotions. And I also stuck to my holiday budget (possibly the first time, ever) because gift cards are always available in my target amount. No more combing the aisles looking for a gift that fits and is priced right. Phew!