I saw this Tim McGraw gift card at Target and want to applaud InComm for their creativity in gift card designs.

We often talk about ways to make gift cards more personal because simply handing over a piece of plastic as a gift can make you feel sheepish. Unless there is something to look at (or “ooh and ahh” over), the gift exchange can feel awkward.

But in this case, the plastic is worth reviewing–and passing around the party.

Oh yeah, the gift card is for Outback Steakhouse. (If that matters.)

What Goes with Tim?

If you insist on dressing up this hunky gift card, below are a few suggestions:

• Deliver the gift card with a mix CD of your favorite Tim McGraw songs
• Deliver it with other things that are HOT such as Hot Tamales candy, Red Hots, Flaming Hot Cheetos, or Hot Sauce
• Complete the duo by pairing a Tim McGraw gift card with a Faith Hill CD or an inspirational quote, wall vinyl, or book on Faith.

Or….

Do Nothing. Like I said. This is one time when the plastic itself feels more like a present than just a placeholder.

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My sister sent me a link to this Date Night in a Bag gift idea and I love it. But not for the reason you might think. Date Night to Me My husband and I love going to the movies. But we found a bowl of popcorn and shows on the DVR to be much more practical after the brood started growing.

Source: thedatingdivas.com via Shelley on Pinterest

Think Baby

I love this idea for a baby shower because heaven knows when that newborn arrives, mom and dad won’t have a second to themselves for about 18 years. They will have to create date night in a bag, on the couch, with a fox, in a box, and whatever else ways they can figure.

I can honestly say that my husband and I probably wouldn’t swap this bag back and forth. But I do think it would make a fabulous gift. And the gals at The Dating Divas include several other date night suggestions. Each, would also make terrific baby shower or wedding day gifts. Thanks for sharing, ladies!

Quite possibly the cutest version of the Cookie Dough jar I’ve ever seen. It’s a seriously great gift on it’s own. But you know me…gotta think gift card. How to Add a Gift Card Let’s play on that “dough” theme. Add a gift card and write the words, “Thought you could use a little extra dough.” As is, the idea works for any gift card and for any occasion. But here are a few ocassions when money is particularly useful: Graduation. Visa or Mastercard gift card is perfect for grad. Wedding. Gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond sounds about right. New Baby. Gift card to Target or Babies R Us. Moving. Gift card to Home Depot or other home-inspired store. Holidays. A gift card around the holidays would be welcome in my home! You can write, “Thought you could use a little extra dough on your wedding day” or more generic, “Everyone can use a little extra dough this time of year.” Either way, what a great message and fun way to deliver a little extra dough in a fun, personal, thoughtful way. Happy Gift Carding!

Source: flickr.com via Shauna on Pinterest Source: southernliving.com via Brennaon Pinterest

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Besides websites like Plastic Jungle,
Cardpool.com, and GiftCards.com that sell used gift cards for less, there are currently very few opportunities to buy discounted gift cards on a regular basis. During the holidays, you might find the odd promotion. But typically new gift cards can only be purchased at face value.

Gift Cards on Sale at Costco

I’m a fan of the big box warehouse store. Costco never disappoints (except when they switched from Diet Coke to Pepsi at the food court). So I am thrilled to see an increasing number of discounted gift cards available at one of the places I already love to shop.

The Good

Although the selection is limited, the prices are great. I often see $100 restaurant gift cards for around $79.99 or package gift cards like 5 x $10 Jamba Juice gift cards for only $39.99. That’s a 20% savings. Costco also offers discount gift cards for local stores and attractions.

The Needs Work

Costco gift cards are paper based. Unlike the plastic cards on a rack that need to be activated, Costco gift cards already contain value and they look more like coupons. Since gift cards lack presentation anyway, the Costco cards are especially challenging. So my advice in this area, of course, is to deliver the gift card with something else from Costco. (We’re not trying to pretend you didn’t buy it there.)

• Deliver a discount spa or nail salon gift card with a book or magazine from the great selection in that area.
• Deliver movie tickets with a tub of red vines.
• Deliver a water park gift card with one of the great beach towels Costco sells during the summer or a family pack of sunscreen.
• Deliver a restaurant gift card with one of Costco’s specialty desserts.

The options are endless.

Just because….

Just because the gift card itself is a little u-g-l-y, doesn’t mean you can’t make it attractive by adding something extra. The recipient will likely figure out you got the gift at Costco for a discount, but because the gift card is part of a meaningful gift, he or she won’t care. I know I wouldn’t.

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I love to see a gift card delivered in a fun, engaging, clever way. It doesn’t have to be crafty–just show a little thought and effort went into the gift. Well, I should have known my mom would come up with the best idea of them all.

Happy Birthday

On my husband’s birthday, Grandma showed up on our doorstep AS the GIFT CARD HOLDER. She tied a Fandango and a Coldstone gift card around her neck with a grosgrain ribbon and said, “These gift cards come with babysitting.”

Time is the Ultimate Gift

I am lucky to live so close to my mom. She comes over every Friday night after she gets off work to teach my kids how to play the piano. After the lessons, she changes into her “Grandma clothes” and watches the kids while Paul and I go on a date. She says she’s not babysitting, she’s “grandparenting.” I don’t care what she calls it. I look forward to the night out with my husband all week. The gift cards were truly icing on a generous cake.

You Be the Gift Card Holder

This is such a simple idea, but how often would your service actually be more meaningful than the gift card or gift itself? Think of those occassions when showing up might be the greatest gift of all. Deliver the gift card with a list of possible dates you’re available or a coupon for your time. Here are some ideas I thought of:

• Moving. Gift card to home depot with your offer to help pack, unpack, clean, or paint.
• New Baby. GIft card to a sandwich shop plus your babysitting (or just baby holding) while new mom gets to eat.
• Big Brother or Sister. Deliver gift card to ice cream shop and offer to take older siblings out for a treat while mom is with the little one.
• Gardening. Gift card to garden store and offer to help pull weeds.
• Teacher Thank You. Gift card to Bookstore and offer to volunteer time helping out in the classroom.

Is the Gift Card Necessary?

Of course not. The gift of time is always precious. But if you’re struggling to make a gift card more personal, consider putting your person into the gift like my mom did. So simple. So loving.

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This is a great way to give a restaurant gift card on Valentine’s Day or to a signifitant other on a special day.

Download the “My heart burns for you” digital download to get started.

Restaurant Gift Card

Deliver a restaurant gift card with something that gives you heartburn (such as spicy foods) or something that helps you get rid of it (antacid or Pepto-Bismol). In the example shown, I tied a Chipotle Restaurant gift card to a jar of Chipotle salsa. (A homemade jar of salsa would be even better!)

Candlelight fire instead

Another way to use this tag is to deliver a gift card with a candle, set of matches, or a candle accessory such as a candle sleeve. Any gift card will do since the candle theme will match up nicely with the burning heart idea, but a gift card to the spa would be a fitting touch.

Or a Campfire

Tie a gift card to Bass Pro Shops, REI, or the camping store to a fire starter, stack of firewood, or a handy lighter. Add the “heartburn” tag and you’ll all set.

Check here for other Valentine’s Day gift card ideas.