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.

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