I enjoyed reading all the ways in which your pops rock. I noticed something as well.

As moms, we’re just supposed to be there all the time–doing, making, supporting, lifting, uplifting, and doing a number of things to keep the cogs in the family wheel moving. Dads, on the other hand, seem to have a simpler roll: earn a living, be the heavy when needed, and nod in agreement to whatever mom decides.

What is apparent from reading your comments, however, is that when Dad comes up strong–offers a shoulder to cry on, says the right thing at the right time, tells you he loves you, or forgives you for doing something stupid–we notice. In fact, everything men do above basic parenting is a gift that appears to be recognized and appreciated. I’m saying this in a loving way. I’m saying this with new found insight as to the impact a father (or father-figure) can have on a child.

So I’m happy to announce the winner of the “My Pop Rocks” gift card contest is Jill who says not only does she know her dad rocks, but the whole community has it figured out as well. Congrats to Jill for winning and to her pop for being such a good guy. It really does matter.

Just out of high school, my dad started a band, cut a record, and signed a recording contract. After a little success and a few eye-opening experiences, he decided to go on a church mission and get his education instead.

Though his rock star days were short lived, he never stopped singing and playing the guitar at home. He often kicked off bedtime with a series of rock ‘n’ roll songs before ending with possibly the worst lullaby ever—“Old Shep” by Elvis. (The boy has to shoot his own dog. Are you kidding me Dad?)

In honor of my Dad and his sometimes poor song choices, we’re announcing the “My Pop Rocks!” Gift Card Giveaway for Father’s Day.

One winner, selected at random, will receive $60 in iTunes gift cards and a pack of Pop Rocks candy. You can take this idea, add a note telling dad why he rocks, and you’re all set for Father’s Day!

To enter this contest, leave a comment telling me why your pop rocks! And it doesn’t have to be music related. My pop also rocks because he taught me the value of hard work, how to make a lay-up, and got me interested in computers at a young age.

And don’t forget, we have other Father’s Day ideas on the site or you can take one of our birthday ideas for him and change the greeting.

Ok, answer the question! Why does your pop rock?

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends Sunday, June 20^that midnight PST. Winner will be notified by e-mail. Be sure our e-mail address (shelley@giftcardgirlfriend.com) clears your spam filter. If winner doesn’t respond within one month, a runner-up will be chosen.

Remember when Oprah gave a new car to everyone in her studio audience? Well, this is almost as fun.

I had a hard time picking a winner for the Jiffy Lube gift card contest. Although I picked Dolphin’s idea for turning the unexpected gift card into the perfect gift for an expectant mother, I really loved some of the other ideas as well.

Ideas that stood out include:

• Annie’s idea to give a Jiffy Lube gift card to her friend who is getting married and planning a road trip honeymoon. Great gift for the bridal shower!
• Heidi’s suggestion to give the gift card to her overworked husband so he can cross car maintenance off the weekend chore list as a thank you for all he’s been doing for the family.
• All of you who just wanted to give a Jiffy Lube gift card to someone in need–a new mom overloaded with life, a returning soldier getting back on his feet, a boyfriend driving all over town in search of a new job, and a sister who just needs a break.

Nicely done people. These are all ways to turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift.

In fact, Jiffy Lube LOVED your ideas so much that they’re awarding a $50 gift card to  EVERY PERSON WHO ENTERED THE CONTEST! Yes, that’s right. DolphinV27 gets the big prize. Everybody else will be receiving a Jiffy Lube gift card as well! See, I feel like Oprah and you are all part of my studio audience!!!

So if you entered the contest (and I know who you are!), you’ll be getting an e-mail from shelley@giftcardgirlfriend.com, so be sure it clears your spam filter. You have until May 1st to respond to my e-mail so you can collect your prize. Thanks for entering. And thank you Jiffy Lube!

Would you expect to receive a car maintenance gift card at your baby shower? Probably not. But DolphinV27 is the winner of the Jiffy Lube gift card contest because I loved her idea for turning the unexpected Jiffy Lube gift card into the perfect gift for an expectant mother.

I’m partial to baby thoughts right now because my little sister, designer of this site, just delivered her first child. Seeing her drive around with the empty car seat in anticipation of the baby’s arrival, reminded me that getting the car ready to safely transport a newborn is just as important as preparing the nursery. (Perhaps even more important!) A Jiffy Lube gift card can help parents do just that.

Another reason I picked this idea is because it’s scalable—you can make the gift elaborate or something quite simple. Dolphin suggests nestling a Jiffy Lube gift card into a new car seat along with a baby blanket and a variety of toddler travel items. Then add a note that reads, “Because you never know where life will take you,” which applies both to cars and to the adventures of parenting.

So that’s a big gift. But a Jiffy Lube gift card accompanied by a single baby travel item (e.g. car shade, sippy cup, travel wipes, etc.) would be less expensive and just as thoughtful.

Thanks DolphinV27 for helping us turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift. I’m adding your idea to the New Baby section and will be sending the Jiffy Lube Graduation gift card packet shortly!

Don’t miss the Mother’s Day give away to be announced shortly! Subscribe to this blog or follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you don’t miss the announcement.

I think of changing the oil in my car the same way I think about going to the dentist or cleaning the furnace vent. I know it’s important, but is certainly nothing I look forward to doing. And honestly, not my first choice in how I spend my money.

But a good friend of mine posted a comment on her blog that reminded me why practical gift cards like Jiffy Lube are sometimes even better than the fanciful ones. If I’m trying to save money, I can opt not to buy something I want but don’t really need (like a new tennis skirt). Putting off maintenance tasks (like taking care of the car), however, could end up costing me more later if I avoid them now in an effort to be frugal.

The Jiffy Lube gift card we’re giving away, inspired me to take better care of my car. With the Signature Service, I got a needed oil change plus a variety of fluid levels topped off. I also got the tire pressure checked which is something I’d been worrying about lately. And they vacuumed every last Cheerio out of the car. With three kids nesting in the back of that minivan, the vacuum service alone would have been worth the trip.

Coming out of the shop, I felt great. It’s truly a gift to take care of something that needs to be done without having to pay for it. So don’t feel bad about getting someone a gift card instead of a “real gift.” Chances are you’ll be giving them exactly what they need.

Don’t forget to enter the Jiffy Lube Gift Card Contest.

Jiffy Lube sent me a couple of $50 gift cards–one to give away and one to test drive. Ally and I ditched the boys last Saturday to get the “Hottesy” all tip-top again before going on a little shopping trip. Rex and the guys at my local Jiffy Lube took care of us right away–fast and friendly. (You can watch our video and read about the adventure in my next blog.)

For the give away, I love the idea of partnering this “on the go” Jiffy Lube card with the popular Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The combination would be wonderful as a:

• Graduation gift
• A going away present
• Congratulating someone starting a new chapter in their life
• Birthday gift for a new driver or someone who just got their first car
• Wedding gift for a young, newlywed couple

To enter this contest, leave a comment and tell me how you would turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift. How would you package the Jiffy Lube card? What items would you put with it and who would you give it to? (This is a family show, so keep it clean.)

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends April 15, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be posted on the site for one month and notified by e-mail. Be sure our e-mail address (@giftcardgirlfriend.com) clears your spam filter. If winner doesn’t respond within one month, a runner-up will be chosen.

Ok, answer the question! How would you turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift?