While trolling for gift card ideas, I came across the cutest of all ideas on the BatemanBuzz blog. I knew the second I saw it that I could convert this idea into a favorite gift card holder.

Great Idea For…

This idea is great for birthday, coach’s gift, Father’s Day and any time you want to reward (or say thank you to) someone who is into sports.

Here’s How

• Get a mason jar (I got mine at Walmart), but you could just reach into your cupboard
• Fill jar with gum balls, malt balls, foil wrapped chocolate balls, etc.
• Get a ball-themed gift card like Footlocker, Sports Authority, 24-Hour Fitness, Champs, MLB, Golfsmith, etc.
• Get crafty. Spray paint lid, tie with ribbon. String our “Have a Ball” Gift Card tag on the jar.

So cute. So Easy. What a ball!

Shop digital downloads to make your gift carding easier!

Gift cards are great, if you get the one that you want–or at least one you know you can use. But if you know immediately that this is one you are not likely to use (ever), then do something about it right now! Don’t stick it in your wallet for months hoping to feel differently, trade it in for another card or for cash.

Exchange Unwanted Gift Cards

There are many ways to turn a gift card into cash. You won’t get the full value of the card, but getting a high percentage of cash back is better than holding the card indefinitely and getting nothing. Below are two gift card swap sites I’ve used personally:

• Plastic Jungle: Sell your gift cards for cash! Get up to 92% of the balance. You can opt to get paid by check, PayPal, exchange for an Amazon.com gift card.
• Cardpool.com: Sell Your Gift Cards For Cash at Cardpool.com! You only receive payment by check, but you can actually sell the gift card electronically–meaning you can cash it in without sending the physical card.

Sneaky Alternative

If you received a gift card to a store that has a kiosk, then go to the store and use your gift card to buy a new one. For example, if you received a Michael’s Craft Store coupon and you’re crafted out from the holidays, go to Michael’s anyway. But a new gift card from their kiosk and pay for it with the Michael’s gift card. Totally works. Totally legit. More legwork than using a swap website, but you get full value for the card.

And don’t forget to check out my other advice: Eight Ways to Use Your Gift Cards.

Since I started this site, people have said, “Love the ideas–but can you PLEASE just do it for me? Can I just buy and ship directly?” The answer is finally, “Yes you can.”

Why so long?

If you’re wondering what took me so long. The answer is to that is I’m a mom, first and foremost. And I want to be an involved mom. Ramping up the business to create gift card vignettes that I am proud to present takes time and effort. Hard to do when you’re sitting at Little League games and teaching FAME at school. Gotta keep the priorities straight people.

Can I order now?

Yes. My local friends can drop by to shop in my workshop. My online friends will have to wait a few more days. Maybe you won’t get it in time for Christmas, but rest assured you’ll be able to order great birthday gift cards vignettes and perfect holiday presents in 2012. Look at that–my New Year’s Resolution is already made and in the works.

Whatya got?

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I love the idea of giving an Ancestry.com Gift Membership this holiday season. I started doing genealogy about a year ago. And though I don’t have much time to devote to the activity, I feel compelled to nurture my family tree whenever I can.

Who would enjoy this gift?

Give an Ancestry.com Gift Membership to:

• An Individual. Great idea for someone interested in family, in need of a new hobby, or who likes to use the computer.
• A Teenager. Kids are better at computers than adults, and genealogy can be interesting and addictive. It’s better than video games! An activity like this could bring the whole family together.
• A Family. This would make a great family gift from you or from your entire family. (“From our extended family to yours”)
• Blended Family. All of our families are blended in one way or another. Start researching the family tree and see how alike we all are.
• Newlyweds. What a fun way for the new couple to merge tree branches and start a family tree of their own.
• New Parents. Researching our family tree took on new meaning when I put my children at the beginning. This would make a great baby shower gift.
• Someone in Mourning. Researching family lines might help him deal with the future by connecting to the past.

This gift would also be a wonderful sentiment on Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Grandparents Day.

Make the Gift Membership Fun

My ideas for making a genealogy gift membership more personal:

• Christmas Tree. Attach the gift membership to a mini-Christmas tree. Tie it on with a bow or make it into an ornament.
• Tree for the yard. Attach the gift membership to a tree that is ready to plant. They can grow both trees at the same time.
• Garden tools. They can use both tools for cultivating.
• Seed packet. Smaller than a tree, easier to mail. Deliver a gift membership for growing a family tree plus seeds to grow a real tree or plant.
• Family picture. Doing genealogy is about connecting families and finding out who you are. Deliver a gift membership with a picture of your family or their family. Or find a picture frame that says, “Family.” (I’ve seen several).
• Miracle Grow. Using Ancestry.com is like putting Miracle Grow in your garden. With the tools on this site, growing your family has never been faster, easier, or produced better results.
• Book on Genealogy. Deliver the membership with a book or a list of websites to help the recipient get started.
• Time. Volunteer to help with the effort. Doing genealogy together is like solving a mystery or putting together a puzzle. You’ll have fun as a team.

Through a series of events this past year, family has become increasingly important to me. And not just my own family. I’m compelled to bridge the gap with my in-laws, step relations, and distant relatives. We may not see each other daily. but we are all part of the same family tree. Ancestry.com is helping me see that–both literally and figuratively.

You’re standing in the check-out line and suddenly remember you need to buy a gift. Below are quick ways to grab a gift card, turn it into a thoughtful gift, and be on your way.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Everybody eats. But the key to making a grocery store gift card personal (and not look like you just picked it up while running your own errands) is to pair the gift card with some favorites. Get a gift card to Sprouts and deliver it with:

1. Staple. Always a winner. Grab a Sprouts shopping tote she can fill when she returns to the store.
2. Favorite. Pick a favorite item from the Sprouts shelves. It might be one of your favorites, something the kids love (and don’t complain about), or the recipient’s favorite. If your friend loves spicey foods, try a spicey marinade. If she’s into granolas, grab something fun and flavorful from the bulk bins.
3. Inspiration. Pair a Sprouts gift card with one of their many fresh options. Try something you know she’ll like or can cook with (bell pepper) or go for an inspiration item she isn’t likely to grab on her own (fresh chestnuts).

Another idea is to throw it all in the shopping bag and attach the gift card to the outside–this gift would be perfectly thoughtful–and put together in a jiffy!

You’re standing in the check-out line and suddenly remember you need to buy a gift. Below are quick ways to grab a gift card, turn it into a thoughtful gift, and be on your way.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft

If you’re getting a gift card for a crafty gal or a seamstress, then this project is easier than a no-sew fleece blanket. Get a gift card to Jo-Ann and deliver it with:

1. Tote. A shopping tote to fill when she returns to the store.
2. Inspiration. An idea book or magazine she can flip through for inspiration.
3. Savings. The In-Store Class Schedule, the current circular with upcoming coupons, and a stack of “Sew with Jo-Ann” creativity starters.
4. Common supplies. The items every crafter goes through quicker than a kid with a candy bar. Think Aleene’s Tacky Glue, glue dots, double-sided tape, foam brushes, etc.
5. New Products! The gadgets and new designs you want to try but aren’t sure you should. Think cheetah print Duck Tape, Wilton Sugar Sheets, or Smooch Spritz.
6. Your Favorite Product. Gift her with a product that you’d love to share with her. It can be as simple as a jewelry clasp that’s easy to open, a sewing needle that’s easy to thread, or a scrapbook embellishment that makes the pages pop.

These items are so inexpensive, you could throw them all in the shopping bag with the Jo-Ann gift card and have a perfectly thoughtful gift–put together in a jiffy!

Teachers Love JoAnn Gift Cards

In addition to the friends and family you know who like to shop at craft stores, a JoAnn gift card is also a great idea for Teacher Appreciation. JoAnn even gives discounts to teachers. Tie a JoAnn gift card to a box of tissues, whiteboard markers, or other class staple and you’re all set.
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