Read the back of the gift card to learn about possible fees and expiration.

In 2009, laws went into effect that prohibit gift cards from expiring before five years from the date of purchase. Some states enacted stronger laws and those take precedence over federal. (You can check your state laws here.)

In my opinion, the most important change is that terms of expiration must now be clearly and conspicuously stated on each gift card. So I always flip over gift cards to check for gotchas before purchase. As companies come into compliance, finding this information has gotten easier. For example, at Target, gift cards clearly state, “No fees. No expiration. No kidding.” That makes it easy.

Be aware, however, that rebate gift cards are different. For example, if a store offers you a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card, the $10 bonus card (or rebate) may only be valid during a specified time period. Certainly, this information should also be marked. Though you can keep the rebate gift card for yourself, it’s also fine to give it to the recipient along with the other card–making sure to point out the difference.

Admittedly, I’ve tripped over this one myself. My husband and I received a gift card plus rebate card to Benihana. But we didn’t notice the rebate gift card could only be used during a certain time frame until after we’d polished off our Splash ‘n Meadow combos. Oops.

Though fewer gotchas exist, it’s still a good idea to look for terms on any gift card you purchase. If you can’t find that information clearly marked, pick another card. Doing so will be just another way to ensure the recipient gets the most out of your gift card gift.

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

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

Make sure the gift card can be redeemed at a convenient location or online.

I like to go to the movies. Though there are a variety of theaters in my area, Regal and Cinemark are closest to my house. So gift cards to those venues are most desirable to me.

Before settling on a gift card, be sure the recipient can use the card at an easily accessible location–in town–not in a major metro city that seems close enough. If you’re not sure, check store locations online and take the time to enter both the recipient’s address and the store’s address into an online map to verify the distance.

If you’re still not sure, get a gift card to one of the following instead:

• A store that offers online purchasing such as Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, or Gap. If the store isn’t convenient, the recipient can still shop online.
• A web site, accessible to all, such as Amazon.com, eBay.com, or Overstock.com.
• A service finder such as Fandango.com or SpaFinder.com so the recipient can choose which location to visit.
• A bank issued gift card such as Visa or AMEX that can be used almost anywhere.

If the gift card isn’t easy to use, it won’t be. And nobody wants that. While checking locations is a lot to think about, doing so can help you turn any gift card into a thoughtful gift.

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

I started this site because I want to show people how to gift card without feeling guilty. But I discovered that most of us need a little more help than that. We need to know what to do with unwanted gift cards, what to do with the balance left on a card, how to avoid gift card fraud, and so forth.

To meet this need, we added the “Solution Center” to our site. This is where I’ll put advice and information on some of your biggest concerns, such as:

• Gift cards are too impersonal.
• Not sure what to do with unwanted gift cards.
• Givers don’t want recipient to know how much they spent on a gift.
• Gift card fraud, expiration dates, and hidden fees can ruin the gift card experience.
• Kids and gift cards create a new set of problems.

As I navigate the gift card industry, I’ll update this page with ways to help you avoid gift card pitfalls so you can gift card with confidence instead. Check it out: Solution Center.

I attached a clothing gift card to the cookie dough, but really you could couple it with darn near anything.  This is a guilt-free gift card that is sure to get a reaction!

(Download the Christmas Dough tag here.)