Wish my iPhone had a flash!

I took my kids to see Toy Story 3 this morning. I don’t normally like the animated flicks, but I chuckled even more than the little ones this time. Toys I hadn’t thought about in years showed up on screen like old friends. (Including a few toys I coveted but never got to make friends with, like that three story Barbie Apartment!) But the best part of the day was using the gift card I found last week to offset the cost of admission.

Saving Money

This little Disney-Pixar flashback would have cost me $45 without the gift card. That’s a lot of money for a matinee, especially when I’m trying to stretch the family budget across a summer’s worth of activities.

While a movie gift card may no longer be the most original gift to give, it’s still a great gift for a kid, teen, family, or anybody who likes to go to the theater. The recipient might not use it right away, but is certain to appreciate it when they do.

Make the Movie Gift Card More Personal

Partner a movie gift card with some movie snacks, popcorn, or something relevant to the movie you think they’re most likely to see. For Toy Story 3, for example, get a slinky akin to the one in the movie. For the new Twilight movie, Eclipse, get a gift card to the movies with some fake blood and vampire teeth. Or, if you’re like me, a movie gift card would go perfect with a purse size salt shaker for the tub of popcorn I’d buy once I got there.

With the kids home for summer, my once quiet work-from-home mornings have turned into a swirl of Legos, Wii games, flying Nerf balls, flying Legos, and a constant barrage of tattle-taling (You don’t want to know about my new threat, ominously called, “The Tattle-Tale Treatment.”). I can barely remember what day of the week it is, much less get anything done. And just when I feel guilty about that, I remember that it’s summer–my kids are old enough to remember the days we share, and young enough to still want to share them with me. What a treasure.

Another Treasure

So today, I shook my head in shame and then threw my arms into a double fist pump when I found an unused movie theater gift card tacked to the bulletin board in my office. ME, the one who spends her days obsessing about gift cards, forgot I had one. Unacceptable!

Then the self-loathing mixed with euphoria turned to anxiety as I wondered if the unused gift card would still be usable. On the back of the gift card, I found a web address on which to check the balance. Thankfully, I still had $21 to spend at the movies. (Back to the fist pumping!)

No More Worries

The good news – as of August 22, 2010, gift card laws are changing in a way that you’re less likely to feel anxious about unused gift cards. The new law says that gift cards can’t expire in less than five years and you can’t be dinged a non-use fee for at least a year. Most importantly, in my opinion, terms such as these must be clearly specified on the card before purchase. No more wondering.

So if I ever find another unused gift card in my possession, I won’t have to worry or wonder about whether or not I can still use it.

Now, my friends…Shrek 3, Toy Story 3, or Karate Kid? Any help here?

The whole family makes a sacrifice when a parent is the coach.

Last year, my husband helped coach my son’s basketball team. At the end of the season, one of the moms gave me an orchid and said, “We know it’s a sacrifice for you to have your husband coach.” This sweet gesture has stayed with me ever since–recognizing that coaching is a family commitment.

I’m in charge of the coaches gifts for my older son’s baseball team. Following her example, I got each coach a gift card to the movie theater and a bowl full of movie-themed treats. On the card I wrote, “We know the family gave up a lot to have you coach our boys. We are grateful for your family and hope you enjoy a nice night out. You all deserve it!”

Check here for other Thank You Coach ideas.

Give the recipient something to open now. The gift card will be enjoyed later.

One of the reasons gift cards can feel emotionless is because there’s nothing to open–no wrapping paper to rip, no ribbon to wrestle. You simply hand over a piece of plastic tucked inside a greeting card. And though the recipient will certainly have a good time later, the basic card presentation is lackluster.

That’s why I like to give a little something extra. I’m not talking about a random trinket or a cute gift card holder. I’m suggesting pairing the gift card with something (inexpensive, free, or homemade) that creates a thoughtful vignette around the gift card itself. For example, rather than just give mom a gift card to the salon for Mother’s Day, get her a gift card for a pedicure and take the time to photograph or make footprints of her children’s feet. Add a note that reads, ”From our feet to yours.” This simple act turns a typical gift card presentation into a sentimental surprise–something for mom to cherish now and a moment to savor later.

A movie gift card is easily paired with popcorn and typical theater candy. A music gift card can be paired with a playlist or burned CD of “our songs.” A gift card to the cooking store can be tucked in a stack of new recipes to try.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help. On my site are hundreds of ideas to jump start your creativity. Though it may take a little extra effort to deliver a gift card in this way, doing so is the final rule to follow if you want to turn a 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

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

The South Carolina State Park Service just announced that it’s now offering gift cards for rental of its cabins, campsites, picnic shelters and meeting facilities. I just love this idea. And had to do a little Googling to see if my great state of California offers gift cards as well. Of course, they do. I’m so happy!

I’m always on the lookout for gift ideas for families we exchange presents with over the holidays. Rather than buy individual items, I like to get something the entire family can enjoy, preferably an activity. I’ve given bowling tickets, DVD rentals, and movies passes. But a gift card to the state park would be new and different. I’d probably pair it with some bug spray and a first aid kit or rain ponchos for everybody. Maybe even throw in s’mores fixins that they can eat now in anticipation of a summer camping trip.

A state park gift card would also be a great Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift because it encourages family togetherness–just be sure to include a homemade gift card to do all the laundry when you get back!

Check the GCG web site for other family, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift card ideas.