I’ve seen ideas similar to this on Pinterest, but the card usually says something like, “Turning 40 sucks!” I think having a significant birthday is just the opposite. The body may be aging, but the heart and mind are improving. I would rather celebrate the milestone than snicker at it.

Skincare Raffle

I created this sucker pot as a birthday gift card holder. But a friend of mine just launched a new business selling skin care products and asked me for a gift card raffle idea. I didn’t have to think too hard. A plastic pot from Wal-Mart, styrofoam ball, and a bunch of suckers later–she had the perfect gift card holder for a night spent talking about the effects of age and ways to reverse the damage. (Yes, I bought some!)

Digital Download for less than a dollar.

Birthday Gift Cards

If the recipient isn’t too thrilled about completing another yearly revolution, a fun activity might lift her spirits. Though any gift card attached to this pot of lollies will work, a gift card to the spa, salon, gym, bookstore, bicylce shop, roller skating rink, or bowling alley might be particularly fun.

Download Today

I just added the downloads to the newly launched Gift Card Girlfriend Mall. With each download, you get three copies of the graphic plus a sheet full of suggestions for using it. Download once, use as many times as you’d like. Enjoy!

Target is a great, last-minute place to buy a gift card for Mother’s Day.

For me, Target is more than a store–it’s an experience. Unlike Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and other discount retailers who just want me to buy things, Target ushers me into the store with fountain drinks at the ready, returns that are easy, and designer duds at a discount. For these reasons and more, I’d rather shop Target than most other places.

Dress up a Target Gift Card

Target also does a good job of turning their gift cards into little gifts. Though not all come with an accessory, many do. Some, like the one shown, also contain a message.

Because of the cute floral pattern, I’d do one of the following with a Target gift card on Mother’s Day:

• Prop the flower gift card up in a potted plant
• Tie the gift card to a watering can (Target has several and they are SO cute.)
• Slip the gift card inside a new pair of gardening gloves
• Pair the flower card with a garden scented candle or air freshener

And don’t worry if Mom doesn’t like the accessory you selected. Target takes back almost anything. Maybe I’ll see you in the return line this Monday.

I saw this Tim McGraw gift card at Target and want to applaud InComm for their creativity in gift card designs.

We often talk about ways to make gift cards more personal because simply handing over a piece of plastic as a gift can make you feel sheepish. Unless there is something to look at (or “ooh and ahh” over), the gift exchange can feel awkward.

But in this case, the plastic is worth reviewing–and passing around the party.

Oh yeah, the gift card is for Outback Steakhouse. (If that matters.)

What Goes with Tim?

If you insist on dressing up this hunky gift card, below are a few suggestions:

• Deliver the gift card with a mix CD of your favorite Tim McGraw songs
• Deliver it with other things that are HOT such as Hot Tamales candy, Red Hots, Flaming Hot Cheetos, or Hot Sauce
• Complete the duo by pairing a Tim McGraw gift card with a Faith Hill CD or an inspirational quote, wall vinyl, or book on Faith.

Or….

Do Nothing. Like I said. This is one time when the plastic itself feels more like a present than just a placeholder.

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Just a quick post to let you know about a sale on iTunes gift cards at Target. Rarely do gift cards go on sale. When they do, it’s time to stock up!

Save All Year Round

Unlike food storage or couponing where you buy products to save for a rainy day, buying discount gift cards is like creating a sale for future shopping. You might not need to download music or apps for another few months, but when you do, you’ll be paying less. (Plus a stock of gift cards doesn’t take up much space!)

Target In Store

I checked Target.com and the sale does not appear to be online. So you’ll have to venture into the store. I realize stores can offer different sales regionally, so if you see something different in your area – let me know.

Will You Use It?

• Upcoming birthday gifts
• New apps or songs you want to download yourself
• Last-minute gift you forgot to get (always good to have one handy)
• Graduation gift coming up
The beauty of iTunes gift cards is that you don’t need apple products to use them. Most everybody I know likes to download music to play on whatever device he or she has. And even the most shocking old school people I know…still like to get a handmade CD to play in the car. So take advantage of this deal and save all year round.

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My friend Shannon is SHARING her recipes! This is not small. She’s one of those cooks who makes even the simplest of dishes taste better. She even inspired me to bust out the measuring cups more often than not this past week.

This gift card idea is a tribute to her new Blog, Lucy Jane’s Best. I gotta say, it’s a cute one.

Ingredients

• 1 Measuring Cup (any size)
• 1 Bag of Chocolate Chips
• 1 Gift Card
• 1 Cello Bag
• 1 Ribbon
• Immeasurable Gratitude

Directions

Throw Chocolate Chips in measuring cup. Plop measuring cup in Cello bag. Thread ribbon through hole in gift card backer and tie around bag. Add a heartfelt note with “Gratitude Beyond Measure.” Any gift card will do. A cooking store gift card, if appropriate for the recipient, would be the cherry on top of this delicious idea.

Substitutions

Substitute a measuring cup for any measuring device. And again, any gift card will work. But some fun combos include:

• Ruler with Gift Card to Office Supply Store (Great Teacher Gift!)
• Yardstick with Gift Card to Craft Store
• Measuring Tape with Gift Card to Home Improvement Store
• Sewing Tape Measure with Gift Card to Fabric Store
• Stop Watch or Distance Gauge with Sporting Goods Gift Card (Thanks Coach!)