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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Unless you’re new to this site, you know that I love the iTunes gift card. It’s so versatile. You can use it to download music, apps, games, and more. The gift cards are easy to redeem and you don’t need an iPhone or iPod to use it. It’s a great gift for young and old alike.

Heart Card

Target has an iTunes gift cards with little headphones in the shape of a heart. So cute. I had to try it out with my classic, “You Rock” gift card holder.

I filled a mason jar with rock candy. But you could also deliver it with Pop Rocks candy, Rocky Road candy bar, Rock Star energy drink, and beyond.

Or get the kids involved and paint rocks for the garden. It’s so easy to improvise!

Gift Card Tag

Download the “You Rock” digital download to get started. If you’re not in the mood to do it yourself, you can buy it here and I’ll do the work for you.

Check here for other Valentine’s Day gift card ideas.

Your college student probably won’t know WHAT she needs until she cracks open the dorm room for the first time.

Only then will she discover that the space is half the size of her room at home, with a fraction of the closet space, and cinder block walls that won’t hold the pictures she brought.

I remember it well–each “my half of the room” creating it’s own set of challenges year after year. Invariably the organizers I bought the year before didn’t quite work in the new space. And off I’d go to shop for replacements. I didn’t mind setting up the new pad, but I did mind spending my precious few dollars on stuff I might not need the next year.

Gift Idea for College-bound Kids

If you have a college-bound kid in your life, send him packing with a gift card to Target, Walmart, or The Container Store and deliver it with a roll of quarters and a jug of laundry soap (if he’s driving off to school) or a box of dryer sheets (if he’s flying). Funny how gifts change when you’re on your own for the first time.

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• Walmart Gift Card
  Buy Now at
  Walmart.com
• Laundry Hamper
  Buy Now at
  Walmart.com
• Laundry Detergent
  Buy Now at
  Walmart.com

More College Savings

Save 30-80% on College Storage Gear at Target.com
Smart Savings on College Essentials at Walmart.com!
College Must Haves at The Container Store

Target Gift Card makes the Perfect Cupcake Topper!

Ally was so excited to taste the cupcakes that she didn’t even notice the Target gift card on top!

Hands Off!

When Ally helped my friend Kelly sell cupcakes at a fundraiser, she came home with a box of cupcakes as payment. She was thrilled, bragging to her brothers that she’d earned the tasty treats, telling all of us to keep our hands off them. She got even more excited (and a little bossier) when Kelly dropped off a second set of cupcakes for her to taste test. Only after she’d stuck a fork in nearly each one did Ally notice that the “Thank You” note on top was actually a gift card to Target.

Target Does it Right

Target does a great job of offering gift cards in a variety of styles, with a wide range of expressions–making it easy to turn their gift cards into fun vignettes of affection.

For Joy!

Ally honestly would have been thrilled with just the cupcakes or just the gift card. But the combo made her squeal with delight–and I’m pretty sure that’s what Kelly was going for. Thanks Kelly!

Kids make bookmarks to go with bookstore gift card.

We just finished a family gift exchange and my kids are THRILLED with the Target gift cards they received. They also got iTunes gift cards from our dear friends and have already downloaded enough songs to keep them singing right through the winter break. My step-daughters gave Paul and I a gift card to the movies and dinner–along with free babysitting. (Priceless!)

Don’t Panic:

If you still have some shopping to do – grab a gift card. Then grab a little something extra so the recipient has something to open and enjoy right away.

We received:

1. Gift card to Fandangowith theater snacks and a coupon for free abysitting.
2. Gift card to Target along with a giant, click-able pen.
3. Gift card to iTunes along with some yummy caramel corn, each with a different flavor hint that we’ve been testing.

We love the gift cards and look forward to using them. And the carefully selected accessories made the gifts fun to open.

Go Electronic if You Have to:

And don’t forget the electronic gift card options if it’s too late to ship. You can try sites like Tango card or Gift Card Mall found on our Links page. You have about 24 hours to finish that shopping list, so take my ideas and get to work!