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

Pick a gift card the recipient would want, not one you think he should have.

A couple of years ago, a parent at our school collected money to buy the teacher a gift card. Then she asked other school staff where the teacher liked to shop. Unanimously, they responded, “Target! She loves to go to Target!” To which the room mom said in disgust, “I’m NOT buying her a gift card to Target. I’ll get her something nice instead.” Then she took the collected monies and bought a gift card to a swanky restaurant in town. It’s always bothered me that the room mom bought a gift card she would want rather than buy a gift card the teacher would want.

In selecting a gift card, pick a place at which the recipient likes to shop, dine, visit, or hang out. Only veer from this list if you’re positively certain your choice is a stretch the recipient wants to make—not a stretch YOU want the recipient to make.

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

My best sports gal pal–the one who will drop anything for a game of tennis, basketball, softball, etc.–called me the other day for gift card advice. Her tween daughter had been invited to a princess party and Suzanne wanted to know if I could improve upon the present she’d put together. I tell ya, it was so darn cute, I had nothing to add. In fact, I made her promise to send me a picture when she got it all put together.

The Princess and The Frog Gift Card package included:
- Gift card to Target in shape of a frog
- Princess crown
- Princess wand
- Candy Kisses for her true love’s kiss

Is this cute or what!?

For other gift card ideas, check out the Kids and Teens section of my site.

A gift card for Mom plus an activity basket for big sister.

My girlfriend Melissa is having her second baby. What I think she’ll need most after delivering this little guy is a BREAK. I got her a gift card to a nearby sandwich shop so she’ll remember to feed herself lunch after the baby comes home (and Daddy goes back to work). I attached the card to a basket of activities for her toddler to play with when Melissa is nursing the new kid in town. (Download the “Take Care of Mommy” gift card holder in the New Baby section.)

Nurture New Mom with a Gift Card Tree

On the subject of baby showers, My sister-in-law just turned the group gift card idea into a fabulous baby shower present. Pooling money from friends, Megan bought gift cards to Target for last-minute baby needs, Panera Bread for comfort food, Jamba Juice to refuel, and Bellissima salon for pampering. She tied each card to a plant that will go in new mom’s kitchen—a lovely reminder of the shower and generousity of good friends.

Find other baby shower ideas in the New Baby section.

The secret to a happy baby
...trust your instincts.

I’m going to a baby shower tomorrow for a first-time mom. April is having a girl so the gift table is sure to be overflowing with oh-so-sweet pink blankets, dresses, nighties, and sockies. Cute as she’ll look in all that, baby girl is going to need practical items as well. I’m getting April a gift card to Target plus some Bag Balm—my secret weapon against diaper rash. There’s nothing glamorous about udder ointment, but darn if April won’t thank me later when the only thing not pink in the house is her newborn baby’s bottom.

Experienced moms like me are often full of advice. But I think the best thing you can give a new mom is a little reassurance. Because no matter what worked for you and yours, her experience is likely to be different. The “Secret Weapon” gift card holder that says, “The secret to a happy baby is…trust your instincts. You’ll do great!”

Download this gift card holder and get other baby shower ideas in the New Baby section.