Following the generally bad press that gift cards received during the holiday season of 2008, a number of retailers have come together to form the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), with the aim of building a positive image of closed-loop gift cards. Members of the Association include Best Buy, Subway, Wal-Mart Stores, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Limited Brands, Nike, Applebee’s and Marriott International. This is a good development and consumers will be the ultimate beneficiaries.

However, for this to work, the association must address the reasons underlying the bad publicity they got from the media, legislators and consumer groups. One of the main issues has to do with bankruptcy. As the economy gets worse, more retailers are going bankrupt and there is no uniform standard regarding what happens to outstanding gift cards when a retailer goes bankrupt (whether it is Chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy).

For example, when the Sharper image went bankrupt in 2008, they initially refused to honor gift cards. After pressure from consumer groups and some state Attorney Generals, the company relented, but only allowed customers to redeem part of their gift cards. Similarly, when the Bombay Company went bankrupt in late 2007, they refused to honor gift cards. Gift card holders had to file a claim with the bankruptcy court and were only able to get 25 cents on the dollar.

Furthermore, when electronics retailer Tweeter went bankrupt in late 2008, the company announced they were only going to redeem outstanding gift cards for only 5 days. It was only after Attorney Generals from a few states, including Maryland and Connecticut stepped in did the company extend the gift card redemption period to run until their liquidation sale was complete.

It is true that many of the major retailers that have gone bankrupt recently have redeemed gift cards, like Circuit City, Linens ‘N Things and Mervyn’s. But without uniform guidelines or standards, examples like the Sharper Image and Tweeter will continue to reflect badly on gift cards in general, thereby hurting all retailers. While consumers have the option of filing a claim with the bankruptcy court should a bankrupt retailer refuse to honor gift cards, that option is not viable since gift card holders are unsecured creditors and would therefore be at the bottom of the pecking order.

Therefore the best thing the association can do is to encourage their members to offer some kind of bankruptcy guarantee where consumers will be assured that they will be able to redeem their gift cards should the card issuer go bankrupt. That will not only generate good publicity but will also boast gift card sales, thereby benefiting the retail industry as a whole.

If deciding on an actual gift idea is proving to be a problem this Christmas, the perfect solution might well be the Red Letter Days Gift Card. Available in a variety of denominations, this innovation in gift-giving is flexible and designed to suit every individual, budget and taste. Ranging in value from £50 to £1000, the stylish and easy to store Gift card is the key to a world of exciting, indulgent or unusual experience options.

As well as redeeming the experience of their choice, Gift Card holders can top up the value at any time they wish, or use it for an experience from a lesser denomination range then utilise the remaining credit at a later date.

Gift Cards can be purchased via the website and by phone and can also be found at selected branches of Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Clintons (need conf on where exactly we have rolled out). Watch out for the ‘Golf’, ‘Spa’, ‘Light Aircraft Flight’ and ‘Thames Lunch Cruise plus Flight on the London Eye for Two’ specialist Gift Cards, which are also available in some stores!

The Red Letter Days Gift Card is also ideal for the Corporate market, and can be used to incentivise, motivate, and reward staff, clients and customers. They can be customised with a message from your company, adding a personal touch that will make your gift stand out from the rest this Christmas.

The £50 Gift Card options include Scuba Diving for Two, Massage, RIB Powerboating on the Thames and Snowboarding, proving adventures come in all sizes, great and small. The ideal stocking-filler or a more unusual Christmas box, this is much more fun than bath salts and a chocolate santa.

Step up to the £75 Gift Card and options include Ice Climbing, A Cowboy Adventure, Sushi School and Dumper Truck Racing, while the £100 Gift Card offers a Pamper Spa Day, Wimbledon Tour, Body Flying and Spy Academy.

With the £125 Gift Card there are opportunities to enjoy Ferrari Driving, Aerobatic Flying, A Dinner and Theatre Evening for Two or a Golf Masterclass, while the £150 Gift Card includes an Urban Spa Ritual, Top Shop VIP Experience with £100 in Vouchers, Tall Ship Sailing and an Introduction to Polo.

A £200 Gift Card gives access to Mosimann’s Academy, Rally Driving, Hot Air Ballooning or a Tiger Moth Flight among many others. The £250 Gift Card choices incorporate Range Rover Driving, Eagle Handling for Two or a Private Family Flight over London.

The £500 Gift Card is the gateway to some very special experiences and gifts, that include Classic Car Driving, A Marriott Two Night Break for Two, Glenmorangie Malt Whisky Break for Two and Porsche 997 Turbo Driving.

To give someone access to their dream experience, why not present them with the ultimate £1000 Gift Card? Options range from Orient Express trips for two to An Overnight Stay at Le Manoir Ecole de Cuisine, Raymond Blanc’s award-winning hotel and restaurant. High-fliers can opt for Top Gun Aerobatics for Two or a Champagne Balloon Flight for Two. Or alternatively, why not pick a selection from other ranges and keep the balance on account credit for another time?

Flexible, aspirational, stylish and very simple to use, the Red Letter Days Gift Card solves all your gift-giving problems at Christmas and throughout the year. Although with so many choices, they might have difficulty deciding what to do!

There are several occasions when you need to buy a gift for your family, friends and acquaintances. To choose a gift can sometimes become a difficult task. Certain things always crop up in the mind of the buyer, whether the recipient will like it or not or it may be the case that the person has everything.

To save you from this problem online gifts cards have come which will provide the complete satisfaction gifting something of his/ her choice. They make the perfect choice for gifting as the recipient can buy anything that their heart wishes. These gift cards work like gift vouchers. Internet companies with storefronts and retailers usually offer gift cards.

Online gift cards are available in different denominations. You simply have to choose one and the company will take the pains of sending the Virtual card directly to the recipient along with an encrypted e-mail having ID number to ensure safety of the gift card. These cards work like gift vouchers, you have to type in the virtual number given when you check out after choosing the gift.

After receiving the gift people go to the particular website, place the order of the items they want after that they enter the ID number at checkout. The amount of the item is deducted from the account and the left over amount can be used later.

It has been found that many people who have gifted and those who have used it both feel satisfied and contented. People prefer to go for it simply because it does not require lengthy procedure. At the same time you don't have to tax your brain or search shops for the ideal gift for your near and dear ones. Even the recipient does not have to compromise with what he/she gets.

While choosing a card make it a point to search online the stores which offer wide range of products. These cards have no expiry date which makes it the best choice. The one who possess the card can redeem it even after 3years. Some people prefer giving cash instead of gifts but that usually ends in spending the money on other thing except buying a gift.

One such gift card is E bay gift card from E bay- the world's online market place. For choosing this card you need not to be the registered user of E Bay once you shop here you will find there is something for one and all. But to buy E Bay certificate it should be purchased using Pay pal (an E Bay company).

One should check the conditions laid out for redeeming the certificate before buying the card. In all, the online gift cards are a wonderful way to present someone so that the person can really go in for a product of his or her choice. So next time, you want to gift someone, just don't forget about the online gift cards.

Gift Cards Can Be Good

You can barely walk thru a grocery store or many other outlets without seeing racks and racks of gift cards. Are they safe and are they as convenient as promoters would have you think they are?

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) offers guidelines for issuance of Gift Cards. Unfortunately the OCC guidelines are nothing more that that â?? guidelines. They are not law. So gift card purchasing is strictly a â??Buyer Bewareâ? environment.

Gift Cards from some very conscientious sellers can be an awesome gift. They offer convenience and practicality. Gasoline credit cards, store discount cards, retail specific gift cards, prepaid telephone and credit cards and so many more can all lead to a gift giving buyers dream of convenient shopping and idea generation. They can be easily mailed and can be a very well received by the recipient. But generally gift card promotion and popularity has less to do with customer convenience and far more to do with incredible profitability.

The Retailer Simply Cannot Loose.

Consider the fact that a gift card is for a specific amount. If the recipient uses the card for less than the full card amount of the gift, the balance usually remains on the card to be used for the same service or at the same location. But often times a balance remaining of less than $5 usually remains on the card and this is pure profit for the issuer. As an example a $15 gift card for a CD that costs only $13 will usually have the remaining $2 remain on the card until expiration. The thought is, what are you going to buy for $2 and the issuer knows this.

On the other hand, if the recipient uses the card for more, the additional amount of purchase is from the recipientâ??s pocket. For example, letâ??s say the same consumer from above elects to use the extra $2 for a second CD. Now the retailer has just made more money from an add-on purchase. The retailer simply cannot loose.

Additionally the consumer is obviously required to be at the establishment. The single greatest advertising cost is the cost of bringing in new customers. But gift cards are a free method of accomplishing this purpose. PR newswire on January 9, 2008 reported: â??Fifty-three percent of gift card redeemers often or always spend more than the card value, and most likely over two store visits rather than one.â? Not bad for simply offering a piece of plastic.

Buyer Beware

Now lets consider less than conscientious sellers:

OCC suggests the expiration date of the gift card should be on the front of the card. Is it? (Considering that a gift of money would not expire at any point, why does a gift card expire?)

Are any fees monthly or otherwise listed? Some cards have a $2.50 monthly fee tacked on after a certain period of time. It does not take long to significantly reduce the amount of purchase at that rate.

Issuers should not advertise â??no expirationâ? if fees eat at the balance if not used immediately.

Cards should have some means of contacting a customer service. Does it?

Obviously theft of cards has to be a major concern simply because of the same convenience as stated for the consumer.

Gift cards lead the market of the 81 billion dollar pre paid industry and are expected to top 52 billion dollars in the next 5 years. That being the case, it is unlikely that gift card will disappear very soon. Hopefully what will disappear however are the scams and abusive practices some promoters utilize. Gift cards are sufficiently lucrative never to need such practices.

Readers will probably be interested to know Mike, the author of this article, also offers a free debt elimination mini-course via e-mail. You can enroll at Debt Free In 7.5 Years.

Gift cards used to be thought of as impersonal gifts, that should only be given as a last resort or to people you didn't care much about. However, in recent years all of that has changed. In fact 80% of people hope to receive a gift card instead of an actual present, and in 2007, the most sought after gift during the holiday season was a gift card as well. Here are some of the benefits of giving and receiving a gift card that has made them such a popular present in recent years.

No More Disappointment

Since very few people will actually tell you what they truly want as a gift, a gift card can eliminate the disappointment that is evident when you get someone something that they do not enjoy. With a gift card, the receiver is free to pick out whatever they choose, instead of relying on your psychic abilities to provide a good present.
Everyone has a hideous sweater, unsightly tie, or a dozen useless knickknacks lying around that they have received from friends and family members throughout the years. When give a gift card to someone, you are ensuring that you will not be the giver of one of those disappointing gifts.

Great for Last Minute Gifts or New Acquaintances

Gift cards make perfect last minute presents. They are available at my gas stations, drug stores, and even online. You can send someone an online gift card that can be printed from their computer literally minutes before their birthday if you like. This makes them perfect for that almost forgotten occasion, and keeps you from feeling bad.
They are also perfect for those new acquaintances that you do not know well enough to purchase a real gift for. Business owners big and small alike should also consider gift cards as a solution to holiday or incentive gift giving. Since they probably do not know their employee's tastes that well, a gift card is an ideal present in such situations.

Variety is the Spice of Life

There is no end to the variety of gift cards that are available. Even local small businesses are now beginning to offer gift cards for their goods or services. Whether you are looking to purchase a card for a restaurant, golf course, Movie Theater, or high end department store, gift cards are available for them all. No matter what someone is interested in, there is a card that will put a smile on their face.

They are no Longer a Giving Faux Pa

In the past, many people have hesitated to give gift cards as presents because it was considered a giving faux pa. It was not acceptable to present someone with a card that let them know exactly what you were spending on them. However, now it considered a courtesy to give someone a gift card and allow them to pick out something that will truly make them happy.
Gift cards have now become the top item on everyone's wish list, and gift givers are finding it easier to please with the large selection of cards that are available. Businesses have found the giving such cards as incentives or bonuses encourage employees to work harder, and provide for greater company satisfaction. All around gift cards have now become one of the hottest gifts to both give and receive.

Here is how to check your gift card balance. The first step is to read the information at the back of the card. Gift cards typically provide you at least one of the following ways to check your balance:

Call a Toll Free Number – This is the most popular way to check the balance on a gift card. Majority of gift cards have a toll free number at the back of the card for you to call to check your balance. You need to have your gift card number available, and in same cases, the pin or access number (you may have to scratch-off the protective covering to reveal the pin number). 

Go Online - Some retailers allow you to check your gift card balance online, via the merchant’s website. The website address is typically provided on the back of the gift card. Just like with the phone verification, you need your gift card number, and in some cases, the pin or access number to check the balance on your gift card online. 

In addition, if you are unsure about how to check your gift card balance, your best bet is to visit the website of the gift card issuer. They typically have instructions online about how to check your gift card balance. 

Go to the Store - Some gift cards can only be verified at the store. The Home Depot gift card is an example. This can be a real inconvenience, especially if you do not have a store location close by. I still don’t understand why some stores only allow this option. 

A note about online gift cards, also called e-gift certificates. Merchants that issue these online gift cards usually provide detail instructions on how to check your balance with the email that comes with the card information. Be sure to save that email as you may need it later to check your balance. If you deleted the email, contact the card issuer, via their website on how to get another copy of the email to check your balance (you can find that information from the gift card FAQs). 

Gift cards – some see them as being impersonal and unthoughtful but why not let the person you are buying a gift for chose what they want? Especially with the economy as it is with people struggling financially, a gift card can be used by people to buy treats which they could not afford with their own money. If people buy gift cards really sensibly and get them from superstores, people can even use them to buy essentials if they are strapped for cash, especially after Christmas when everyone has spent money on other presents.

Gift cards are also environmentally friendly as they can be used time and time again, encouraging people to go back to the same store therefore building up customer loyalty. You can also have your cards made out of corn by some suppliers, an option that companies really wanting to make an environmental statement do, they are made from a renewable source and will attract people who have ethics at the forefront of their minds when making any purchases.

Gift cards no longer have to be boring either – stores can be creative with them, allowing people to create personalised messages, creating plastic cards with amazing designs on them that stand out from other stores gift cards. By putting your logo on the plastic card along with an outstanding design you can increase brand recognition, unusual designs will leave a lasting impression on the customer.You can be really imaginative with your designs and make them stand out from your competitors.

The tools used to make and manufacture plastic gift cards are becoming more sophisticated and companies can now choose from a wide variety of special techniques to personalise their plastic cards.

Gift cards are becoming more and more popular as presents and are no longer seen as a last minute present. Receivers of them are pleased that they are able to choose exactly what they want, instead of getting an unwanted gift that ends up unused at the back of a cupboard. Gift cards can also be personal in the stores you can use them at, people can buy particular gift cards depening on the receivers personality and their hobbies.

A gift card scheme has various benefits for retailers – mainly in the areas of cost reduction due to the elimination of the need for secure handling and fraud. The US retail market, where plastic gift cards were first introduced, has also seen significant benefits in terms of sales uplift over paper vouchers mainly due to increased promotional opportunities provided by the gift cards.

Companies who are striving to improve their customers experiences see a gift card scheme as a way to greatly improve their voucher offering to the customers as well as having significant benefits for the business. The plastic cards are a vital part of many companies operation.

In conclusion, gift cards are a winner for everyone; for the person receiving the gift because they can purchase what they want; the person giving the gift because they can be content in knowing they have given a welcome present and also the store as they are getting customers in the shop.

They are a great gift for the person who has every or who is difficult to please.  Retailers love them and they are a multi billion dollar industry. Gift cards have exploded onto the scene over the past number of years as a fast and convenient way to give a gift to someone.  And most people love getting them since you always know that you will be getting something you really want.

Just how popular have gift cards become? Well numbers found from Statistics Canada showed that in 2003 about one third of all retailers were running a gift card program.  Three years later that number had increased to around 82% of retailers that sold gift cards in their stores. And the biggest reason could be convenience.

If you have a teen who just got their driver’s license it is not exactly practical to wrap-up a canister of gas as a present and you certainly are not going to give them your credit card. But you can very easily give them a gift card for $100. Or by giving a card that is good for a bus or train ticket you will not have to worry about travel dates since the card can be redeemed for a ticket at any time.

One of the most successful and popular types of gift cards to give someone is for coffee shops. These can be given to family, friends and co-workers and really is the gift that keeps on giving with a little caffeine jolt every morning.  Retailers like Star Bucks even lets you purchase another gift card for someone using the credits that are on your own card.

There are even gift card options that are geared specifically for the wealthy clientele.  The Four Seasons hotel chain offers cards with denominations of $1,000 up to $5,000.  And if that is not enough for you, you can contact the head office and arrange for a whopping $100,000 value gift card. For that amount of money will want to find a great gift card holder to put it in.

While gift cards remain convenient and popular there is a drawback in purchasing them and that is that unlike store merchandise, these cards never go on sale. For the recipient of the card, they can buy sale items and make their redemption money go further. But the person giving the card would not have the to opportunity to buy a higher priced item at a discounted price.

Another thing to consider is the store that the card you are giving is good for.  Since a large portion of gift cards go unredeemed you will want to make sure that the person you are giving it to shops at or has a keen interest in that store.  The last thing you want is to waste money on buying a card that will never be used.

Still gift cards can make a great present especially for those in your life that can be hard to buy for. And since many retailers issue them you can be sure to find one that’s right for the person on your list.

Gift cards are an increasingly popular alternative to the hustle and bustle of special occasion and holiday shopping.

Although convenient, these little offerings are quite impersonal. Nothing screams, "I didn't take time to find something you'd like" more, than giving a gift card or gift certificate as a present. It might even prompt close loved ones and best friends to question how well you really know them. After all, if you truly knew their likes and dislikes, selecting the perfect gift for them should be a cinch.

Why Do People Send Gift Cards?

One of the main reasons shoppers turn to gift cards is because they are the easiest way to satisfy gift-giving requirements. They are quick and allow consumers to spend the exact amount of money they intended to dole out on a present. Gift cards are also the quickest way to complete gift-giving duties and are immediately activated after purchase.

Then there are the shoppers who really have no clue what to purchase as a gift. This is especially common when selecting presents for children and teens. With their ever-changing tastes, it can sometimes become impossible to pinpoint the latest trend.

Why not let kids do all the work while enjoying the process, yourself? Younger recipients of gift cards don't take the gesture too personally and often welcome the freedom of being able to pick out their own gift. But, even in this case, there are different ways to personalize this gesture.

Making Gift Cards More Personal

If you insist on giving family and friends a gift card, there are numerous ways to smooth over impersonality. Sending the card along with a small gift lets them know you haven't completely forgotten what makes them tick. Does your sister love dogs? Pair a gift card with a thoughtful book of canine- related quotations. Does your mother enjoy rose-scented bath and beauty products? Send her a basket of lotions and soap along with a gift card for some of her own favorites.

Still don't have any ideas for the purchase of a small gift? Consider accompanying the gift card with a sentimental personal photo. If you take the time to select a memorable photo, recipients are more willing to accept the gift card because their focus will be on the photograph. http://Walmart.com allows consumers to upload their own pics and have then personalized with the recipient's name. All you have to do is pick up the completed items at your local Walmart Digital Photo Center, which is ready within an hour.

At http://Deluxe-card.com, you can have a little more fun and design your own Visa-brand gift cards from a variety of creative options. The embossed message on the card also adds to the uniqueness.

Although there are fees associated with this method (including processing and dormancy fees), it is still an interesting gift that overshadows the impersonal nature of gift cards. It only takes 2-3 days to create these personalized wonders that make great holiday keepsakes.

When to Avoid Giving Gift Cards

There are specific occasions when gift cards are simply inappropriate - times when the recipient can legitimately expect that you really do know their tastes (think anniversaries, weddings and Valentine's Day.) Think twice before buying a gift card for these occasions. If you don't know what to buy, an inexpensive or funny little present is usually a better choice. For most people, it really IS the thought that matters.

Also, gift cards make terrible presents for people who simply dislike shopping (yes, such people do exist.) And e-gift cards must often be redeemed online, making them unsuitable for people who'd rather battle crowds than buy from a website.

If you do choose to give gift cards for holidays, birthdays and other special events, it's a good idea to personalize the gesture to incorporate a warm touch and sense of effort.

A way of expressing your love or gratitude to a person is to buy a gif for him. Itâ??s a matter of great delight when you see the smile of happiness on the receivers face. Itâ??s really a wonderful feeling to experience. But sometimes this approach of buying gifts of the persons choice proves difficult as you cannot really make out what the person needs. Many a times the gift goes in vain and all the efforts put into buying the gift seem useless. Worse than that, itâ??s a hard feeling to find out that your gift has ended up in the yearly garage sale of that person.

To avoid such experiences and to utilize your time in much better way the only way out is Gift Cards. Itâ??s a new way of expressing your love and gratitude. Yes, Gift Cards are here to save you from the brainstorming work of selecting a gift. Now simply gift a person a Gift Card so he can choose a gift he wants. A gift card is like a cash voucher where the receiver can simply get it remitted wherever and whenever he chooses to do so. More over the gift cards are accepted all over the United States and there is no expiry of that. So whenever the recipient chooses to buy the product of his choice he can simply use the gift card and thank you for such wonderful gift. There are many types of gift cards to choose from like online gift cards, best buy gift cards, Chilis Gift cards, American Express gift cards etc.

Itâ??s a wonderful idea to gift your father a gift card on Fathers day to show how much you love him. Enough of gifting him neckties, socks, wallets or hankies on this day. Usually there is no novelty in such gifts and your father never feels special about your gifts. Instead gift him the Fatherâ??s day Gift Card. Using this card he can buy a product whenever and wherever he pleases. If heâ??s a movie buff he can buy himself new DVDâ??s, if heâ??s a sports freak he can buy himself some a new set of Golf Clubs, if heâ??s a computer geek he can get his system updated or a new or expanded version of his favorite computer game. So much so are the uses that he will buy whatever he needs and will thank you for his heart for such a wonderful gift idea.

Share the happiness with him and let him choose what he wants. It would be the best Fatherâ??s Day Gift you have ever thought of for such a wonderful person in your life. You can choose from the recommended Home Depot gift cards, Ticketmaster Gift cards, Orvis gift cards, Dickâ??s Sporting Goods gift cards, iTunes gift cards for iPods, Frontgates gift cards etc.