According to the National Retail Federation, the gift card industry has exploded into over a $100 billion dollar industry every year. Gift cards have been the most requested gifts for years. They are the gifts that keep on giving – recipients can get the items they really want. But, every year about $5 billion goes unused. By using a few of the following tips you can get the most out of your cards.

• Read the terms and conditions: With the Credit Card Act of 2009, gift cards can only expire after 5 years and inactivity fees can only be charged after 1 year. All fees and information must be printed on the card, so read them.
• Stretch your cards: Use gift cards with other promotions. Wait until an item you want goes on sale or with a coupon. Most store cards can be used for online as well so wait until the site offers free shipping for find a coupon code.
• Add your returns to your gift card: This may be something not everyone will like. But, if you receive a gift you don’t need or want return it to the store and add the balance to your existing card to get something more expensive.\
• Re-gift your gift cards: If you receive a card to a store you know you will never use it is okay to give the card to someone else as a gift if it is to a place they frequent.
• Exchange your cards: There are websites available to swap your unwanted gift cards. Remember, these sites are a business and you won’t get 100% of the value. The sites will buy your unwanted gift cards for a portion of the value and send you a check or a different gift card. You can even purchase other gift cards on these sites at a discount.
• Donate it:. If there is a small balance left on your card instead of just throwing it away sites like PlasticJungle.com will allow you to donate the remainder to a charity of your choice.