Americans are expected to spend nearly $30 billion on gift cards this holiday, according to the National Retail Federation. Most will be redeemed.

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers — just as long as you don’t stuff them in a drawer and forget about them after the holidays.

Americans are expected to spend nearly $30 billion on gift cards this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. Restaurant gift cards are the most popular, making up one-third of those sales.

Most of those gift cards will be redeemed. Paytronix, which tracks restaurant gift card sales, says around 70% of gift cards are used within six months.

But many cards — tens of billions of dollars’ worth — wind up forgotten or otherwise unused. That’s when the life of a gift card gets more complicated, with expiration dates or inactivity fees that can vary by state.

    • Alexstarfire@lemmy.world
      4·
      6 months ago

      I’m with you… but, sometimes you can get gift cards cheaper than what they are worth. Like, pay $40 for a $50 gift card to Lowes. If you know a person likes a place it’s a way to get more bang for your buck.

    • Xabis@lemmy.world
      3·
      6 months ago

      Reward points if using a credit card to purchase.

      Also, some stores in the states at least, like Kroger, give their own points for fuel.

      • joenforcer@midwest.social
        12·
        6 months ago

        Also cash feels much less personal when giving a gift.

        “I know you like X, so here’s a gift card to experience more of X” feels more thoughtful than “here’s some green cotton, do whatever”.