gift cards

Unlocking Hidden Wealth: What to Do with Unused Gift Cards

Discover how to make the most of unused gift cards hiding in your drawer.

Richard Walker

Richard Walker

— 2 min read
A cartoon illustration of a treasure map made from an arrangement of gift cards spread out on a wooden desk
A cartoon illustration of a treasure map made from an arrangement of gift cards spread out on a wooden desk

Have You Checked Your Drawer Lately?

Believe it or not, there might be hidden wealth lurking in your own home. I'm not talking about that antique vase in the attic—I'm talking about gift cards. Yes, those little plastic or digital cards you got for your birthday or last holiday season, often forgotten in a desk drawer or at the bottom of a purse.

Many of us have them: unused gift cards collecting dust, their balances waiting to be uncovered. The real question is, how much could they be worth, and what should you do with them?

A hand drawn style image of a person excitedly finding old gift cards in a drawer

Finding Hidden Treasure

Rediscovering these cards can feel like a small jackpot. You might surprise yourself with just how much they can add up.

  • Take Inventory: Gather all your gift cards and make a list. Note the store, the balance (if available), and the expiration date.
  • Clean Out: Sort out cards with expired balances or those you can't or won't use. But don’t toss them just yet—more on that below!
  • Prioritize Usage: Use cards with expiry dates first. Remember, it's as good as cash for that store.

Beyond the Original Store

Stuck with a card from a store you rarely shop at? You're not alone. My friend once found a card for a gourmet cheese store—she’s lactose intolerant.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Regift: Know someone who’d appreciate it more?
  • Sell or Exchange: Websites like Cardpool or Raise offer platforms to sell or trade your unwanted cards.
  • Charitable Donation: Many organizations accept gift cards as donations.
Cartoon-style marketplace with people exchanging gift cards happily

Creative Ways to Use Gift Cards

Perhaps all your cards are for stores you love, but they still manage to stack up. Here are some creative ways to maximize their value:

  • Budget Booster: Use them during tight months to purchase essentials on someone else’s dime.
  • Treat Yourself: Splurge without guilt using your “free money.”
  • Gift Purchases: Use cards to buy gifts for others, effectively saving cash.
A creative hand-drawn illustration of someone using gift cards for household items creatively

What’s in Your Wallet?

Almost everyone has lost track of a gift card or two. Next time you’re tidying up, take a moment to inventory these cards. You never know; the payout might surprise you.

So, have you checked your old gift cards lately? What’s the most interesting way you’ve put an unused gift card to good use?

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