Gift Cards

What To Do With Unused Gift Cards

Eric Williams Written by: Eric Williams
Mike Reyes Edited by: Mike Reyes
Last Updated May 6, 2022
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a woman holding a gift card

Do you have some unused gift cards lying around, and not used what to do with them? Maybe you got one for the holidays in December but can never find anything you want to spend it on? Or maybe you’ve just been hanging onto that $10 Starbucks card from your birthday for months now because you can’t seem to find an opportunity to use it.

Don’t let those unused gift cards gather dust in your wallet! Here are a few ideas on how to put them to good use.

7 Things To Do With Unused Gift Cards

Like most people, you have a few unwanted gift cards sitting in a drawer somewhere. But what should you do with them?

While it may be tempting to hold on to them if you need them someday, there are a few good reasons to get rid of them sooner rather than later.

For one thing, unwanted gift cards can clutter your home and make finding the things you need challenging. In addition, keeping track of multiple gift cards can be difficult and time-consuming.

Unwanted gift cards can cost you money in fees and lost value over time. So how long should you keep a gift card? While there is no hard and fast rule, we have the best ways for you to utilize your unused gift card.

Let’s dive into it.

Sell Unwanted Gift Cards For Money

a person selling an unused gift card gets money in exchange

If you have unwanted gift cards taking up space in your wallet, there’s no need to let them go to waste. Instead, the quickest approach to transforming a gift card into real money is selling it for cash.

You can sell unused gift cards for cash and use the money to improve your personal finances. 

However, there are a few different ways to do this.

The first thing one can do is check with online marketplaces that specialize in buying and selling gift cards. These platforms will usually offer you a fair price for your card.

Another option is to sell your card directly to a friend or family member who may be interested in using it.

Websites like Cardcash and Raise.com are some of the most popular places to sell gift cards online.

Whatever route you choose, selling unwanted gift cards can be a great way to boost your bank balance.

Donate Unwanted Gift Cards

Even if you don’t need a specific gift card, a charity may appreciate it. For example, you can use the card to buy much-needed items for a local food bank or homeless shelter.

You will be helping out a good cause, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing that your unwanted gift card is getting used for something good.

Many organizations accept gift card donations; The advantages include the convenience, the tax write-off, and the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. 

You can look to charities like giftcards4change and kars4kids to donate your unused gift cards.

Buy Items To Donate With Gift Cards

Donโ€™t like the idea of donating unused gift cards? Instead, consider buying things to donate. It is an excellent option if you have a charity or organization that you regularly donate to.

You can use your gift card balance to purchase items from stores and donate those items to a charity. But, if you have a card left unused for a long time, remember to check the remaining balance before going shopping.

By using your gift cards, you can help out a good cause and get rid of the unused balance.

Buy Gifts For Friends And Family

If you’ve received a gift card and you’re not sure what to buy with it, why not use it to buy a present for someone else? There are a few options for how you can go about this.

First, double-check the gift card’s balance, then use it to purchase an item. Or, you can browse through a store’s selection until you find something that you think the recipient will love and then use the gift card to cover part or all of the cost.

Either way, you’ll be able to spend money from the gift card and make someone else’s day a little brighter in the process. So next time you’re feeling stumped about what to do with a gifted card, remember that there are plenty of options available.

Regift Unwanted Gift Cards

Although gift cards are a popular gift choice, they can be challenging to use if they are for stores that you don’t usually shop at. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair – you can regift the card to someone who will appreciate it more.

There are a few things to keep in mind when regifting a gift card. First, make sure to check the card’s balance before giving it away. It would be embarrassing to give away a gift card with an expired balance!

Secondly, it’s essential to be discreet – your recipient may not be thrilled to know that you regifted their present.

Finally, try to choose a creative way to wrap the card so that it looks like a new and thoughtful gift. 

Buy Something To Sell With Gift Cards

One of the best options to use your gift card balance is to purchase items that you can sell for a profit. Many online platforms make it easy for you to find buyers for your products for sale.

By using your unused gift cards, you can get a head start on stocking up on inventory for your business. For example, if you have a Walmart gift card, you may use it for stuff thatโ€™s on sale, and then sell it on an online auction site like eBay, or on social media. Remember to keep the purchase receipt so you can prove the game’s authenticity to buyers.

If you have a clothing gift card, you can use it to buy an outfit from a high-end retailer and sell it online. Take high-quality pictures of the clothing item to get buyers interested.

There are endless possibilities to make money from unused gift cards, so be creative and find the products that will sell best for you. You can get started on your business with little to no investment by using your gift cards.

Final Words

If you don’t use a gift card within the first few months of receiving it, there’s a chance you won’t utilize it at all. As a result. unused gift cards are a waste of money. So, itโ€™s always best to use them as soon as possible. If you don’t want, or can’t find a purchase that suits you, why not use the value to brighten someone else’s day? 

Whatever you do, when it comes to unused gift cards, itโ€™s always best to do it sooner than later.  

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