Redeeming Gift Cards In This Hard Economic Times

With the tough economy weighing on all our minds, this holiday season could be make-or-break for a lot of eTailers. So, like Bryan Eisenberg mentioned in his recent blog, and relying on the status-quo isn’t wise.

The 2008 holiday season came with worldwide economic woes and in light of the difficult financial times, holiday gift recipients are now being encouraged to spend those gift cards as soon as possible to avoid a situation where gift cards are no longer honored when a retail store files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection.

"When a company files for Chapter 11, federal law does permit retailers to stop honoring gift cards. So that's something we may see if Christmas shoppers purchase gift cards at stores that have already filed Chapter 11 - the gift cards may not be honored after the holiday shopping season. I also expect we'll see a few retailers file Chapter 11 after the holiday season, to avoid a decrease in gift card sales, but this leaves the consumers in a bad position with a gift card that may be worthless," explained economist Michael Bloom in a November 2008 sit-down interview with Suite101.

Some retailers may also put a hold on gift card redemption, which is permissible under federal law.
Bloom offered a few tips for holiday shoppers who purchase a gift card and for gift card recipients, who may be wondering about the best way to redeem a gift card.

Search Internet Before

Before setting off on a holiday shopping trip, do a quick internet search to learn if a particular retailer has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection. Some major national retailers that have recently filed for Chapter 11 include Circuit City, Linens N' Things and The Sharper Image.

Spend Your Gift Cards ASAP.

It's best to spend a gift card as soon as possible during times of economic instability to avoid ending up with a worthless gift card that cannot be redeemed because a store has gone out of business.

Consider a American Express Gift Card or Mall Gift Card

Rather than purchasing a gift card for a specific retailer, instead give the gift of an American Express Gift Card, which is good at virtually any store worldwide. Many malls, like Simon Malls (throughout the U.S.) offer gift cards that are good at all mall stores. These types of companies are generally more stable than retailers.

Read The Fine Print on Gift Card

Many gift cards have dormancy fees that are deducted from the gift card balance after the card has been inactive for a certain period of time. Some gift cards even have expiration dates, so read the fine print on the gift card to avoid losing value. This varies from state to state, as some states do not allow for gift card expiration dates.

Notably, when a company files for Chapter 11, this does not necessarily mean that a company will be going out of business. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection allows a retailer to restructure in a way that will allow them to remain in business as they pay off creditors and debts.

Some companies do ultimately go out of business, making gift cards worthless. While other companies recover and remain in business for many years after filing for Chapter.

In recent years, the popularity of gift cards has skyrocketed, but while the gift of a gift card gives the recipient the ability to select their own gift, there's also potential downside to this popular holiday gift idea.

PS: Gift cards can be redeemed at REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com, at an REI Store, or by phone at 1-800-426-4840.

* Original address of this China gift post: China Gift and Fine Arts & Crafts in China

Creative Christmas Gift Ideas for Her & Him

Tired of endless mall walking in search of a perfect Christmas gift that is nowhere to be found? Hate giving gift cards or gift certificates and cash just because it seems impossible to come up with anything better?



This holiday season, find unique ways to let the people in your life know that you care. Get creative, get personal and get fun; get a gift that will bring joy to her or him you love this Christmas.

Projects to Do and Make

Instead of toys that quickly lose their appeal, projects to make and do entertain during the process of creation and then become all the more special because they were made by the recipient. A craft set for making beaded jewelry, a T-shirt or canvas bag and special fabric crayons and pens for decorating, or a small set of wood working tools and pieces of cut wood can provide hours of entertainment. These gifts also often teach useful skills and encourage artistic abilities. Some kits can be purchased with the supplies and tools included. For a more personalized gift or to monitor the quality of the tools included a gift giver might choose the supplies and tools and pick a useful bag or box that could serve as storage later.

Homemade Items that Everyone Needs

Sometimes a gift item of a usable, consumable product with a personalized touch can be both affordable and appreciated. Children’s artwork can be scanned and made into calendars or greeting cards. Lip balm, bath salts, or bath oil can be made with items from the grocery and craft store. For kids simple recipes abound for play dough, homemade bath crayons, and homemade sidewalk chalk.

Since everyone needs to eat, ready-to-make meal mixes such as soup in a jar or muffin and bread mix can be great gifts as well. The gift of something useful need not be boring. It can be a playful twist on the usual or something a bit more extravagant than expected. But the element of usefulness ensures the gift will be appreciated rather than stored away.

Gift Tickets to Local Attractions, Museums or Performances

Gifts of tickets to local attractions, museums, or performances can encourage the appreciation of the arts. Families might appreciate an annual pass to a zoo or Children’s Museum near their home. Some performing arts centers offer packets of tickets to various events. Concerts or even movie theater tickets can be great gifts especially as families cut back on the entertainment budget and such attractions become a rare treat.

Instead of focusing on things to purchase, gifts that focus on activities can bring smiles and avoid both the shopping pitfalls and the return lines.Gifts that interest and give fun to the recipient need not be expensive or even purchased. With some planning and creative ideas, thought, smart gift givers can get through Christmas with some money left in their pocket.

What’s a Suitable Holiday Gift for a College Student?

Looking for a suitable holiday gift for your friend who is a college student? I'd like to give you some great ideas about gifts that a college student will appreciate.

Actually, it's not very hard to buy a gift for a college student. Most of them don't have much extra cash to speak of, so gifts of all types will be welcomed! If you have an important friend, kinsfolk, or your sibling who is a college student, and you need a suitable gift for his or her birthday, further education, graduation or the coming Christmas holidays, or else ever, here are some great ideas that I assure at least there’s one will satisfy you.

Custom-made Ceramic Cup of Mug

Choose a fine quality ceramic cup or ceramic mug with a suitable size, and print the photo you taken with your friend, plus with some warm and hearty blessing words on the cup body, also some particular wisecracks or cool slogans that popular in young peoples recently are OK, so the gift full with your special intentions and regards is so unique and personalized, and it will undoubtedly be welcomed and enjoyed by college student.

Digital Gifts

If you really want to make an impression, skip the accessories and go for the digital electronics: a notebook/laptop, a game system, a MP3 or MP4 player, an iPod, a flat screen monitor, a printer, a digital camera, an amazing new cellphone and so on.

Electronic Accessories

For the Generation Y college student, it's highly likely an electronic gift will be appreciated. First of all, find out what electronics and accessories the college student already owns. There are all kinds of possibilities for fun accessories: game cartridges, Bluetooth earphones, wireless iPod headphones, iKaraoke, iPod speakers, an iPod or cell phone case, and so on.

Favorite TV Shows on DVD of a Complete Season

Students don't have much free time to watch TV and may appreciate the opportunity to catch up. These collections are a little pricey for most student budgets, so they make great gifts. Movie collections on DVD make great gifts as well.

Personalized Food Basket

Load up a basket filled with the college student's favorite treats, including some homemade ones. This is a great idea for finals week or anytime a student needs some special TLC. You can buy gift baskets of candies, biscuits, chocolates or some homemade snacks, but they're ridiculously expensive and not nearly as personal as putting together your own.

Massager

No one needs a massage more than a stressed out student during finals.

Sports Ticket

A fun and stress-relieving indulgence for a sports fan. Theater tickets or symphony tickets are great too if your student is into that, and also plain old movie tickets.

Alarm Clock or Watch

Students are on such a tight schedule, yet so many of them don't seem to own a watch or a wall clock. Sure, they can get the time from their cell phone or the right hand corner of their monitor, but the old fashioned wrist watch is quick and simple. Speaking of time, a loud alarm clock or wristwatch can be a useful gift.

Gift Certificates

Give the gift of shopping, which a college student doesn't have the funds to partake in regularly. Restaurant gift certificates can be a nice break from Ramen noodles or the dorm cafeteria. Other gift certificate ideas: book stores, iPod tunes, electronics, casual clothing, sporting goods, or whatever the student likes.

Magazine Subscriptions

College students have to read all the time, so if they're going to read in their spare time, it's probably going to be something light. A mindless celebrity or fashion magazine is perfect. Or for the news junkie or literary minded student, pick a more serious magazine.

Personalize Your Gift Card with Heart

Gift cards are no more than just gifts and no longer considered the impersonal and lazy way to celebrate a special occasion or holiday, meaning gift giving has never been easier, it's the new way to reduce the rising cost of living!

Buying gift cards at a discount is almost like buying cash at a discount. Consumers are realizing that it's now more than just about giving - it's about saving. Customers who purchase gift cards from us and then use them as the method of payment at their favorite merchants are significantly reducing their shopping expenses. it's the new trend on how to fight the rising cost of living.

If you've ever had an awkward gift giving moment, or have had to fake your enthusiasm over a gift from a caring, thoughtful person in your life because the chosen item just wasn't anything you had a use for, you'll understand the benefits below of a gift card.

1.Perfect for business incentive programs and employee bonuses.

2.Personalized gift cards can be ordered online.

3.The prepaid Visa Card is accepted anywhere.

4.Available in any amout you want.

5.No fee to view a transaction history online.

Personal Shopping Spree

Gift cards are available from many businesses, specialty stores, as well as gift cards through nationally known credit card companies that can be used anywhere that accepts that credit card. Though it might seem more personal to buy a gift card or gift certificate for a special business, you are limiting the redeemable options.

- No boundaries on purchases. The recipients can buy whatever they want, wherever they want.

- No longer associated with lazy or thoughtless giving, a gift card can be seen as a personal shopping spree given by you. Some of the benefits are

- No duplication of gifts that have to be returned

- The card can be used along with cash for a purchase that the recipient has always wanted but found too extravagant to buy.

- The recipients receive exactly what they've wanted.

- Safely redeemed in stores or online. The gift card is only good for the amount specified, and cannot give access to personal accounts.

How to Personalize Pre-Paid Gift Cards

If you feel your gift card somehow lacks the personal touch, personalize a greeting card and tuck the gift card in the envelope. Some gift ideas:

* A Romantic Dinner for My Favorite Busy Couple

The gift card lets your friends choose the restaurant they like versus a gift certificate from the restaurant you choose. They even have the option of using the gift card for take-out and flowers, if they have an opportunity for a romantic dinner at home.

* For Your Next Wine-Tasting Tour

The personalization shows you've thought out your gift, but the card can be used not only for wine, but gas to get to the vineyard, dinner on the road, or even a special clothing accessory for the excursion.

* For Whatever Santa (the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny, etc.) Forgot to Bring

Perfect for a grandchild, niece, nephew or the neighbors child who you will not be able to spend the occasion with. The first gift is the gift card, the second gift is being able to choose and buy their own present.

* For my Favorite Shopper, A Post Holiday Sale Shopping Spree

Your gift dollars will go farther when the recipient is able to scour the after holiday bargain tables.

Gift Card Hazards

Gift cards, depending on point of purchase, can have expiration dates, non-use penalties, lost or stolen card replacement fees or other administration fees.

Before you buy, check on the state laws that pertain to your purchase. Gift cards and Gift certificates Legislation by state can be found at the National Conference of State Legislatures Website.

With the economic downturn, some of the recipients of gift cards will find they need to use them for everyday purchases. Isn't it wonderful to think that you have made their life easier with your gift, without bringing attention to their personal circumstances?

Give the gift of motivation. With a special personized gift card, you can provide your employees, parents or teachers with all the incentive and reward of cash, backed by the security and acceptance of the Visa name.

Useful Tips for Buying a Gift Card

Buying a store gift card is pretty easy. You simply pick the retailer and buy the card in the store or over the phone. Or you can buy an e-gift card online that’s e-mailed to you or your little nephew and can be used online or in stores. But there are a few issues you should consider before committing to a store card, which we’ll describe below.

Buying a bank-issued gift card requires a little more research. Terms and conditions vary widely, and information about these gift cards isn’t always easy to find. Be sure to confirm anything you’re told over the phone with information at the bank’s website. While you’re at the bank’s site, read over the frequently asked questions/FAQ section.

What’s The Most Popular Christmas Gift This Year?

As the Christmas is coming, what is your favorite gift you are looking for?


* Traditional Christmas Gifts

There was a time when the most popular Christmas gift was an item like socks. But of course, things change and so do the most popular gifts on Christmas.

Of course, that is not to say that socks and other clothing items are not popular gifts. In fact, they are very popular and many people still buy them for loved ones. Only, let's try something new this year. What are some other popular gifts to buy during the Christmas season?

* Toys

Toys for kids are never out of style and every year one toy is always picked as the big toy to buy. It has been Cabbage Patch Kids, Tickle-Me Elmo and Ferbies in the past, and each year more and more parents battle for the big toy of the year. If you don't want to buy the big toy for your kid, there are plenty of other toys out there that are still very fun and hugely popular.

* Digital Cameras

Digital cameras are the wave of the future and within a few years you will see fewer and fewer film cameras, especially for Christmas. It is not hard to see why. Digital cameras are often higher quality, easier to store the photos and you don't have to worry about running out of film, compared with film cameras. You can run out of space depending on the size of your Flash RAM, but its just a matter of downloading and deleting the old photos before you can take more again.

* Books

Books are a big hit with most people. They are readily available, usually pretty cheap, and can bring hours of entertainment to the person who gets one. Try and find out what kind of book they want, what their favorite genre is, or who they enjoy reading.


* Video Game Systems

Video game systems are always a popular gift, and they have been popular for at least the last 20 years or so. Every few years, a new one will be released and moms and dads will fight the hordes of other parents to try and get the best game system for their kids. If the kids aren't getting a video game system, then they will probably want PC video games instead.

* Gift Cards

Recently, the most popular Christmas gift given at Christmas has become the gift card. Over half of gift givers in 2006 gave a gift card to someone they knew as a present. Gift cards are some of the easiest gifts to get. They are just like cash, except they can only be used at the store you bought it at.

No matter what the most popular gift of the season is, buy what you feel they will like, have fun with it and remember that Christmas is not about presents only, but rather about spending time with those you love.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for flowers and gifts. When shopping for flowers and gifts, we recommend you shop only at the best online stores that specialize in popular Gifts, best Flowers to buy, best Jewelry to buy.


* Neither Here nor There

China is Christmas is the largest source of Christmas items of the United States and parts of European countries, and the period from July to September annual is the focus time for the Christmas products’ exporting. General these Christmas supplies will be shipped to the United States and European countries by sea. Recently due to the price rising of raw materials, and the prices of finished product has been cut down sharply by the United States and European countries, the supplier’s export profits are hard to gain more space, so more and more export companies become to turn their eyes to the countries and districts of Middle East, Eastern Europe and so on.

As regard to the forms of Christmas gifts, aside from traditional Christmas trees and greeting cards, those novel electronic gifts, funny gadgets have given more and new choices to the buyers. So we believe that as the Christmas exporting has gradually become more and more mature, we’ll face another prosperous export season of Christmas gifts in this year.