January 18th, 2025

National Use Your Gift Card Day

Got a drawer full of plastic treasures? Today’s the day to dig out those forgotten gift cards and put them to good use! Whether it's that coffee shop, bookstore, or mystery card from Aunt Gertrude, it's time to treat yourself. Stroll through the aisles, find something that sparks joy, and swipe that card like a pro. It’s like a mini shopping spree without the guilt. So, go forth and turn those forgotten rectangles into something fabulous. Happy spending!

Written by: Michael Rodriguez Michael Rodriguez - (updated: October 8th, 2024 at 8:32PM)

National Use Your Gift Card Day is a celebration like no other! This festive holiday is dedicated to encouraging people to dig out those forgotten or overlooked gift cards and put them to good use. It's a fun and practical way to reduce waste, get organized, and show appreciation for the thought and generosity of the people who gave them to us.NationalUseYourGiftCardDay

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of National Use Your Gift Card Day, let's talk about the importance of gift cards in our lives. According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards have been the most popular gift item for 14 consecutive years, with over 60% of consumers requesting them as gifts. And yet, despite their popularity, it's estimated that billions of dollars' worth of gift cards go unredeemed each year. That's a staggering amount of waste, and it's exactly what National Use Your Gift Card Day aims to combat.

Reducing Waste, One Gift Card at a Time

The concept of National Use Your Gift Card Day is simple: take those forgotten gift cards gathering dust in your wallet or purse and use them to treat yourself or someone you care about. By doing so, you'll not only be reducing waste but also showing appreciation for the thought behind the gift. It's a win-win!

Don't worry! Many retailers allow you to check your gift card balance online or by phone. You can also try to recover a lost gift card by contacting the retailer or checking your email for digital copies of your gift cards. And if all else fails, you can always try using those pesky gift card aggregators to help you keep track of your balances.

Decluttering and Organizing Your Gift Cards

National Use Your Gift Card Day is also the perfect opportunity to declutter your wallet or purse and get organized. Take some time to sort through your gift cards, check the balances and expiration dates, and consider stashing them in a safe place or using a gift card organizer. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to keep track of your gift cards once you've got a system in place!

And don't forget, you can also use this day to treat yourself to something you've been wanting or to buy a gift for someone special. After all, that's what gift cards are for, right?

Making the Most of National Use Your Gift Card Day

So, how can you make the most of National Use Your Gift Card Day? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Use those gift cards! Treat yourself to something you've been wanting or use your gift card to buy a gift for someone special.
  • Get organized! Take some time to sort through your gift cards, check the balances and expiration dates, and consider stashing them in a safe place or using a gift card organizer.
  • Declutter your wallet or purse! Get rid of those old, expired gift cards and make room for new ones.
  • Spread the word! Share your National Use Your Gift Card Day experiences on social media and encourage your friends and family to join in on the fun.

By embracing the spirit of National Use Your Gift Card Day, you'll be doing your part to reduce waste, get organized, and show appreciation for the thought and generosity of the people who gave you those gift cards in the first place. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, dig out those gift cards, and start celebrating!

Happy National Use Your Gift Card Day!

Timeline
2018
Gift Card Awareness
Campaigns were launched to raise awareness about the importance of using gift cards, reducing waste and promoting financial responsibility.
2015
Gift Card Industry Growth
The gift card industry experienced significant growth, with more retailers offering gift cards as a convenient payment option.
2012
Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards became increasingly popular, making it easier for consumers to purchase and redeem gift cards online.
2007
Gift Card Regulations
Regulations were put in place to protect consumers from hidden fees and expiration dates on gift cards.
1994
First Gift Cards
The first gift cards were introduced, providing consumers with a convenient and flexible payment option.
National Use Your Gift Card Day

National Use Your Gift Card Day Quiz

What is the main purpose of National Use Your Gift Card Day?

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FAQ
What is the purpose of National Use Your Gift Card Day?
National Use Your Gift Card Day is a celebration of the gifts we receive and a reminder to use them before they expire.
How can I make the most out of my gift cards?
To make the most out of your gift cards, make a list of the cards you have, check their balances, and use them before they expire.
What are some creative ways to use my gift cards?
Some creative ways to use your gift cards include treating yourself to a spa day, buying a new book or gadget, or using them to try a new restaurant or experience.
Why is it important to use my gift cards?
Its important to use your gift cards because they can expire, and using them can help you save money and reduce waste.
How can I avoid forgetting about my gift cards?
You can avoid forgetting about your gift cards by keeping them in a designated place, setting reminders, and checking your balances regularly.
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