Gift cards are expected to be a top popular gift this holiday season. One size fits all and the recipient can purchase anything on their list at any time. Yet the cards are only useful when you can find them, right?
According to a survey by Plastic Jungle (a site where consumers buy and sell gift cards), American collectively are sitting on over $30 billion worth of unredeemed gift cards, cluttering up our homes. That’s over $300 per home!
Gift Card organization tips:
Here are some tips to treat your gift cards more like cash and leave less money on the table this holiday season:
Gather – Consolidate and gather all gift cards stashed in supply cabinets, dressers, office desk and junk drawers into a central location.
Categories – Keep your cards in one large stack. Or, you may want to divide them into categories for easy access, i.e.; children's gift cards, each family member, retail store coupons (Bed, Bath & Beyond) merchandise store credits, theater and popcorn vouchers, etc.
Write Amounts – Use a fine point marker to write dollar amount on each card. Don't use giant writing because you're likely to have to cross it out and write on the card again after your next store trip.
Storage – My clients love small plastic accordion folders to aid in the organization and retrieval of the cards. I've also used Kate Spade pencil cases, baseball card holders and wallet size business card holders. Nicely notate the contents of the envelope or tab by using a labeling machine.
Access – Store the envelopes in your purse, car glove compartment or place discretely on a bookshelf or bulletin board so your portable system is ready to grab and go.
Your Turn:
Moms: how do you organize your family's gift cards this holiday season? Tweet your tips to @johntrosko or leave a comment below.
Gift card image above courtesy The Grove, Los Angeles and American Express.
This original topic originally appeared in an edited version on Perezitos, Perez Hilton's site featuring celebrity families and advice from pediatricians, parenting and lifestyle experts. Click here to check out our piece.
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