How to Buy Gift Cards for Less

Last year a teacher that I know told me that she raked in $250 worth in gift cards from her students during the holidays. Yep, gift cards are the perfect gift: easy to buy, easy to wrap, and don't require much thought. But did you know that with just a little effort you can purchase them for less than face value—giving you a great savings and your recipient a nice gift?

Type in “gift card” on eBay and up come a wide variety of gift cards for auction. I spent less than a minute watching a Lowe’s $450 card go for $398 and a Macy’s $325 go for $285. As always though you’ve got to be careful with eBay only buy from top-rated sellers.

If you Google “discount gift cards” you’ll get a lot of sites that specialize in selling or helping you sell cards. On giftcards.com I found card $250 Borders selling for $217.50 and $25 Carraba’s for $22.50. At ABCGiftcards you’ll find offers 5-35% discounts on gift cards for popular stores and restaurants like Victoria Secret, Barnes & Noble and Olive Garden.

You can also pick up deals at warehouse stores like Costco. Costco members might find $90 in iTunes gift cards for $75 or $100 Wolfgang Puck gift cards for $80

Citydeals.com gives you discounts on everything from car rentals to movie tickets or restaurants narrowed down by location. You could make a purchase for a far away family member, a local friend or use it when you travel to find deals in the city that you are visiting.

Before you purchase any gift cards ask about any expiration date or non-usage fees that might apply. And be sure you're really getting a deal, not like these Target deals (credit The Consumerist)

Valentine's Day for the Cheap and Unoriginal

photho by tonguetyed

Ah yes, that's me. I rarely think of a creative Valentine's Day gift. Part of me thinks...Why should I? Isn't that his responsibility. Well, but then again if I don't take control of the situation then I'm just setting up unrealistic expectations.

So for all those who can't think of anything and who are cheap...like me...there is Restaurant.com. Eating out isn't that creative but this website definitely appeals to my inner cheapskate. At this site you can purchase dining gift certificates that you can give or use for participating restaurants. You just type in the zip code or area that you want to go to and taadaa lots of places show up. From upscale to sandwich shops.

Usually you'll pay $3 for a $10 gift certificate. A $25 gift certificate goes for $10. Higher amounts are available at comparable discounts. That's a tasty savings.

Some restaurants put restrictions on when they can be used so look carefully. There's no waiting for the certificate to be mailed, you just print it right away and go eat. Very simple.

I think this will be a fun and low-risk way to try some place new. I like that you can glance at the menu before you purchase. Reservations can also be made online, which should be super convenient for the busy cupid day.

It's also great for traveling since restaurants throughout the country are signed up with the service.

But do the restaurants like it? According to the website, yes. It helps promote there business and get diners in, something they are struggling with right now.