I’m here to provide you with some advice about those gift cards that you may have received at Christmas. Yes folks, it’s time for redemption! If you sent gift cards at Christmas it may be interesting to drop a friendly e-mail asking “Have you used the gift card I got you” to see what the response is.

If you’ve got a gift card lying about in the drawer at home, you should check the expiry date and really consider spending it. According to industry figures a huge £250 million a year is wasted because these cards are unused.

Many people believe that issuing gift cards is impersonal and thoughtless, but you many see the light when trying to figure out what to buy your fashion conscious 18 -year old. Give them a gift card to spend in a big high street store – this is guaranteed to bring happiness!

Gift card have become more and more popular over the past few years, you can load a card with any amount of money, and these can be spent in stores, some can even be used for online purchases.  Gift cards are simply scanned into the EPoS system where the value stated on the card will automatically be deducted from the overall price. So if you feel like treating yourself head down to the high street this weekend and don’t let those gift cards go to waste!

Are you a savvy shopper who’s made use of their Christmas gift cards early? Let us know about your gift card redemption experience by leaving us a comment.