I think it all happened to us once we click on a link to get a free gift card and actually, it is simply false advertising.

The process always entails the purchase of a product or paid subscription to a service. Offers like that do not qualify as 'free' because somehow money is paid out. Is it possible to get gift cards or certificates without spending money. Yes, and here are several ways. Let's look at Amazon, a major online merchandiser. Would you like to get freebies from Amazon? Here's how.

Amazon Associates Program:

If you manage a website or blog at Blogger.com, you can allow Amazon to place advertisements on your blog or website. When readers click the Amazon ads and purchase products, you will earn a percent of the sales. When your referrals reach $10 Amazon will issue you a credit certificate good toward merchandise at their store. The effort on your part is to fill out a form explaining the content of your blog, and then add widgets from the Blogger directory onto your blog. The more referrals that you make to Amazon, the higher sales percentage that you make, up to 15%. The Associates Program tailors product offers to the content of your blog or website. You can also place music Mp3s on your website or blog, to show visitors what music is available at Amazon. Another widget showcases Amazon's Gold Box Deals, Lightening Deals and Daily Deals. Website viewers can see what the daily specials are and how many are left at that price.

Amazon Rewards Program:

This online store offers a Visa Card option through Chase Bank. Offers vary, but usually you will receive a $25 gift card just for opening an account. If you open an Amazon credit card, reward points accumulate at 2-3 points per dollar spent at Amazon.com and 1 point per dollar for purchases made at other retailers. 2500 points earns you a $25 reward voucher redeemable at their online website. The more purchases you make and pay for with your Visa, the more credit vouchers you receive. Pay your utilities, mortgage, rent, cell phone, internet service provider and other regular bills with your new credit card, instead of cash. If you pay your bill in full, the reward certificates are free money for you.

With a few simple steps, it is possible to get free online gift cards you just need to the due research and comparison because there are private companies that also offer this one valued at $250-500.

For more information on how to have a gift card immediately and very easily so, just click on the link.  http://bit.ly/26MU7sp

if you still do not know because there are quotas reason caducida of gift cards.
First, by buying gift cards, consumers are essentially giving the card issuers an unsecured loan, on which they earn no interest, even if the card is not redeemed for a year or more. Second, if the company goes bankrupt, there is very little chance the money will be returned (except in a few cases, like recently with Linens and Things).

So, if consumers are taking on these risks by buying gift cards, why should they then be subjected to fees and expiration? They might as well change the gift card fee disclosures to read like this:

Dear Gift Card Buyer,

We really appreciate the unsecured loan you gave us. Together, you all gave us $97 billion in loans in 2007, up from $83 billion in 2006. You know we could use the extra cash, given all the talk of a recession. We thank you for not charging us any interest or fees on the loan. We will put your money to work immediately and generate great returns on it. You may even hear about all the kudos we will get from Wall Street due to our outstanding earnings (which will be helped by the money we get when your gift card expires). Heck, our CEO may even buy his third McMansion in the Hamptons after we reward him for making good use of your loan. A few house cleaning items:

1. If you purchased the gift card from our website, we may charge you a processing fee, separate from the shipping charge, in order to get you the card that shows that we owe you money. Feel free to buy stuff in our store up to the amount of the loan (gift card value). But if you don't hurry, we will punish you every month by charging you ridiculous fees. These fees can start as soon as six months into the loan. We may even start your fees as early as a month into the loan if we so desire. And remember, the fees will continue until the balance on your gift card reaches ZERO. Why? Because we can. Yes, your state legislatures are all complaining about this because it is an election year. Do you really think they will do something about this?

2. Also, we have noticed from experience that some of you like to wait a long time, and we mean a long, long time to redeem your gift card. It takes a while for us to get your $100 gift card to ZERO if all we are charging is $2.50 each month. So, we now have a better idea. We will charge you the $2.50 for sometime and if you still don't redeem your gift card by a certain date, say within two years, your card will expire. Once your card expires, we will get all the money left on the card. You are probably wondering if this is legal. Well, no one has told us it isn't.

3. And don't even think about losing your card. We reserve the right not to replace lost or stolen gift cards. Yes, we know that if you lose your Savings Account Statement or CD Certificate, the bank will replace it, but we are not a bank, so we can do whatever we want. If we feel generous, we may replace your gift card, but we will charge you a fee, up to $15 to teach you a lesson.

4. Lastly, if you bought a bank issued gift card (like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover), then you better read the fine print and become familiar with fees like Transaction or Statement Copy Fee, Foreign Currency Conversion Fee, Check issuance Fee, and Transaction Fee / Balance inquiry Fee. And one last thing; Don't call the FTC because they may be willing to push for laws to limit fees on retail gift cards but they have not been willing to touch us, the bank issued gift cards. Why? Because our lobbyists are doing an excellent job.

We hope you enjoy your gift card.

It is my belief that gift card issuers will be better off and make more money if they remove fees and expiration from gift cards since the negative publicity around gift cards from both state lawmakers and the news media has led some consumers to stay away from gift cards. This is particularly true during the holiday season when every local news station and newspaper seem to run a story about the dangers of gift card fees and expiration.

For more information on how to have a gift card immediately and very easily so, just click on the link. http://bit.ly/26MU7sp

for teens and adults today. a gift card is an excellent gift. and their loved ones also find it very easy to give these types of gifts.According to a 2006 Zogby Holiday Interactive poll, a full 75% of those aged 18-24 said they actually like receiving gift cards. This makes sense for a number of reasons.

Gift Cards Relieve Parental Confusion

Many parents are stymied about a multitude of things when it comes to their teens and young adult children. And, no wonder. They're not the most loquacious group. That is, at least not with their parents. So what's a parent to do?

Do you risk buying a gift that will most likely be returned anyway? Or, do you give them a card with money on it and let them have at it at the mall with their friends? Most teens and young adults would probably opt for the second choice. After all, the only gift a parent selects that's likely to satisfy this age group is the one with four wheels attached, ie, a car.

And apparently, parents already know this. According to the poll cited above, almost 60% of those who had children aged 17 and younger at home planned to give gift cards as holiday gifts.

Teens and young adults though aren't the only ones who like to receive gift cards. Two other broad groups like them as well: ie, men and women.

Why Men Like to Receive Gift Cards

Of the 12,806 recipients in the Zogby poll discussed here, 66% of men said they were hoping to receive a gift card. Could it be that dear old dad is tired of receiving a shirt, tie and soap-on-a-rope year after year?

Women Like to Receive Gift Cards Too

Almost 75% of women in this survey admitted that this was a preferred gift for them.

From these findings, one could surmise that gift cards are the perfect gift for the whole family -- for every occasion.

You have a list of folks you want to send gifts to. Many are out of state. Then there are your immediate siblings. Some you know well. Others? You just don't have a clue as to what half of them like? So you consider giving them a gift certificate. After all money doesn't grow on trees. The fact is with the cost of gas doubling over the past few years, inflation on our heels and the growth in family reunion attendance, offsetting the cost of gift giving by finding low priced items that every body loves has become an even greater challenge then it ever has been. Thus the growing popularity of gift cards.

The National Retail Federation anticipated $17.24 billion worth of holiday sales last year in gift cards. The reasons gift cards are so frequently bought in place of other items are numerous. No one wants to give a gift that is not appreciated. In addition, who wants to burden down an aging relative with having to drive several miles to a store she nevers shops in order to exchange the gift.
 For instance, what if you give a gift card from a sporting goods store to someone who's not into sports? Or a gift to shop a jewelry store to someone who lives too great a distance from the store to even bother to shop there.

But has the gift card changed all that much over the past three or more years? Perhaps. Prepaid gift cards issued by VISA and MasterCard offer a way to use a gift card anywhere credit cards are accepted. Prepaid debit card issuers and 60 percent of store gift card issuers offer the potential to obtain a replacement card with the remaining balance if the original is lost or stolen. But getting a replacement may require the purchase receipt and the card number. Some companies may accept other proof of purchase. The gift card recipient would have to have all these papers to obtain a replacement. No wonder a significant percentage of gift cards have gone unredeemed. That said, when buying a gift card, look carefully at the pre-purchase disclosures of terms and conditions on the web site and the packaging in the store. If terms are not given or appear too cryptic to be complete don't buy.

So when a recipient receives a store issued gift card from a store they don't like obviously the card just sits in a dresser drawer until it's long past the expiration date? Are merchants pocketing the cash while the gift card purchasers just throw away money? That was once the case. But companies like Sears announced it is eliminating expiration dates from all gift cards issued beginning December 17, 2003. Other card issuers have been quickly following suit.

In addition to less expiration date worries there are now a handful of companies dedicated to redeeming major retail gift cards for recipients of unwanted, unredeemed gift cards. One site, thegiftassistant.com, offers gift card ordering, redemption programs as well as gift card exchanges. Many of these companies offer services for such card issuers as Best Buy Starbucks and Outback SteakHouse. Still with all the recent changes in favor of the recipient losing the impersonal commercial stigma associated with gift cards has been a challenge.

Some gift card websites have gone to great lengths to overcome this obstacle. Now you can upload your own images and add your own text to create a custom card. Embossed text gives the card that engraved look, a very personal touch.

Still with all the work to personalize a gift card they still seem to need help to stand out in the crowd of greeting cards and gift bags. After all a gift card is four times smaller that a simple greeting card and weighs only a few ounces. Does this mean that gifts card don't have what it takes to stand out among large presents? Some issuers compensate for this by upping the monetary value of gifts cards. Some cards values far outweigh any large dominating boxed gift. From $200 to $300 or more. With the advent of prepaid debit gift cards from VISA, MasterCard, American Express and DiscoverCard folks can give a gift card valued at $500 to as much as $3000 dollars depending on the provider. Perhaps big things do come in small packages.

Important gift card tips:

Retain a copy of all the purchase receipts and the card numbers. Mail original receipts to recipient. Papers including instructions and card use should also be sent to the client as some cards do not have expiration dates printed on the card itself.

With all the attention gift cards have been given these past few years it would seem they are here to stay. Just make sure you can find them once you've put them away. And above all exchange or redeem the non-debit kind.

if you are from people who do not have time for special occasions
for shopping I think gift cards are a good alternative
and also convey your love, good tidings or best wishes when you

are unable to purchase a physical gift. Though some people decry
the impersonality of a gift card, they do have the distinct
advantage of empowering loved ones and friends to choose the
items they desire or like the most.

Before Buying a Gift Card

While purchasing and giving a gift card may seem easy, there is
a wide-range of factors that could make or break the success of
this transaction. Below are a few considerations to pay
attention to when selecting gift cards:

1) Gift Card Starting Point: After you've decided to purchase a
gift card, you should think long and hard about the individual
that the card is for. The value and type of card should match
the style, character and tastes of the recipient. One of the
reasons retailers like gift cards is that users often buy more
than the gift card's value, so make sure you activate the card
with enough value to buy a decent present.

2) Type of Gift Card: There are two main types of gift cards to
choose from: store-specific or general-purpose. The purchase of
a store-specific gift card is a more personal, heartfelt
approach because it says, "Hey, I know what you like and where
you like to shop!" Does Aunt Vera have a sweet tooth? Select a
gourmet chocolate gift card from the likes of Ghirardelli or
Fanny Farmer. Is your nephew very picky when it comes to
clothes? Choose a gift card he can use at his favorite store
located within a specific mall.

With a general-purpose gift card, the recipient can use the
monetary allowance to purchase whatever they wish, wherever a
credit card like Visa, MasterCard or American Express is
accepted. Before buying, be sure to ask about exceptions or
restrictions on the use of the card. For example, you probably
won't be able to purchase an airline ticket with a
general-purpose gift card.

3) Read the Fine Print: When giving a gift card, never ignore
the fine print. Unreasonable service fees or activation fees,
as well as shipping and handling charges, certainly put a
damper on giving or receiving this type of present. Generally
speaking, store-specific gift cards have fewer fees than
general-purpose cards from companies like Mastercard or Visa.

4) Internet vs. Store Gift Cards: While some gift cards permit
you to make purchases from both local and online stores, many
do not. Before buying a gift card, ask about how it can be
used, and think about who this present is for. What type of
card would they be most likely to use? Do they spend a lot of
time surfing the Internet and feel comfortable ordering online?
Or would they rather visit a store in their neighborhood? Be
sure to buy a gift card that matches.

5) E-Gift Cards or Certificates: When time is of the essence,
you can often purchase a gift certificate at an online retailer
and have it emailed directly to the recipient. The emails
contain a verification code of some sort that must be entered
into an online order form when a purchase in made in order to
activate the gift. Such "e-gift" cards are certainly convenient
but since they almost invariably must be redeemed online, keep
that in mind before buying.

5) Gift Card Scams: It is possible for gift cards to be
tampered with, and it's amazing how ingenious thieves can be.
For example, in one con, thieves make note of the identifying
information displayed on gift cards being offered for sale,
then periodically call to check if they've been activated. When
they are, they use the order code/PINS to shop online, thereby
draining these cards of value before you get them. Protect
yourself by examining both sides of cards yourself before
purchase, keeping an eye out for signs of tampering and/or the
exposure of the cards' PINs. Immediately after buying a gift
card in a store, ask the cashier to scan the card itself to
ensure the plastic you bought is valid and bears the proper
value. (This will protect you against the card's having been
swapped out of its packaging for a zero-balance one.) Never buy
them from auction sites - according to the National Retail
Federation, many of these cards are stolen or counterfeit.

Using a Gift Card

If you have received a gift card, the first thing you should do
is familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your present.
Knowing the details and limitations of the card will allow you
to make the most of your purchases, as well as avoid
unnecessary deductions from your funds.

1) Expiration Date: Some gift cards expire within six months to
a year, while others a bit longer. You should check for an
expiration date on your card to avoid a loss of funds. Once you
exceed the expiration date, you will no longer be able to use
the gift card. This limitation can be found either on the front
or back of your card and often requires reading the small print.

2) Monthly Fees: Depending on the gift card you have received,
you might get zapped with a monthly fee for "maintenance." It
could be less than a dollar or more, but depending on the
original or remaining amount, this may prompt you to act
quickly when making purchases for fear of losing a chunk of
your gift.

3) Gift Card Balance: Checking your gift card balance is as
easy as calling a toll-free number or reviewing your account
online. This is a great way to keep track of what you've spent
and what you have left. Depending on the amount of money left
on your gift card, you may have to carry extra cash when
shopping, in case you see an item that exceeds your remaining
balance.

4) Unwanted Cards: If it so happens that you get a gift card
from a store you don't like, it is possible to trade cards at
several places online. For example, at CardAvenue.com and
PlasticJungle.com, you can trade gift cards at equal face value
for a small fee. Just do so quickly, before any fees are
assessed to your card.

Buying gift cards is certainly convenient for you, and are
usually welcomed by others - but taking the few simple
precautions in this article can truly maximize their value.

Gift Card Giving Mistakes

gift cards can be a good gift, but be very careful when giving these cards, we were wrong to give them away, can become an anti Gift.
The reason is that so many consumers assume that if they just give gift cards all their problems of gift giving will just go away. The facts are that gift card giving requires just as much forethought and consideration as any other gift.

The gift card purchaser would do well to consider the following:

1. How much gift card should you buy? Will a $25 gift card please the recipient or be considered a token gift amount.

2. What stores does the recipient frequent?

3. How often does the recipient shop or dine there?

4. Would the recipient appreciate a gift card over some other desired gift?

5. Will the time getting dressed, going out, traveling into town, burning gas and spending time shopping around be worth while for this particular recipient?

6. Are they likely to remember they even have a gift card?

Gift Card Angst

I personally have received store issued gifts cards. My frustration was how to use it with cash or along with my debit card. It seems the gift card is always a few bucks shy of completely covering the item or items for purchase.

At a restaurant there were items I could not cover with the gift card. I still had to pay for the tip. I could have gone to a fast food joint and used the tip to pay for the whole meal. Was I really being treated here? On the flip side there are days when I desparately want and need to treat myself to a good meal at a quiet restaurant and be pampered and fussed over. Break in the gift card! Who cares about the tip size. Give me good food and good service. There are other times when I'm not sure what the balance on my debit card is and start counting the dollars, nickels and quarters in my pocket and suddenly realize I have a gift card to a local restaurant. Saved!

Still trying out a restaurant never frequented can be risking the whole evening just because you have a gift card in your wallet. Is there a solution to this dilemma?

Gift Card Swapping

Now there are gift card websites that allow users to swap or redeem unwanted gift cards and gift certificates online. What this means is that like other unwanted gifts, gift cards are now very much returnable.

And if your looking at the glass half full there's more of an upside to that pile of gift cards in your dresser drawer. Unlike non-returnable gifts those unused gifts cards may not have to be disposed of after all. Have your own gift card swap party. Invite five to ten folks. Everyone attending must have three or more useable gift cards. Eat, drink tell stories and then swap away!

Store Issued Gift Cards VS Prepaid Debit Gift Cards

Still there is a more viable solution to giving gift cards giving. Prepaid debit gift cards. You won't go wrong with this gift. No one returns a cash gift and nobody returns a prepaid debit gift card.
Just purchase the card with specific load value and mail it to your recipient or present it personally. Everyone loves a prepaid debit gift card. The recipient can shop just about anywhere, anytime and buy just about anything they want with the a debit gift card.

For some reason purchasers of prepaid debit gift cards tend to load more money on it than store issued gift cards. Many opt for $50 to as much as $500. What's even better is prepaid gift cards allow you to load as much as $2000 on each card. How's that for pleasing the wife or college student?

Prepaid debit cards are issued without any credit checks for the purchaser or recipient. Better than a check, safer than cash. Prepaid debit gift cards are prepaid and therefore cause no monthly obligation to the recipient. So if the idea of standing in long lines to purchase items sure to be returned makes it hard to resist the urge to pull at those store issued gift cards hanging over the checkout stand think again. Yes think long and hard. Is this really the perfect solution or can you do better. Take the time to find out just what kind of gift card they will value most and give your recipient a gift card they're sure to appreciate.

all of us we like to give away things, especially on special occasions.   
Best of all is to have people around you who lovingly gives you gifts

But what if you are the one who is about to give a gift? Are you up for it? Is gift-giving a reason why you anticipate Christmas and your loved ones' birthdays?

One surefire way to make someone feel good all over is by giving him or her a gift. So if you think you want to brighten up someone's day, if you like to earn the reputation of being a good gift giver, then read on. Tips on giving and buying tips are in store for you!

1. Know what the recipient wants.

Gifts become ten times better when they are the very things the recipient wants. Suppose your friend is an avid baseball cap collector, what is there to do? Buy him a baseball cap, what else! If your mom loves making scrapbooks, then give her something which will make her scrapbooks prettier and more memorable.

So do the research. It is going to be worth it, especially when the recipient squeals over finding out what the gift is.

2. You do not have to buy expensive gifts.

You don't give to impress. Unless you are some hotshot who can practically afford anything, there is no need to buy a Louis Vuitton bag for a friend. Give according to your means. The value of a gift does not depend on the price. Remember that famous saying, "It's the thought that counts."

3. Go for the safe gifts.

This tip applies if you are totally clueless on what to give. Here are some of the safe gifts:

For men: handkerchiefs, neckties, suitcases, wallets, pens, coffee mugs, t-shirts, sports equipment, belts and towels.

For women: make-up kits, handkerchiefs, combs, hair clips, pouches, bags, beddings, photo albums and frames, jewelry and belts.

If you want the safest, go for the gift certificates! But then again, they are not as thoughtful compared to other gifts.

4. Check out the websites.

If you do not feel like walking around the mall to look for gifts, why not check the internet and websites? Not only will you have seemingly endless choices, you might even score yourself a bargain!

5. Give extra special gifts on special occasions.

It goes without saying that a special occasion calls for a special gift. It is your sister's 16th birthday, give her something that will just make her day. For weddings, go for gifts that will best suit the newlyweds like a toaster for their new home or love-inspired beddings. Remember, they do not have to be expensive. Just special.

6. Give gifts earnestly and lovingly.

Gift-giving is just a concrete demonstration of how much you care about a person. Don't give just because you are required to. Don't give because you want something in return. Give because you love to. Give, just because.

There you go! Don't forget to wrap your gifts nicely. Attach a lovely note. Some people think of gifts as highly commercialized and overrated. But how can you label giving a gift wholeheartedly commercialized? How can you badmouth such an act of love and kindness?

David Arnold Livingston enjoys shopping for family and friends.