by Charleen Larson

Created on: December 29, 2008

It's the siren song of Christmas gift-giving convenience: Buy a gift card and you're done.

Small wonder two-thirds of the people surveyed in a recent National Public Radio poll said they were giving wallet-size pieces of plastic this year. Some potential recipients aren't enthused. "Gift cards are the perfect way to say, `I don't really know you or your tastes, and I don't care enough to ask, so do your darn shopping on me,'" groused a reader on the Orange County Register's Fast Food Maven blog.

So you received a certificate for Romano's Macaroni Grill, and as you gaze at it you're wondering two things: How do they keep elbow pasta from falling through the grate? And why was I given this when the nearest Macaroni Grill is 100 miles away?

Take heart. Romano's Macaroni Grill cards can also be used at Chili's, On the Border and Maggiano's Little Italy. If that still doesn't help, you have options.

Swap your card. Sites such as PlasticJungle and CardAvenue facilitate trading. There are protections in place for the wary.

Pay bills with your card. SwapAGift has introduced an innovative program, VersiCard BillPay. You send them your unwanted gift along with an unpaid bill. They remit a percentage of the card's value, usually 65-70%, to your creditor within 24 hours of receipt.

Get instant cash for your card. SwapAGift has a network of certified partner locations that will pay you cash immediately. Check the site's list of preferred merchants and if you don't find your card there, email them and they may buy it anyway.

Earn interest on your card. LeverageCard pays 1% APR on any gift cards you register. You can use your earned interest to buy...more gift cards.

Keep up to date on your card. GiftCardBlogger tracks card news and specials. Is your balance about to become zero due to bankruptcy? GiftCardBlogger has the scoop.

Donate your card. Your favorite charity may be able to buy much-needed supplies or raise money by raffling your white elephant. Consult your tax advisor for deductibility details.

Finally, sell your card. eBay is a vibrant, well-known and easy-to-use marketplace where cards often sell for a high percentage of face value. While there was once a problem with theft rings offering stolen goods, eBay says that is no longer the case. Use ordinary precautions such as verifying the balance before you ship and sending it insured or with tracking. Be aware you will be able to sell only one card at a time.

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