Did you get any gift cards during the holidays this year?  If you did, and you haven't spent them already, you might want to review the new laws about gift cards that went into effect in August of 2010.

Gift cards can expire--but the money loaded onto your gift card will be good for at least five years.  If there's a fee for inactivity, that fee must be clearly marked on the card.  Inactivity fees can be charged if the card hasn't been used in at least a year, but these fees can only be charged once per month.

Exceptions to the above rule include reloadable cards, such as those issued by MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express, which substitute for credit or debit cards, as well as gift cards offered as promotions or "gifts with purchase."  These may have fees or shorter expiration dates, but that information must, again, be clearly indicated.

My advice?  Take those gift cards and go shopping!  Most can be used online (no waiting, no parking lots, and often free shipping can be had).  Use it or lose it!

COUPON TIME

Free $50 SkyMall gift card when you place an order of $200 or more
Use coupon code A1150 during checkout.
Valid through: March 31, 2011
See other SkyMall coupons!

Free $50 Reward Card when you buy a Plow & Hearth Electric Stove
Valid through: February 6, 2011
See other Plow & Hearth coupon codes!