National Use Your Gift Card Day arrives on the third Saturday of January, urging us to finally redeem those forgotten plastic treasures. It’s a perfect opportunity to clear out your wallet’s unused balances and treat yourself. Dig up your cards, check their value, and enjoy a guilt-free shopping spree.
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Expected National Use Your Gift Card Day Deals
While National Use Your Gift Card Day itself isn’t typically marked by sales, it’s the perfect time to leverage existing deals with your stored value. Many retailers offer post-holiday clearance, making your gift cards go further. Look for promotions at major stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and Macy’s. Restaurants such as Starbucks and Chipotle may also have seasonal specials you can enjoy. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 2027 approaches, but the real deal is the value you already hold.
Platform Guide for National Use Your Gift Card Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #UseYourGiftCardDay. Share a photo of your stack of gift cards and what you plan to buy.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #UseYourGiftCardDay. Create a fun video revealing how many gift cards you found and what you’re redeeming them for.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #UseYourGiftCardDay. Tweet about your best gift card score or a funny story about a forgotten card.
National Use Your Gift Card Day Hero
The Retail Consumer
History of National Use Your Gift Card Day
Gift cards are a blessing in disguise for those with no time to shop or who don’t know what to buy for a distant relative or a new friend. It is a plastic card that resembles a credit card. Gift cards are traceable by an online electronic system and can be used to pay for things within a certain amount. Since gift cards are so easy to carry — and the easiest option to turn to during a holiday — they have become one of the most popular gifts lately. However, the people who receive gift cards often forget to use them. According to research by Mercator Advisory Group, Inc, $3.5 billion in gift cards go unredeemed every year. It is a shocking number. Well, you might not realize it, but there might be several gift cards lying around in your house, begging to be swiped!
To counter this problem and to make sure these cards no longer go to waste, Tracy Tilson founded the National Use Your Gift Card Day in 2020. Tilson believes that gift cards should either be cashed up or donated for a good cause. After all, no one is going to benefit if the card expires. The day is set in support of the National Use Your Gift Card Day movement as well. On this day, several online retailers and stores launch incentives that encourage shoppers to utilize their gift cards. Several major retail industries are also supporting the holiday.
National Use Your Gift Card Day timeline
Neiman Marcus introduces the first lot in store.
The store Blockbuster launches the first successful gift card.
Macy’s, the Gap, and other retailers have them available.
Starbucks launches the first gift card that can be reused.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Use Your Gift Card Day
Local businesses can participate in National Use Your Gift Card Day by encouraging customers to redeem their cards. Offer a small bonus for using a gift card on this day, or highlight specific products that can be purchased with a common gift card value. Promote gift card balance check services and remind customers about expiration dates or dormancy fees. Restaurants could offer a ‘gift card special’ menu item.
National Use Your Gift Card Day FAQs
When is National Use Your Gift Card Day?
In 2027, National Use Your Gift Card Day is observed on Saturday, January 16. This annual event serves as a timely reminder to redeem any unspent balances from holiday gifts.
How much money goes unspent on gift cards each year?
The problem of unused gift card balances persists, with industry reports indicating that a significant portion, often exceeding $20 billion, goes unredeemed each year. This represents a substantial amount of purchasing power.
Why do people forget to use their gift cards?
Several factors contribute to gift cards going unused, including forgetting about them, not having a convenient opportunity to shop at the specific store, or waiting for a ‘perfect’ purchase that never materializes. Some cards also have small, inconvenient balances.
What should you do before using an old gift card?
It’s crucial to verify the balance and any terms and conditions, such as expiration dates or potential fees, before attempting to use an older gift card. Most cards have a toll-free number or website for balance inquiries.
How to Celebrate National Use Your Gift Card Day
Visit a mall
The best way to celebrate the day is by collecting all your gift cards and heading to the nearest mall. It’s time to shop till you drop!
Buy something for a loved one
Use the gift card to buy something for a family member, a close friend, or a love interest. Investing in someone you love is better than wasting the card on things you may not need.
Use a gift card to buy food for animals
Go to a supermarket with your gift card, buy pet food for cats and dogs, and donate to the nearest animal shelter.
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Gift Cards
Gift cards that are given by Americans
93% of U.S. citizens have given gifts as store cards.
The most popular gift card in 2019
Amazon card was the #1 gift card.
Gift cards as birthday gifts
68% of people give gift cards as a birthday present.
Starbucks transactions
Almost half were made with gift cards
Men vs. women
Men spend more on gift cards.
Why National Use Your Gift Card Day is Important
Introduces discounts
The day is of importance as it prompts stores to introduce offers and promotions as incentives for people to use their gift cards.
Helps utilize old cards
Many people never use the gift cards they receive. Can you imagine how much money you have stored up in the cards?
Retail therapy
The day promotes shopping. It means you can step out and shop guilt-free.
National Use Your Gift Card Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 16 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 20 | Saturday |
| 2030 | January 19 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Use Your Gift Card Day
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