Thousands of people forget to use their cards -- according to various surveys between 6% and 10% go unused each year.

Other points to keep in mind - whether you have holiday, anniversary, birthday or other occasions cards:

(1) Use your card sooner rather than later. Many charge inactivity fees (up to $4.95 per month) if you don't use your card after a stated period of time.

(2) Record the number of a general purpose card. Then, if it's lost or stolen, call and cancel it and request a replacement. (Be prepared to pay a fee.)

Caution: The majority of gift cards issued by retailers, as opposed to general purpose cards, do not replace lost or stolen cards.

(3) Track your balance. You don't want to wind up purchasing a pile of books or an expensive sweater and then find out you only have $2 or $3 left on the card. You can check the balance online or by phone (or, in many cases, both). Then, attach a post-it to the card, showing the dollar amount left.

(4) Keep your card. Until you're absolutely certain you won't be returning items purchased. Some stores will not accept returns unless you can produce the gift card.

Selling Gift Cards

If you know you won't be using a portion or all of the value of a card, you can sell it, although you won't receive the full value.

Each of these services has different policies, but they are clearly explained on the websites. One, PlasticJungle.com, enables you to donate the money received from the card's sale to charity. Two others to check out: GiftCardRescue.com and SwapGift.com

- Nancy Dunnan