Just a quick one-- This morning I heard on the news that people were nervous about gift cards this holiday season.  My view is avoid these cards like the plague!

Never mind losing the cards, remember the Sharper Image fiasco?  People who still had those cards became creditors in the Sharper Image's bankruptcy.

Unless you are giving a gift that will be consumed immediately (like a gas card or Dunkin Donuts card), I would give cash or a check.  Why take the risk with these retailers these days?