When you are given a gift card, are you as frugal with that as you would be with cash? I hadn't thought about that until this weekend. Here's my little story:

My mom had sent me a gift card to Kohl's for Valentine's Day. I just spent the weekend with her, and wanted to go to Kohl's with her to spend the card. I was really hoping they would have rubber ducky bathroom accessories. Well, they didn't.

We walked around the whole store. My mom really wanted me to buy something - anything! - with the gift card. She kept asking, "Do you want this? Do you need something like this?" All I kept thinking was 25 dollars is a lot of money. (I know it isn't a lot to some people, but we have been pinching pennies, and 25 dollars is big to us right now.)

I don't need any more clothes. Neither does dh. Other items just seemed like a waste. I ended up not buying anything. I didn't want to waste the gift card. In case you were wondering, my mom wasn't offended or anything. We'll go back the next time I'm up there. I'll keep looking until I find something worth buying.

So, are you frugal with gift cards that you receive, or do you allow yourself to buy something you normally wouldn't have purchased?

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If you need to get in touch with me, my email is teach1107910@yahoo.com.

I still try to stretch my money, even if it's with a gift card!

I would have to say that I am pretty frugal with my gift cards I receive. I am such a bargain shopper that I can't just buy something for the sake of buying just because someone gave me one. I like to try to get the most out of gift cards. In fact, I have been known to hold onto a card for over a year. DS received a few gift cards for when he was born and his Christianing. I have been waiting to use them for when he needs something. I have a small file folder where I can keep all my gift cards in one place so I don't lose them.

I usually try to be frugal, even with a gift card, but I will occasionally splurge if I find something I really like.

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

We're pretty frugal w/gift cards as well. I do try (if it was a gift) to spend it on myself - or who ever it was intended for, but it's hard not to spend it on household stuff.

We've had a $50 giftcard from when Wyatt was born that we haven't used - we're saving it for when we need to get his big car seat. We're also expecting a $40 one any day now for BRU that our builder is sending for letting them show our house - it will be saved for the car seat as well.

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Stephanie (27) & Virgil (31)
Caden 3 y.o. 11/28/04 29w preemie
Wyatt 17 mos. 9/25/06
#3 due 8/24/08

I usually allow myself a "gift", but I still follow my frugalness. last time I splurged on a black skirt that could be evening skirt or church clothes and I spent $1.50.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

I would be frugal too, 'cept no one ever gives me gift cards!

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~Happiness is a large family~

WATCH EXPIRY DATES! I've heard horror stories about "the fine print" on gift cards and how some expired and were useless. You might want to check the individual stores policy's before hanging onto them too long.

I am frugal with them too. It's just like cash for me, and I try to get the most bang for my buck.

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Children Learn What They Live, And Live What They Learn.
What have you taught your child today?
When life throws you a curve ball...it's up to you how you catch it!

I confess that I'm not, unless it's a gift card for a grocery store. I see it as a 'bonus' which is not necessarily a good thing. Using a gift card for me is one of the few times I'll go out and get exactly what I want. I don't go over at all but I'm not frugal with the amount on the card.

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I try to be frugal with gift cards as well. I try to stretch it as far as I can.

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SAHM of 4

August food budget (groceries/take-out): $500.00/$75.00
Total spent: $238.97/$14.12

July budget/spent: $500.00/$650.00