SAN ANTONIO – Plastic was one popular present. Holiday shoppers bought them by the billions of dollars worth.
If you received one that's not quite the right fit, several websites will buy them for cold hard cash.
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Elizabeth Pena was more than happy with the gift cards she received, but has yet to use them.
"I'm actually waiting for a good time to use them, maybe when they have a sale," she said.
Eddie Mata received a Best Buy gift card, but has only used a fraction of it so far.
"I still have $27 on it," he said.
For gift cards that may not be to a store or restaurant that you prefer, several websites like www.plasticjungle.com will buy it from you. On the sites, you simply look up the retailer, type in the amount on the card and get your offer. Usually you mail in the card and receive your check by mail, although some allow electronic selling or trading it
for credit at www.Amazon.com.
Cards typically sell for 70 to 90 percent of the card's value. Higher demand cards like those to Walmart or Target get you more cash.
Amounts offered vary among websites.
For example, a $50 gift card for Barnes and Noble was worth $36.50 in cash at www.giftcards.com, but worth $40 at www.Cardpool.com.
A $50 Best Buy card was worth $40 at www.giftcardrescue.com, but $44 at www.cardpool.com.
You can also buy gift cards on the sites. You find the best deals on the lower-demand cards. If you do buy, make sure the site guarantees it.