christmas

The Gift of Gift Cards

Do you have a loved one who you’re never quite sure what to get them for the holidays? If so, you may be considering gifting them a gift card, so that they can get something they truly want or need. There are two common gift cards that are sold at many retailers: Store cards – gift cards that can only be used at a specific store or merchant, and network-branded cards – gift cards that can be used with many different merchants and are usually issued by banks or large financial institutions. When purchasing gift cards, consider which type would be most beneficial to the person receiving the card.

Hands holding a wrapped gift card in front of a Christmas tree.

Most store gift cards and network-branded gift cards are covered by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (Credit CARD) Act. This means that your gift card cannot expire until at least 5 years after it was activated. The merchant or institution that issued the card also cannot charge any inactivity fees for at least one year if your loved one chooses to hang on to the card for a while.

A few other tips when buying gift cards:

  • Check the card before you buy it. Make sure it isn’t damaged and the PIN number on the back of the card hasn’t been revealed.
  • Buy gift cards from trusted stores and sites. Gift cards can be counterfeited or stolen, so do not buy from unfamiliar sources.
  • Give the receipt to the recipient of the gift card as well as the terms and conditions so they are aware of the fine print.

If this holiday season you or your children are given a gift card as a gift, remember to protect the gift card like it is cash. There is a good chance you will not get your money back if the gift card is accidentally lost or stolen. If the issuer offers it, you may be able to register your gift card so that you can better protect your money if the card is lost. 

For youth, gift cards can be a great way to teach about money management. Be sure to talk with your child about how and where they can use the card as well as how much money is on the card. Remind them to consider sales tax when purchasing an item. Encourage your child to complete the purchase from start to finish (it is their money, after all!). Have them bring their item to the register, pay for their item by handing the gift card to the cashier, and collect the receipt and item from the check out. This will help prepare children for making purchases on their own later in their lives.

Whether giving or receiving gift cards this holiday season, remember to keep your money safe for a happy shopping and gift-giving experience!

Written By:  Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed By: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences, Guernsey County, Ohio State University Extension, mathews-smith.1@osu.edu

 

Food Safety While Gift Giving for the Holiday Season

Stacked holiday gifts.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a great time to share gifts with your loved ones. If you’re considering giving the gift of food, there are many options, including subscription boxes, home-delivered groceries, and homemade treats. However, when sending food gifts, it’s important to prioritize food safety to keep your loved ones safe.

The most crucial step when giving food as a gift is to communicate with the recipient.

  • Ask about any food allergies or aversions they may have.
  • Find out if they will be home when the food is delivered so they can refrigerate it promptly. Perishable items or cooked meals can cause food poisoning if left out for more than 2 hours. Bacteria that lead to food borne illnesses multiply rapidly when food is in the “danger zone,” which is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
  • Let them know how the food should arrive. Perishable items should arrive frozen, partially frozen with visible ice crystals, or at least at refrigerator temperature (40°F (4°C) or below when measured with a food thermometer). If the food arrives above 40°F (4°C), it should be discarded.
  • Ensure they understand how to store the food. All perishable items should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
  • Consider providing safety tips for preparing and cooking the food, as well as advice on storing leftovers.

When gifting homemade canned goods, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines. Adhere to Cottage Food laws when gifting home-canned items. A Cottage Food Operation refers to a person producing non-hazardous food items in their home, such as baked goods, jams, jellies, and fruit butter. Home-canned foods are items that someone has canned for their family’s consumption. It is not advisable to share foods that do not appear on the Cottage Food list. Home-canned foods can carry risks, such as botulism, a severe illness caused by a toxin produced in improperly canned items.

There are many non-perishable food items that are a great option for gifts. Below are some low-risk food gift ideas and recipes you may want to try.

Gift from the Kitchen Recipes

As the holiday season approaches, gifting food can be a delightful option, but it’s important to prioritize food safety. Make sure to follow the tips above to keep your family and friends safe this holiday season.

Author: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

Reviewer: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County