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How to organize your gift cards

in: Organizing Time & Space

Rookie Mom Heather (who’s not so much of a rookie anymore!) uses Sharpies in her gift card organizing scheme:

oh, isn’t it wonderful to get a $100 gift card at old navy or a $10 gift card at starbucks?  yes, it is.
ever since our wedding, we keep all gift cards in one envelope in one drawer (so we never lose them) and we sharpie the current amounts on each one so we don’t have to fish around for the latest receipt. 

just don’t write $87.22 too big, because you’re likely to have to scratch it out and write $46.13 after your next mini shopping trip.

i [heart] sharpies. [As do we, Heather. As do we. — Ed.]

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About Asha Dornfest

Asha Dornfest is a writer, parent, and insistent optimist living in Portland, Oregon. She is the author of PARENT HACKS, co-author of MINIMALIST PARENTING, and co-host of the Edit Your Life podcast.

Comments

  1. Mama Duck says

    April 27, 2007 at 6:27 am

    Ha, I’ve always done this and never thought anything of it, great idea ;).

  2. Parent Hacks Editor says

    April 27, 2007 at 7:34 am

    You know what I hate? When you find yourself in a store but you know you have a gift card for that store sitting at home. Any ideas for solving that problem? I hate cramming my wallet with gift cards. Perhaps keeping them in a separate little pouch in my purse? Dads — you’re out of luck unless you’re willing to go the Man Bag route.

  3. Betsy says

    April 27, 2007 at 12:52 pm

    We keep them in the main car, in the glovebox. At least you have a fighting chance then of remembering them.

  4. Amie says

    April 27, 2007 at 1:52 pm

    I do the glove box thing too. I also keep all my punch cards, discount cards, store credits, and coupons for things that aren’t groceries (ex. DSW, Hallmark) in there so they are always accessible. I am almost always with my car so they are usually with me. If I’m not with my car, I usually remember to grab them.

  5. Laura says

    April 27, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    I take one of the dry liquid paper strip dispensers and make a few small lines on the back of the card. Then I can just use a ballpoint pen to keep track of the balance.

  6. KyotoCutie says

    May 1, 2007 at 10:11 pm

    I wrap the receipt around the card and put it in a business card case with “extra” credit cards and other gift cards. I don’t carry those around to keep me from impulse buying 🙂

  7. John Trosko says

    May 1, 2007 at 10:24 pm

    This is a great idea! I store them inside a closable, reusuable polypropoline velcro envelope.

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About the Author

Asha Dornfest is the author of Parent Hacks and other books, and co-host of the Edit Your Life podcast. More about Asha »

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