A whopping 55% of us requested and received a gift card as a holiday present.  If you were one of them, don't make the mistake of putting the card in the drawer to spend later. A lot of those put-away gift cards never get spent!

Many times we just forget that we received it or, worse yet, forget where we put it contributing to about $5 billion in unspent money. Wow!

So as you sit reading this think about what you'd like to get with your gift card(s) today or tomorrow or no later than the weekend. Many stores are still in "clean out the last of the inventory" mode, which means there are bargains to be had.

When you go to the store plan on spending all of it even if it means contributing a few extra dollars to the purchase. Trying to buy something that won't cost you a penny extra usually means there are a few dollars left to the card's value. Rarely does that small amount get spent. So what you've accomplished doing is basically throwing a few dollars away in the trash.

Hey, this may be the only time you hear us urge you to go out and spend. So take advantage of our momentary lapse!

If for some reason you received a gift card for a store you don't like or don't shop at, don't hide that card away in a drawer leaving it to die unused and unwanted. There are a number of gift card exchange websites where you can either exchange the card for one you want or even donate it to charity.

GiftCardRescue and PlasticJungle let you do either of these transactions, although you might lose a percentage of the value of the card. Or check out CardHub, which has just launched a gift card exchange on Facebook where you list your cards and exchange them with friends.

Just make sure whoever gave you the card isn't on Facebook herself! That could make for an embarrassing confrontation.

Most gift cards no longer have expiration dates. But there are a few that still do so be sure to check your cards. Also make sure that your cards don't have a fee that will be applied if the card isn't used within a specified time frame. 

If you fail to heed our warnings to use your cards NOW, should you find yourself standing there some time down the road with an expired card in your hand, don't throw it away. Have a chat with the retailer to see if it can be reactivated or if there is something else the retailer will allow you to do with the gift card.  

Here are more ways to make sure you make the most of your gift cards.

Now, before we change our minds, Happy Shopping!

Read More In: Credit Smarts Family & Money