Gift cards are a close second to cash in terms of a universally acceptable gift. The only problem is that if you don't shop at the store or dine at the restaurant where the gift card is accepted, it's about as useless as the plastic it's printed on.
If you happen to be a gamer, however, there's now a solution that'll let you get some value out of those unused cards after all.
Through a new partnership between GameStop and gift card exchange program Cardpool, you can now transform unused cards into an e-gift card for use at GameStop. Here's how it works.
Head over to the Gift Card Exchange website, select which store your card is from and fill out the card number and PIN. Once the card details have been verified and you complete the transaction, a GameStop e-gift card will be e-mailed your way. The e-card can be used for purchases online or at one of GameStop's brick and mortar locations nationwide.
Cards from nearly 100 retailers will be accepted including Aeropostale, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Home Depot, Nike, Old Navy and Target, just to name a few.
GameStop's cut will vary depending on several factors including what they think they can sell the card for. On average, however, customers can expect to get 70 to 75 percent of the value of their gift card in GameStop credit.