Father’s Day is just a few weeks away and with all the new movies out in theaters, what better way to let dad know you care than to give him the gift of entertainment?   And with movie ticket prices so high, who wouldn’t love to get a discount?

Movie fans can save some serious cash with discounted movie theater gift cards on Plastic Jungle. Check our stock of discounted Fandango Gift Cards, discounted AMC Theatres Gift Cards, discounted Loew’s Cineplex Gift Cards, and discounted Regal Cinema Gift Cards (which also cover United Artists Theatres and Edwards Cinemas), discounted Cinema De Lux Gift Cards and discounted Landmark Theatres Gift Cards.

Save even more on those summer blockbuster movies by checking out the movie chain theaters’ rewards programs. For example, AMC operates a MovieWatcher Rewards program (separate from gift cards) that offers incentives and discounts for going to the movies. To get movie times and tickets at an AMC Theatre near you, use the AMC Theatres zip code locator.

Check the Balance on Your AMC Theatres Gift Card

Right now, AMC Theatres doesn’t offer an electronic gift card option (no eCODEs from AMC Theatres). For more on the terms and conditions for AMC Theatres Gift Cards visit the AMC Theatres Gift Card page. You can check your gift card balance via:

Online: Here’s a link to check the balance on your AMC Theatres Gift Card,

Mobile Phone: Just text “AMC” and the 19-digit number on your AMC Theatres Gift Card to VALUE (82583) to have your balance information sent to your cell phone.

At the AMC Theatre: Find one near you using the AMC Theatres zip code locator

Sell or Trade Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can safely sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can trade any unused gift card for cash, or trade it for an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

You’ve got to love the youthful spirit, and low prices, of trendy Aeropostale apparel. One thing to note about their gift cards is that Aeropostale Gift Cards are interchangeable with P.S. by aeropostale Gift Cards — their teen-appealing brand goes even younger with spinoff store P.S. by Aeropostale (PS4U.com).

For the latest details on Aeropostale Gift Cards and Online Gift Certificates, see the Aeropostale Gift Card page.

Purchase discounted Aeropostale Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle now >>>

Check the Balance on Your Aeropostale Gift Card or Aeropostale Online Gift Certificates

Not sure how much is left on your Aeropostale Gift Card or Aeropostale eGift Card?

Online: There is currently no online gift card balance checking tool at Aeropostale.com.

Phone: Call Aeropostale customer service at 877-289-2376.

In Store: With about 900 clothing stores in the US, and about 40 in Canada, Aeropostale likely has a location near you – you can use the Aeropostale Store Locator to find one near you.

Trade or Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can safely sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can exchange any unused gift card for cash, or trade it for an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Williams Sonoma, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

The Cheesecake Factory’s full restaurant menu aims to please, so with a gift card you or your recipient can enjoy dining at over 149 Cheesecake Factory restaurants around the country (including Honolulu, Hawaii! See The Cheescake Factory’s Restaurant Locator), or order cheesecakes and more via phone (1-800-330-CAKE (2253)), or use the gift card to order cheesecakes online at CheesecakeFactory.com.

If yours is a “Complimentary Gift Card”, it has certain restrictions: check The Cheesecake Factory FAQ page for details and terms on their gift cards.

Check the Balance on a Cheesecake Factory Gift Card or Cheesecake Factory eGift Card

Not sure how much is left on your Cheesecake Factory Gift Card or Cheesecake Factory eGift Card? You can go to any Cheesecake Factory restaurant, check The Cheesecake Factory’s online Gift Card balance checker, or call 1-800-330-CAKE (2253). When you call, be sure to have your Cheesecake Factory Gift Card number and PIN in front of you. Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your Cheesecake Factory Gift Card or eGift Card securely on Plastic Jungle.

The Cheesecake Factory Gift Cards and eGift Cards (eCODEs) may be redeemed at Cheesecake Factory restaurants, via phone orders and online as well.

The Cheesecake Factory Gift Cards and The Cheesecake Factory eGift Cards have no expiration date and no transaction fees. Plastic Jungle does not charge shipping fees.

Check The Cheesecake Factory FAQ page for details and possible restrictions on gift cards.

Trade or Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can safely sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can exchange any unused gift card for cash, or trade it for an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Williams Sonoma, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

If you’re looking for a gift that will cover just about any restaurant whim of the recipient, you might want to check into Darden Restaurants Gift Cards. Darden Restaurants Gift Cards can be redeemed at any Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, or any other Darden restaurant in the US.

So, you can use an Olive Garden Gift Card at any Olive Garden restaurant, or any of the above-mentioned restaurants. They are interchangeable.

With graduation coming up, restaurant gift cards make a great gift, or a great way to send out the group for a meal after the graduation ceremony as a treat on you. There are over 1,700 Darden restaurants across the US, and the Olive Garden has over 650 locations around America. Check the online Olive Garden restaurant locator to find one near you.

Looking for a discounted Darden Restaurant Gift Card?

Darden Restaurants-branded Gift Cards  >> |   Olive Garden Gift Cards  >> |   Red Lobster Gift Cards  >> |   LongHorn Steakhouse Gift Cards  >> |  Bahama Breeze Gift Cards  >> |   Seasons 52 Gift Cards  >>

Remember, if your desired Darden Restaurant Gift Card is not available, you can purchase one from another Darden Restaurant and use it interchangeably. Note that Canadian and US Olive Garden gift cards are not interchangeable. At present, the Olive Garden and Darden Restaurants do not offer eGift Cards. For the latest on terms and conditions on Darden Restaurant Gift Cards, see their Gift Card FAQ page, or call their Gift Card Customer Service number: 800-642-7336, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

Check the Balance on Your Olive Garden Gift Card or Olive Garden eGift Cards

Online: Check the balance on your Olive Garden Gift Card online.

Phone: Call 877-230-4120

In Person: Go to any Darden Restaurant (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52) and ask the host to help you. Find any Darden Restaurant.

Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can trade any unused gift card for cash, or an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

Mothers Day is this Sunday, May 8^th. Do you have plans?  Here are some quick reminders to help you coordinate the celebration of Mom.

Mothers Day Cards
Mail them today to get them there in time for Mothers Day. Writing an extra note, even just “Thank You Mom”, when you sign it goes a long way to let mom know you’re thinking about her.

Mothers Day Brunch
Start Googling restaurants or calling to make your reservations now.

Mothers Day Flower Delivery

When do you want those flowers delivered? Friday at her work? Saturday at home (trump your fellow siblings by being the first to wish mom a happy Mothers Day)? Sunday? If you’re bringing flowers, one good idea is to bring an arrangement, so that mom doesn’t have to spend time putting them into a vase. 1-800-Flowers.com has an online tool that will help you get your Mothers Day flowers delivered where and when you want them AND has free shipping right now when you select certain dates for delivery, an approximately $15 savings!

Mothers Day Gifts
Do you have to ship them? Don’t forget the wrap and the card. And don’t forget that if mom is dieting, skip the chocolate, or go for something small and exquisite.

Check the Balance on Your 1-800-Flowers Gift Card

You can get discount 1-800-Flowers Gift Cards right here on Plastic Jungle. 1-800-Flowers doesn’t issue eGift Cards at this time.

The 1-800-Flowers Gift Card is five Gift Cards in one because they can be redeemed at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM (www.1800flowers.com), 1-800-BASKETS.COM (www.1800baskets.com), Cheryl’s (www.cheryls.com), Fannie May (www.fanniemay.com) and The Popcorn Factory (www.thepopcornfactory.com).

Online: There is no way to check your 1-800-Flowers Gift Card balance online.

Phone: Call 1-800-242-5353.

Want to Find a 1-800-Flowers Florist? Find a 1-800-Flowers store or florist near you using the 1-800-Flowers Store Locator.

Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can trade any unused gift card for cash, or an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

We are a coffee nation, and Starbucks has over 21 million fans on Facebook to prove it! Founded in Seattle, the chain’s cool sensibilities and consistency in quality have invaded the smallest towns and the largest cities. In the summer it’s Starbucks Frappucinos and Trenta Iced Lattes; in the winter, it’s minty Hot Chocolate and fantastic Chai Lattes.

Starbucks can become a friendly habit. In case you’re looking to save some cash, don’t hesitate to purchase discounted Starbucks Gift Cards here on Plastic Jungle, because while they might give a taste away once in a while, there’s rarely a sale at Starbucks. To be the first to know when new, discounted Starbucks Gift Cards come into stock on Plastic Jungle, make sure to set a Starbucks email alert.

You should know that the new “My Starbucks Rewards” program is very versatile and customizable. You can set the card to reload with an auto-payment option, and collect “stars” toward Gold membership and free drinks. This program will replace the Starbucks Gold program and Starbucks Card Reward program.

For the latest details on the Starbucks Gift Card, Starbucks Card eGifts, and My Starbucks Rewards, check out the Starbucks Gift Card FAQ page.

For Starbucks events and promotions, be sure to follow Starbucks on Twitter, and be one of the 21 million to Like Starbucks on Facebook.

If you’re interested in purchasing Starbucks coffee online, check out the Starbucks Store.

And don’t be silly. If you have an idea for Starbucks, make sure to visit Starbucks’ dedicated site, My Starbucks Idea, where your idea is published and voted on.

To help you create your own Starbucks Signature drink and show you the options you have, the build-your-beverage experience at MyStarbucksSignature.com worth your time.

Check the Balance on Your Starbucks Gift Card

Online: Check your Starbucks Gift Card balance online.  All you’ll need is the card’s 16-digit number and its CSC (Card Security Code), which is an 8-digit number that can be found under the scratch-off coating on the back of your card.

In-Store: Find a Starbucks near you using the Starbucks Store Locator.

Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your gift card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can trade any unused gift card for cash, or an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

Gas prices are high, and it’s not even summer. Memorial Day weekend is typically the starting point for when gas prices go up for the length of the summer, when American road trips peak across the country.

For a quick look at how to save as gas prices keep climbing, check out consumer reporter Gregory Karp’s article in the Seattle Times. The quickest way to save on gas? Take the petal off the metal and drive less aggressively. The article is chock full of useful, up-to-date gas-saving tips.

If you’ve got a road trip you’re not going to miss, or you’ve just got a killer commute that demands an eagle-eye for the lowest gas prices around, check out the GasBuddy website, or fan GasBuddy on Facebook to follow pricing trends. By aggregating the prices recorded by members around a zip code, they can let you know where the cheapest (or most expensive) gas is around your city or state.

Do you have tips for saving on gasoline? Let us know your methods for keeping costs down when gas prices go up in your comments!

One way to save is discounted gas cards here on Plastic Jungle. If none are in stock, you can set a notification to be emailed an alert for when discounted gas cards become available.

Discounted Gas Cards you might find available at Plastic Jungle include:

• Exxon Mobil • 76 Gas Card •  Shell • ARCO BP • Citgo • Conoco • Flying J • Gulf • Phillips 66 • Sunoco • Tesoro • Texaco Chevron

How to Check the Balance on Your Exxon Mobil Gas Card

Online: Check your Exxon Mobil Gas Card balance online.

There are no phone numbers published for you to check your ExxonMobil Gas Card balance.

With thousands of Exxon stations and thousands of Mobil stations nationwide, you’re sure to find it easy to use your gas card when you need it. Exxon Mobil Gas Cards are redeemable at Exxon or Mobil gas stations in the US: check the Exxon Mobil station locator for one in your area (or where you’re going). Check out the Exxon Mobil Fuel Finder App, a GPS location and map application available as a mobile app.

To be the first to know when new, discounted ExxonMobil Gas Cards come in stock on Plastic Jungle, make sure to set an Exxon Mobil email alert. Exxon Mobil gas cards are valid at the pump and in ExxonMobil convenience stores, and when purchased or traded at Plastic Jungle, you’ll never pay service or shipping fees.

For the latest on Exxon Mobil Gas Cards Terms & Conditions, check the Exxon Mobil Gas Card page.

Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your gas card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can also trade any unused gift card for cash, or an Amazon.com Gift Card, or use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

Where are you registered? Wedding registries abound, and you can register at just about any major retail chain now, whether you register for your wedding in-store or sit with your significant other and pick each piece of your  wedding registry online. At Pier 1 Imports, aka Pier 1, you’ll find some fantastic moderately priced housewares, including seasonal choices, dining options, rugs and floor coverings, accents and furniture and more.

On now at Pier1.com is a contest to award a $5,000 scholarship for the popular winner of the 2011 Pier 1/UNICEF “Making Spirits Bright” Greeting Card Contest. There are 10 cards on the site, and it’s now up to site visitors to choose a winner.

A big attraction at Pier 1 is store’s fantastic Pier 1 Special Values and sales. (Hint: check Pier 1 just after a season, such as the Spring or December holidays, for the best bargain finds!)  Pier 1 Imports has 1,100 retail stores throughout the US and Canada, and also delivers a catalog and maintains an online store. . Pier 1 Imports Gift Cards are redeemable in any US or Canadian Pier 1 Imports retail location, or online at Pier1.com

Pier1.com is filled with entertaining, decorating, and gift ideas in “The Idea Room”.

You can sign up for the Pier 1 email newsletter to get the latest on Pier 1 sales and promotions.

Pier 1 Imports does not offer an eGift Card option (no eCODEs for Pier 1). Gift cards are valid in stores and online, and when purchased or traded at Plastic Jungle, you’ll never pay shipping or service fees.

Pier 1 Imports gift cards have no expiration date and no transaction fees. Plastic Jungle never charges shipping fees.

Check the Balance on Your Pier 1 Imports Gift Card

In Store: Go to the register of any Pier 1 retail location

Online: Go to the Pier 1 Gift Card Balance Lookup page

Via Phone: Check with Pier 1 Customer Relations at (800) 245-4595, prompt 1

Online, you can, or to, or. Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your Pier 1 Imports Gift Card or Pier 1 eGift Card on Plastic Jungle.

Sell Your Gift Card

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your Pier 1 Gift Card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can also trade your Staples Gift Card for an Amazon.com Gift Card, use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

Let us know if you’re using Pier 1 to register for gifts, and what your favorite products are (links please!). We’d love to hear your feedback!

If working on your taxes has worn the springs out your home-office chair, or you’ve run out of paper printing receipts, it’s time to pull out that Staples Gift Card and make some quick purchases to keep the momentum going. April 15^th is within shouting distance!

Staples’ online “Hot Deals Center” is a great place to find favorite products the store makes special purchases on. Today in Hot Deals, find a quality “managers” office chair for $89.99 or a case of 20 lb copy paper for $29.99 – a savings of $17.00 off the regular price. Or check the Staples Weekly Ad for local deals.

Save even more when you purchase a discounted Staples Gift Card or eCODE (eGift Card) on Plastic Jungle >>>

None in stock? Make sure to set a Staples email alert to be notified when they become available at Plastic Jungle. Remember, when purchased or traded at Plastic Jungle, you’ll never pay shipping fees on any gift card.

Check the Balance on Your Staples Gift Card or Staples eGift Card (eCODE)

In Store: You can check the balance at the register of any Staples store.

Online: Go to Staples online card-balance check tool.

Via Phone: Call Staples Customer Service at 1-888-609-6963. When you call, be sure to have your Staples Gift Card number and PIN in front of you.

Sell Your Gift Card or eGift Certificate

Once you know your balance, you can sell or trade your Staples Gift Card or Staples eGift Card securely on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can also trade your Staples Gift Card for an Amazon.com Gift Card, use it to donate the funds to charity (Gift Cards for Good—look for the green ribbon at checkout), or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

Let us know what your favorite Staples products are – is there something you get a great deal on at Staples, time after time? We’d love to hear your feedback!

It’s very easy to become a pet person, and studies show that the health benefits of owning a pet are huge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pets are a positive health influence.

My dog Fielder, and his bff.

According to the CDC, pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness.

Pets can increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities and opportunities for socialization.

If you’re ready to jump into pet ownership, PetSmart Charities sponsors a National Adoption Weekend, and all PetSmart Stores in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico will host a three-day pet adoption event, from April 29 – May 1, 2011, with a goal of helping to find thousands of pets a lifelong, loving home.

Whether you’re looking for a solution to a pet problem, or just need a bag of dog food, you’ll find pet supplies, grooming, training, the convenient PetsHotel or Doggie Day Camp at PetSmart stores across the country. Each of the 850+ PetSmart locations has different amenities, but you’ll always find quality supplies online at Petsmart.com. Petsmart.com also will link you to PetSmart sales and promotions at local PetSmart stores.

Make sure to set an Notification alert for PetSmart to get an email when discounted PetSmart gift cards become available on Plastic Jungle. PetSmart Gift Cards are valid in stores and online, and when purchased or traded at Plastic Jungle, you’ll never pay shipping fees. PetSmart eGift Certificates (eCODEs) are redeemable online only at PetSmart.com and cannot be used at any traditional PetSmart retail stores.

Check the Balance on Your PetSmart Gift Card or PetSmart eGift Certificate

Online

Get your balance at PetSmart’s online balance checker.

In-Store

You can visit any PetSmart location and check the balance at the register.

Phone

Check the balance by calling a Customer Care Representative at 1-800-820-6189. When you call, be sure to have your PetSmart Gift Card number and PIN in front of you.

For the latest on PetSmart Gift Card and eGift Certificate terms and conditions, check the PetSmart Gift Card page.

Sell Your Gift Card or eGift Certificate

Once you know your balance for any gift card, you can safely sell or trade your PetSmart Gift Card or eGift Certificate on Plastic Jungle. At Plastic Jungle, you can also trade your PetSmart Gift Card for an Amazon.com Gift Card, use it to donate the funds to charity, or even fund a PayPal account.

To know how much your gift card is worth in exchange on Plastic Jungle, on the main page, click “Sell Gift Cards” at the top of the page. Look up the store and enter the gift card balance you’ve just acquired. You’ll see instantly what your gift card balance is worth in cash or trade.

Check other Plastic Jungle blog posts for the same “Check Your Gift Card Balance” information for other stores, including Sears, Land’s End, Macy’s, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and more.

My family adopted a pet a few years ago. I wasn’t a dog person before, but I can’t imagine life without Fielder now. If you have a pet adoption story that might have changed you in some way, you can share it to encourage others to adopt at PetSmartCharities.org, and we’d love for you to come back and leave a comment here, too!