One discount gift card unlocks a 10% discount to all these stores!

The Bon-Ton discount gift card can be used to make purchases at Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s, Parisian, and Younkers department stores.

If you live or travel through the northern United States, chances are you are within shopping distance from The Bon-Ton department store or a Bon-Ton furniture gallery.

Bon-Ton discount gift cards are great for replenishing your Clinique mascara, lipstick, foundation, or powder at 10% off (in addition to any Bon-Ton store sales or coupons).

Have you been wanting to add a Kitchenaid standing mixer to your kitchen to make chocolate chip cookies, homemade cakes, or pasta from scratch?  You can bring home a Kitchenaid standing mixer from Bon-Ton for 10% less than most Bon-Ton shoppers with discount Bon-Ton gift cards from Plastic Jungle.

Will you be attending a wedding later this year for someone registered at one of the Bon-Ton network stores?  Use discount Bon-Ton gift cards to pay for your purchase off a gift registry and get what the bride and groom want for 10% less out of your pocket.

If you’re going to be shopping at Bon-Ton, you might as well bring savings in your wallet with Bon-Ton discount gift cards.  Planning to shop at Bon-Ton online?  Discount Bon-Ton gift cards can be used for online Bon-Ton purchases, too.

When is the last time you spotted an unused gift card?

You’re running an errand with a family member and as she goes to reach for her credit card out falls an unused gift card – the same unused gift card you’ve seen for the past 3 months.  Do you tell her she can sell it to Plastic Jungle and get a check?

Your coworker got a power drill from his grandma for his birthday, but he doesn’t want it.  He can return the drill to Lowe’s for a Lowe’s gift card, but he doesn’t know what he would buy with a $100 Lowe’s gift card. Will you tell him to sell the gift card to Plastic Jungle so he can get a cash deposit into his PayPal account?

You see a Facebook plea from a friend who is willing to sell a $100 Starbucks gift card she won but won’t use because she doesn’t drink coffee.  (This happened to me last week!)  Will you respond to her post with a note about Plastic Jungle and how she can receive up to 92% of the face value of the gift card as Amazon.com gift card if she sells the gift card?

Chances are we all know know of someone who has an unused gift card in their possession.  The sad news is, if a gift card goes unused for more than a few months it is more likely to get misplaced.

Help others free trapped gift card dollars by telling them how to sell unused gift cards to Plastic Jungle – the Web’s largest secured gift card exchange.

As long as the gift card has a value of $25 or more, Plastic Jungle will let the seller choose which payout option he or she wants and Plastic Jungle will even pay for postage to mail in the gift card (if applicable).  Once Plastic Jungle receives the gift card and verifies the value, either a cashier’s check, Amazon.com gift card via email, or PayPal credit will be processed.

Your friends will thank you for telling them about Plastic Jungle.  You never know how they money might be put to use.  They might have been tight on cash and needed to find money to pay a bill, buy groceries, or give a gift.

Be a friend and don’t let your friends clog their wallets with unused gift cards.  Tell them how they can sell gift cards to Plastic Jungle.

Plastic Jungle hopes to participate in an exciting panel at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Festival, and we need your help!

Each March, Austin, TX draws in thousands of people for SXSW, where the brightest minds in emerging technologies come together for one of the most energetic, inspiring and creative events of the year.

As an “Interactive” event, it’s literally an open dialogue – they want the community’s vote on preferred panels, presentations and discussions. But with more than 4,500 entries, the selection process is very competitive; only 500 sessions will be chosen.

Help Plastic Jungle get to Austin!

Voting is easy – just follow these quick instructions:

1. Create a Panel Picker account. Click here to get started. You will then receive a verification email – from there, click on the link inside this email and you will be ready to vote! (You need to create an account because you can only vote once – SXSW assures that they will NOT use your account data for mailing lists or third party vendors.)
2. Vote for Plastic Jungle’s panel. Once your account is validated, you can cast your vote for our panel here by clicking on the “Thumbs Up” icon. Make sure you are logged in so your vote will count.

Our proposed panel is called Retail Therapy…Quick, Convenient and Cheap led by executive speakers from Google, PayPal and Plastic Jungle’s own CEO Bruce Bower.  They’ll discuss and debate how new technologies are shifting the commerce landscape, creating easier, more secure ways for consumers to purchase products and save money. They’ll also answer these questions:

• How have these technologies changed consumer spending?
• What are the most exciting developments you’re seeing in ecommerce?
• Do these technologies benefit retailers too?
• How does this shift in consumer behavior affect your relationships with merchants?
• When do you think consumers will be able to ditch their physical wallets for good?

Community voting counts for 30% of the selection process, so it’s a great way for the community to lend a significant voice in programming for the 2012 SXSW Interactive Festival.

Polls are open now through September 2, 2011 – cast your vote today!

About SXSW Conferences & Festivals

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (March 9-18, 2012) offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery. Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Austin serves as the perfect backdrop for SXSW®, where career development flourishes amid the relaxed atmosphere. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion. Highlights from the 2011 Interactive festival included the following presentations from Blake Mycoskie (TOMS Shoes), Felicia Day (“The Guild”), Craig J. Venter (Founder of J. Craig Venter Institute), Al Franken (US Senator, Minnesota) and Marissa Mayer (Google). The Film Festival and Conference presented the world premiere films including, Duncan Jones’ “Source Code,” Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver” and Joe Cornish’s “Attack the Block” as well as speakers, Paul Reubens aka Pee Wee Herman and director Todd Phillips. Highlights from the Music Festival and Conference included showcases from Raphael Saadiq, TV on the Radio and Fitz and the Tantrums, and speakers Yoko Ono, Duran Duran and Bob Geldof. SXSW® 2012 is sponsored by Chevrolet, IFC, PepsiCo, Sonicbids and The Austin Chronicle. For more information, visit www.sxsw.com.

We’re working with Givex to make our marketplace more convenient for our consumers. Read below for more details.

Buca di Beppo joins new platform to provide an easy and secure way for consumers to buy gift cards and sell balances to receive instant funding

SAN JOSE, CA, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Givex, a global technology company which powers loyalty and gift card programs across 50 countries worldwide, today announced an integrated partnership with Plastic Jungle, the web’s largest secured gift card exchange, to enable Plastic Jungle users to easily buy and sell select merchants’ gift cards processed by Givex and enjoy instant funding, an immediate electronic transaction on the Plastic Jungle website.

Plastic Jungle helps unlock the estimated $30 billion in unredeemed gift cards by allowing consumers to sell gift cards for up to 92% of the gift card value, buy new gift cards at their favorite brands for up to 35% off, or donate the value of their unused cards to their favorite cause. Users can also opt for instant funding via PayPal or Amazon.com gift cards for select retailers – all in a safe and trusted environment. This partnership will help drive unused gift cards back to the merchants, turning unredeemed gift card value into productive, high margin spend.

“We’re very pleased that our marketplace will become even more convenient for consumers through our integration with Givex,” said Bruce Bower, CEO of Plastic Jungle. “This partnership not only helps both businesses and consumers capture the value from unused gift cards, but also enables brands to better connect with their best customers while at the same time giving gift card merchants ways to participate in a fully integrated manner in the secondary gift card marketplace.”

The first brand to sign onto the platform is Buca di Beppo, the nation’s leading family style Italian restaurant chain.  Plastic Jungle users will now be able to enjoy instant funding for Buca di Beppo gift cards they sell to the site, while the value on these cards will be seamlessly transferred to new Buca di Beppo gift cards available to motivated buyers on the Plastic Jungle marketplace. In addition to Buca di Beppo, the integration features will also be offered to the entire roster of Givex merchants and further adds to Plastic Jungle’s existing relationships with leading payment processors, which now cover the vast majority of retailer gift card programs.

“It’s important for us to connect directly to our customers and ensure their experience with Buca di Beppo is as positive as possible,” said Trish Giordano, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Buca di Beppo. “Plastic Jungle and Givex are making it easier for our customers to get the best value they can and we’re pleased to be a part of this new integration.”

“Businesses are constantly looking for new ways to excite and engage their best customers,” said Bryan Wang, Director Marketing at Givex. “That’s why we look forward to working with Plastic Jungle. This new channel gets gift cards into the hands of active users, driving revenue and visits.”

About Givex

Givex’s technology has now significantly evolved from the first gift card and loyalty programs that began in 1999. We now provide customizable tools that empower businesses of all kinds to acquire new customers, build, maintain and expand their customer database, effectively communicate with customers, and finally understand and reward their most loyal customers. Find out more at www.givex.com.

Read the full press release here: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/givex-and-plastic-jungle-announce-partnership-to-integrate-gift-card-services-126161088.html

Did you know that in 2010, $48.35 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S. That’s a lot of kibbles and bits!

Let Plastic Jungle throw you a bone. When you buy our discounted gift cards AND combine them with store coupons, we are talking serious savings. That’s especially true right now with PetSmart and PetCo, where you can save up to 24% off. Woof Woof!

Here’s how:
Go fetch and retrieve a PetSmart gift card from Plastic Jungle for 9% off, then turn around and use that same gift card at PetSmart.com and save an additional 15% off using promo code “PET6PERKS11” ($75 minimum purchase). At 24% off, even your dog will do tricks!

Similar savings can be found at PetCo. Buy a Plastic Jungle PetCo gift card at 9% off, and then use promo code “MEVIO” at PetCo.com and save another 10%. Easy Peasy, Fancy Feasty!

You can also find everyday low prices on pet supplies with discounted Plastic Jungle gift cards to Lowe’s, Target, and Wal-Mart.

With all the money you’ll save, you can treat your cats, dogs, birds, iguanas and elephants to a special treat.

Bow-chicka-Wow.

Greetings, Junglers!

Fellow-Jungler Marcy here to share gift card discounts and how to pay less than face value on most anything.

One of the best ways you can put Plastic Jungle discounts to work for you is by taking 10 minutes to set up Notifications.

What are Notifications?

A personalized email from Plastic Jungle which contains the availability, value, and cost of gift cards you want.  You decide if you want these emails to be sent to you daily or immediately when a gift card you want becomes available.

Here’s an example of one of my recent Notifications:

How to Set Up Your Notifications

1.     Go to www.plasticjungle.com

2.     Click “Log In” on the upper right menu

3.     If you already have an account, sign in.  If you do not yet have an account, fill in the email and password fields, select “I’m a New User”, review Plastic Jungle’s Terms and Conditions and then check the box to agree (if you agree), then click “Log In”

4.     Once logged in, click “My Account” on the upper right menu.

5.     Then click the tab labeled “Notifications”

6.     Add all the stores you are interested in.

For instance, if you wanted to add Home Depot…

• Click the drop down menu labeled “Merchant” and select “Home Depot & Expo”
• Moving to the right, if there is a discount threshold you desire, enter that in the “Minimum Discount” field. (You can leave this field blank if you have no preference. That’s what I do.)
• Continuing right, if there is a value you want, enter the minimum and maximum amounts in the appropriate fields. (You can leave these fields blank as well if you have no preference. That’s what I do unless I have a specific purchase I am hunting to get a good deal on.)
• Choose if you want “Daily Notifications” and/or “Immediate Notifications” (I prefer both.)

Plastic Jungle Notifications are very helpful particularly if you know stores you frequent.  (If you’re not sure, your bank and/or credit card statements are a great indicator.) Consider always keeping a set amount of Plastic Jungle gift cards to your favorite stores on hand so can be ready to stack your discounted gift cards with the best sales.

‘Tis the season for weddings and baby showers.  Have we got the best discounts on the bride and mom-to-be’s favorite gift cards!

Whether someone in your family is getting married or expanding their family, odds are you have likely been invited to a wedding shower, bachelor or bachelorette party, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, or adoption/baby shower at some point this summer.

Depending on your level of involvement, the responsibility and stress level may differ.  However, with Plastic Jungle – gift buying in made easy.

The day you receive the invitation and decide to attend or send in your regrets, take a couple of minutes to figure out where the couple/family is registered (often times Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target are on the list) and log on to Plastic Jungle to order a gift card for the appropriate amount to that store.  (My family often orders a card with a $25 or $50 value depending on the relationship.)

A week later when the discounted gift card arrives in the mail, simply go to the appropriate store, ask for the registry (or print it off before you head out) and shop with (usually) many unfulfilled gift options.

For added dollar-savings, try the following methods:

If shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond, you can use one coupon per item.  Here’s the fine print: You can use their mailed coupons even after the expiration date but if you receive their emailed coupons, those expiration dates are indeed expiration dates.

If the event is out of town, I prefer to buy from Target because I can stack my Plastic Jungle gift card(s) with 3% cash back via ebates +  $5 off $50 (or $7 off $70) via the online discounts offered through Entertainment Book + if the cart adds up to $50 or more, it qualifies for free shipping.

Share how you saved on the perfect gift for a happy couple- whether they be newly weds or new parents.

Celebrate your patriotic spirit with Flag Day today! Whether you proudly display the American flag outside your home, sport red, white and blue duds, or become a spectator in your local Flag Day parade, June 14^th is a salute to our Star-Spangled Banner.

At Plastic Jungle, the perfect way to honor our beloved flag is to purchase a discounted gift card from American Eagle Outfitters. Currently offered at a 12% discount, you can stretch your dollar and expand your wardrobe.

Or indulge your inner-foodie with a good ‘ole American meal using a cut-rate gift card to Black Angus (12% off), Boston Market (12% off), Chili’s (11% off), Fleming’s (12% off) or the Yard House (10% off).

And nothing screams Americana like camping! Pitch a tent, cast a fly rod, and roast fluffy marshmallows ‘round the fire. Get everything you need for your outdoor adventure for less with discounted gift cards to Bass Pro Shops (15% off), Big 5 Sporting Goods (10% off) and Coleman (10% off).

A special shout-out goes to our Plastic Jungle friends in Pennsylvania. While Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, in 1937 Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. Enjoy your celebration, Keystone State!

Every dad deserves his day so let Plastic Jungle help make this Father’s Day even better with an extra $50 to spend.

It’s easy to enter!  Just go to our Facebook page, ‘Like’ Plastic Jungle and fill out the simple entry form.

Winners will be announced daily on our Facebook page so be sure to check back to see if you’ve won !

Hurry because our Father’s Day sweepstakes is on now and runs through June 19.

Just let Plastic Jungle know what kind of dad you are and you will immediately be entered into our daily $50 gift card give-away.  Whether you’re a Sporty dad, a DIYer, a Mechanic, a Gadget Geek, a Coffee Lover or a Grill Master, we have the perfect gift for you (see prizes below)!

Don’t forget to share with your friends because if they WIN you WIN too!  If a friend that you refer wins, you’ll get a $25 gift card!!

The Sporty Dad will receive a $50 Target Gift Card or a $50 Big 5 Sporting Goods Gift Card

The Mechanic Dad will receive a $50 76 Shell Gas Gift Card or a $50 Sears Gift Card

The Gadget Geek Dad will receive a $50 Apple Store Gift Card or a $50 Best Buy Gift Card

The Coffee Lover Dad will receive a $50 Starbucks Gift Card or a $50 Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

The DIY Dad will receive a $50 Home Depot or $50 Lowe’s Gift Card

The Grill Master Dad will receive a $50 Omaha Steaks Gift Card or a $50 Outback Steakhouse Gift Card

For more information see official rules here.

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.