According to “From Coats to Boats, a List of Best-Buy Items for January” (an MSN article), January is the time to get the best price on many items found at JCPenney.  You have the opportunity to increase these best prices with discount JCPenney gift cards which are available for 9% less than face value at Plastic Jungle.

To maximize your savings on January discounts, stock up on discount JCPenney gift cards now.

January is when bedding goes on sale.  Do you need new sheets, comforters, mattress pads, toppers, pillow cases, blankets, pillows, duvets, bed skirts, quilts, or throws?

In January bathroom linens are sold at the lowest prices.  How about shopping for those towels, bath rugs, bath mats, or shower curtains you’ve been holding off on?

Furniture is a great buy in January.  Are you ready to finish your living room or replace old couches, loveseats, recliners, benches, ottomans, bar stools, entertainment centers, and bedroom sets?

January is the time to buy suits specifically fall and winter suits.  While the season is changing, you can get a few wears in this year and then you’ll be all set for next fall.

In the words of Tom Barlow (the author of the article mentioned above), “Because January offers so many bargains, it’s also the perfect time to use up those gift cards that you received [over the holidays], before you forget about them.”

Remember – if you receive a gift card you never plan to use this holiday season, you can brighten a misgift by selling your gift card to Plastic Jungle.  In exchange, we’ll send you a cashier’s check, Amazon.com gift card via email, or a deposit into your PayPal account for up to 92% of the gift card’s value. 

You’re aiming to be your niece or nephew’s favorite aunt or uncle and you know the thought you put into your holiday shopping is a reflection of how well you know them.

What is the perfect gift for the beloved teens and tweens in your life?

Teens and tweens of both genders enjoy things that are fun.  Buy discount Target gift cards from Plastic Jungle to go in with another family member or two to get your teen or tween an Apple iPod or Apple iTouch, an XBOX 360, or PlayStation 3 (PS3).  If your teen or tween already has a game system, consider expanding their XBOX abilities with a XBOX Kinect Bundle or adding to their PS3 enjoyment with a PlayStation3 Move Bundle which you can pick up or order online at a discount with Plastic Jungle discount Target gift cards.

When you’re in middle school and high school going to the movies with a group of friends is a common Friday night experience.  Give your teen or tween the choice of going to an extra movie or eating their favorite refreshments from the concession stand by giving them a movie theatre gift card.  Plastic Jungle carries Landmark Theatres gift cards for less than face value.

Clothing can be a great gift idea if you know which store your teen or tween likes best.  Pointer – ask your teen or tween which store(s) they like to buy clothes at.  Then, buy discount gift cards for the stores they like most.  At Plastic Jungle you can find discount gift cards for many places teens and tweens like to shop like with American Eagle Outfitters gift cards, Guess gift cards, JC Penney gift cards, Macy’s gift cards, Lucky Brand Jeans gift cards, and PacSun gift cards.  Earn extra cool points by giving the gift card to your teen or tween rather than attempting to find something you think they will like from their favorite store.

What do the teens and tweens in your life like?

What gift cards topped your shopping list in June? Surprisingly, almost the exact same ones, in the same order as last month – but with a little twist.

Home improvement giants continued to top the list, with Home Depot and Lowe’s ranked at #1 and #2. The secret is out – builders, subcontractors and professional handymen can increase their margins by buying discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s cards are currently offered at 7% off, immediately shaving costs and adding profit to the bottom line.

And it’s not just skilled experts that enjoyed savings. With June graduations and the Father’s Day holiday, Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards made terrific gifts for the home improvement hobbyist.

Walmart and Target again ranked #3 and #4 respectively. As one-stop shopping centers, Junglers saved on nearly everything under the sun, including house wares, toys, clothing, electronics, and even groceries. With 3% discounted gift cards stacked on top of Walmart and Target’s already uber-competitive low prices, these cards get swiped up fast, so sign up for a notification alert to get first access.

Best Buy again ranked #5. A great source for computers, video games, televisions, digital cameras, mp3 players, mobile phones & appliances, Best Buy gift cards likely made for some great Father’s Day and Graduation gifts as well.

The next three spots were filled by clothing department stores: Macys (#6), Kohl’s (#7) and JC Penney (#8). Perhaps our Junglers were freshening up their summer wardrobe with new shorts, tanks, sundresses, swimsuits and sandals. All three merchants have darling summer clothing collections on sale now, as they make room for their fall and back-to-school collections.

The Apple Store held spot #9. Our family celebrated the end of school and good report cards with a new iPhone for my daughter, a new iTouch for my son and a new Nano for mama (I deserved a little treat for helping with all the homework and packing lunches all year long, right?!) Apple Store gift cards are quite popular, so be sure to plan ahead and sign up for an email alert when they become available.

Rounding out the Top 10 was Barnes & Noble. (Cabela’s filled this spot in May.) A popular go-to, slam-dunk teacher’s gift is always a Barnes & Noble gift card. Was your child’s teacher the lucky recipient of one of these end-of-the-school-year gifts?

Special Honorary Mention goes out to iTunes, who ranked #6 in quantity (vs. revenue), with a whopping 6,125 cards sold in June. That’s a lot of TV, video, movie, app and music downloads!

These Top 10 gift cards are just the tip of the iceberg (or should we say tip of the palm tree?) Plastic Jungle has  nearly 400 brands, with discounted gift cards offered up to 35% off. Click here to see what hot cards we’ve got up for sale now!

Guest post by Dena Stern, Managing Editor at Exercise.com

Warm weather is upon us. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and get some fresh air – and exercise!

But before you take your workout outside it helps to have the right gear. Gift cards are a great way to stock up on essential items to help you take advantage of summer weather – use your gift cards to get active and find ways to exercise outside!

Sunscreen

We all know the dangers of sun exposure – skin cancer, premature aging and painful sunburns. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun while you exercise outside. Look for brands labeled “full spectrum” to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB rays and marked “sweat resistant” or “water resistant” to ensure that your protection will last through your workout! Then use your Target giftcard to save when you stock up on sun protection!

Hiking Boots

Hiking outdoors is a fantastic workout but having the right footwear is essential. You want something that will support your ankles to prevent twisting them while maneuvering around uneven terrain. You’ll also benefit from something that will keep out water (to prevent blisters) as well as protect from poison oak/ivy, bug bites, scrapes and scratches!

These Gore-tex hiking boots are the best waterproof hiking boots on the market, plus they are durable and comfortable – and you can get them with your LL Bean Giftcard for 11% off!

Swimsuit

When it seems too hot to exercise it’s the perfect time to take a swim! Swimming burns more calories than walking or hiking and uses almost every muscle in your body – all while staying cool in the pool!

Use your JC Penney gift card to get 14% off cute, comfortable athletic swimsuits!