We’ve all been there.  Someone gave you a gift card and you went to use it but somehow your purchase was for less than the amount on the card.

Rather than being stuck with a small amount on a gift card that ends up in the bottom of your purse (or worse, lost), you can sell your gift card to Plastic Jungle – when you do, discount gift cards are born.

Discount gift cards are a win-win.

Maybe someone gave you a high value gift card for a major purchase and it cost substantially less than you expected.  Now you have a gift card with $32 on it.  You can sell your gift card to Plastic Jungle and get a PayPal deposit, Amazon.com gift card via email, or cashier’s check for up to 92% of the balance (value depends on the gift card brand). When you sell your gift card to Plastic Jungle discount gift cards are born.  Selling your gift card is a nice way to help someone else find discount gift cards for a purchase they are hoping to make.  You’re freeing up the cash stuck on your gift card and turning it into cash AND you’re helping someone else save on their purchase, too.

Discount gift cards save time.

You could spend 20-30 more minutes in the store digging through the clearance section hoping to find something you actually would put to use that also happens to fall in your price range.  Or, you could choose that your time is worth more than those remaining dollars on your gift card and sell your gift card to Plastic Jungle.

Discount gift cards make nice presents.

Does anyone else remember the Sesame Street episode when Bert and Ernie each gave up something they enjoyed to give each other something they knew the other wanted?  If you know a friend frequents a store (or would love to have a reason to go back to a particular store), consider giving them discount gift cards as a thoughtful way to express you pay attention to their favorite things.

Lower the price on an iPad mini, iPod, MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple accessories, and anything you want from an Apple Store or Apple.com.

If you’re looking to purchase new or refurbished Apple products this holiday season and you want to get a good deal, then Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the times to buy. There are several great ways to get frugal deals on Apple products.  Buy discount gift cards from Plastic Jungle to pay for Apple product purchases and you’ll save more money than the average elf.

Here are a few easy ways to maximize your savings on Black Friday Apple product deals:

• Pick up discount Apple Store gift cards from Plastic Jungle to get save 5% off of anything at the Apple Store. (Find a local Apple Store.)

Do note, discount Apple Store gift cards are valid on purchases from physical Apple Stores and Apple.com, not on iTunes downloads.  To save on iTunes app, music, and movie downloads, pick up discount iTunes gift cards from Plastic Jungle.

• If you have a gift card that you aren’t planning to use (and haven’t used since your birthday!), you can sell your unused gift card to Plastic Jungle and get Amazon.com credit or cash into your PayPal account, which you can use on anything including these outstanding Amazon Black Friday deals on Apple products. For the student or the professional, pick up a brand new MacBook Pro with 13-inch Retina Display, MacBook Air, to the new iPad.  For the kids, get an iTouch or iPod in their favorite color with free personalized etching on the back.  Don’t forget you can also save on the new iPhone 5 if you use Plastic Jungle to unlock savings.

• You can also check out other Black Friday or Cyber Monday Apple deals from certified Apple Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, and double up your savings by paying with a discount Best Buy gift card, discount Walmart gift card, or discount Target gift card from Plastic Jungle.

What Apple products do you have your eye on?

Do you have unused or partially-used gift cards?

As long as the balance is $25 or more, you can sell your gift cards to Plastic Jungle for up to 92% of the value of the gift cards. In turn, Plastic Jungle will offer you your choice of a PayPal deposit, Amazon.com electronic gift card, or check.

If you choose for a PayPal deposit, you can use your earnings to pay via PayPal at over 42,000 online stores, including:

Etsy.  The online store for handmade items, paintings, vintage pieces, art supplies, and craft materials.  Think: craft fair via the Internet.  Choose PayPal as your gift card trade-in payment option and you’ll be able to use your earnings for your favorite handmade skirt, vintage purse, ceramic vase, one-of-a-kind toys, craft patterns, and more on Etsy.

eBay.  In the market for a new-to-you car, boat, truck, or motorcycle?  Check eBay.  Searching for discounts on shoes, clothing, small appliances?  Check eBay.  Dropped your cell phone in water and need a new cell phone?  Check eBay.  Looking for deeper discounts for your upcoming shopping trip?  Check eBay for coupons. 

Overstock.com.  Known to some as O.co, Overstock carries bedding, furniture, watches, jewelry, luggage, vacation packages, insurance, and other goods at steep discounts.  No matter the order, you only pay $2.95 for shipping.  Talk about a field of bargains!  Choose PayPal as your gift card payout option and you’ll be able to access thousands of deeply discounted items at Overstock.com.

Walmart.com. Find laptops, gaming systems, movies, music, apparel, and more (including many items that are not found in local Walmart stores) at Walmart.com.  Order the items online, pay via PayPal, and receive free site to store on eligible items.

Plastic Jungle.  If you would have preferred a different gift card brand, take your PayPal deposit and use it towards a gift card brand you want by buying a discount gift card from Plastic Jungle.

Unlock what you really want by selling unwanted gift cards to Plastic Jungle.

If Plastic Jungle discount gift cards had a voice, what kind of stories do you think they would tell?

Inspired by Marcel the Shell with Shoes On by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp, imagine what it would be like to interview Plastic Jungle gift cards…

How do gift cards end up at Plastic Jungle?

Many of us were first purchased at a specific store as a gift for a birthday, wedding, or special occasion.   Others of us were bought from a gift card display at a grocery store, pharmacy, or discount retailer  – like WalMart or Target.  We were stored away into a gift card holder, gift card card, or small gift card box until we were eventually given away.  While most of us received a smile when we were unwrapped, we never ended up being put to use.  For months, we ended up living inside a warm pocket or a cute purse until one day we were shipped to Plastic Jungle.

What are your dreams?

We want to be used to our full potential.  A few us were partially used and then sent to Plastic Jungle while others of us have been carrying around the same balance for months.  We all just want to help someone make a purchase so that they can be happy.

How does it feel to be called “discount” gift cards?

Frankly, it is an honor.  When we were all sold as regular gift cards, we were neglected and under-utilized.  As a discount gift card we are all more likely to be bought and put to use.  It’s great being a discount gift card because we get to help people make a purchase and we get to help them save money.  It’s like we make them double-happy.

If you could meet anyone who would it be?

Oou!  Hands down, we would all love to meet a coupon.  Coupons are our envy because coupons were created to bring discounts to people.  We bring discounts to people because our original owner could not find a purpose for us.

Do you want to say anything to our readers?

If you have unused gift cards hanging around your home or in your car, please sell them to Plastic Jungle so they can be given a second chance to live out their dream.

For purchases big and small, Plastic Jungle helps you save.

P  Practical discounts on brands you love.

L  Letting loose of unwanted gift cards gets you cash to spend however you want.

A  Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, and Ann Taylor discount gift cards

S  Stack savings by using discount gift cards on top of coupons and store sales.

T  Take the guesswork out of finding a bargain.  Always buy gift cards for less than face value at Plastic Jungle.

I   It only takes minutes to pick out the discount gift cards you want.

C  Camping gear, coats, and clothing discounts.

J  Jump up and down as you watch your savings grow.

U  USA-based.  Plastic Jungle’s corporate office is in San Mateo, California.

N  No hassle because all transactions are guaranteed.

G  Go online and save with discount electronic gift cards (eCODES).

L  Lowe’s and Home Depot discount gift cards wipe 7% off home improvement projects.

E  Eat out for less with discount California Pizza Kitchen gift cards.

G  Give the gift of gift cards (at a discount).

I   Indulge your shopping dreams without paying full price.

F  Free shipping when you buy and sell gift cards.

T  The web’s largest discount gift card exchange.

C  Check on Plastic Jungle for wedding and baby shower gifts. 

A  Alerts keep us in-the know when the gift cards we want are in stock.

R  Real life discounts.  Save on groceries at Target and on oil changes and car repairs at Jiffy Lube.

D  Deposit into PayPal account or Amazon.com electronic gift card when you sell a gift card.

S  Share Plastic Jungle with a friend and earn $5 for each friend you refer.

Plastic Jungle gift cards consistently provide discounts.

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. 

Spring Cleaning is SO two seasons ago.

As seasons transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to take an inventory on your gift card stash. Just like you go through your clothes closet, ditching things that don’t fit, ask yourself: “Will I ever really use this?”

Just how clothes don’t fit, sometimes gift cards don’t either.

Here’s a personal story:

Three years back, my brother gave our family generous Cheesecake Factory and AMC Theatres gift cards, so that we could enjoy a big night out. Such a nice gift with incredible intentions, but guess what? We don’t have either of those establishments where we live here in Reno, NV. (Even though we are the Biggest Little City in the World!) Those gift cards took up permanent residence in my wallet and every time I looked at them I thought, “well, maybe I’ll use them next time we’re in California,” or “maybe I’ll re-gift them to somebody else someday.” It wasn’t until I discovered Plastic Jungle that I finally sold those two suckers for cash. (Apologies to my brother if he happens to read this blog post!)

Do you have a similar dilemma? Selling gift cards to Plastic Jungle is easy!

$25 Minimum Balance. If you have an unused or even partially redeemed gift card with at least a $25 minimum balance, Plastic Jungle will buy it for up to 92% of the verified balance.

Plastic Jungle Guarantee. All transactions are safe, secure and guaranteed.  See their Terms of Use here.

Free Shipping. You’ll get a pre-paid USPS shipping label.

Fast Turnaround. Once your card is received and the balance is verified, payment will be sent within 2 business days. If you selected to receive an Amazon.com Gift Card, your claim code will be emailed.

Large Merchant Pool. With over 400+ merchants, you’re bound to find your card on the list. If not, you can sign up for a notification and be alerted when your merchant is accepted.

Multiple Payment Options. Choose from an Amazon.com Gift Card, PayPal or even donate to your favorite charity.

Click here to get started and set your gift cards free!

Check out what’s new at Bath & Body Works and stock up on personal care items.

Bath & Body Works consistently ranks as one of our most popular gift cards (it’s currently #23 out of 400+ retailers year-to-date), so no doubt there are plenty floating around the marketplace.

Wondering what to do with yours?

Start by checking the balance. Just call 800-640-6052 and follow the prompts. They will ask for your 19-digit card number as well your PIN, which is located underneath a scratch-off field on the back of the card.

Redeem your gift card. Bath & Body Works has these top offers happening now:

• Buy 3, Get 2 Free Signature Collection
• 4 for $20 or 6 for $24 Mix & Match Home Fragrance
• 5 for $15 or 7 for $20 Fall Anti-Bacterial Soaps

And – if you can believe it – Bath & Body Works just launched their new Halloween Collection. Scary!

Buy a gift card. Plastic Jungle has over 50 discounted Bath & Body Works gift cards available for 12% off! They are available in denominations as low as $25 and as high as $280, with everything in between. Get yours now while supplies last!

Sell your gift card. Would you rather sell your Bath & Body Works gift card in exchange for cash? Plastic Jungle buys unused gift cards for up to 92% of the verified balance! You can swap it for an Amazon.com gift card, PayPal credit, a cashier’s check, or you can even make a donation to the charity of your choice! We pay for shipping and all transactions are guaranteed.

What were we buying in July? Plastic Jungle’s top 10 list is here!

While there weren’t any big retail holidays last month (does National Ice Cream Month count?!), the warm summer weather likely drove shoppers outside, strolling stores and buying items for fun summer activities.

Many of the usual favorite gift cards made their appearance on the top 10 list, including Lowe’s and Home Depot. July was a great time to work on landscaping and outdoor projects, so no doubt our Junglers took advantage of discounted gift cards to these home improvement giants.

It’s no surprise that Walmart and Target made the cut as well, since both super centers offer thousands of products at exceptionally low prices. And as one-stop shops, we can buy everything from camping supplies to pool toys to clothes for the whole family in just one place.

One merchant that made its debut on the list was Abercrombie & Fitch. Known for their casual clothing designed for the modern collegiate lifestyle, students ditched their school books for new cool summer duds.

Here’s the complete list:

#10 Sears – currently offered at 9% off!

#9 Abercrombie & Fitch - currently offered at 9% off!

#8 JC Penney - currently offered at 14% off!

#7 Kohl’s - currently offered at 16% off!

#6 Macy’s - none are available right now, but sign up for our Notification Alert and we’ll let you know when more pop up!

#5 Best Buy – currently offered at 5% off!

#4 Target - currently offered at 3% off!

#3 Walmart - none are available right now, but sign up for our Notification Alert and we’ll let you know when more pop up!

#2 Home Depot – currently offered at 7% off!

#1 Lowe’s – currently offered at 7% off!

Have any unused gift cards you’d like to sell to get one of these favorites instead? Plastic Jungle will buy your unused gift cards for up to 92% of their value!

With summer closing in and fall around the corner, what gift cards are you buying right now? Which of your favorites do you think will make the August list?

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