Gift cards: How to save on a no-fail gifting solution

Unsure of what to get friends or family? Gift cards could be a good option and you can sometimes get them on sale.

There are a few ways to get a little extra for your buck or to avoid paying full price for gift cards. A lot of it has to do with where you shop.

One place to grab them is wholesale clubs. Costco, for example, is selling two $50 gift cards for $80 for restaurants that include Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Ford’s Garage.

Look at your credit card benefits. Discover will not only let you redeem your rewards for a gift card but will add up to 30% in value.

Some restaurants and retailers will offer bonus cards based on how much you send. For example, at Outback, if you spend $100, you’ll get a $10 card for free.

“You can always check by logging into your credit card account and looking at what deals are offered. They’re often prominently displayed on the home screen once you log-in,” said Sara Rathner with Nerdwallet.

Keep in mind that you might want to spend any gift cards you receive sooner rather than later since the economy is still a little uncertain.