Rethink giving gift cards for the holidays

Americans are thinking twice about giving gift cards this holiday season due to the economy.

Today, consumers are being warned.

Americans are thinking twice about giving gift cards this holiday season due to the economy.

It's not just fees or expiration dates people should worry about, but also businesses in bankruptcy.

If you have a gift card for a company that closes down, you could be out big bucks.

According to Tower Group and American Research Group, shoppers could lose more than $75 million just from store and restaurant closings.

And that number is expected to go up by the end of the year.

So what to do?

Web sites like www.swapagift.com can help.

The Web site allows consumers to buy, sell, and trade unwanted and unused gift cards.

If all else fails, make like grandma and give cold hard cash.

Currently in Topeka, KS