"Maximizing the Value of Unwanted Holiday Gifts: Turning Them into Cash"

Many Americans have unused gift cards worth $23 billion, with an average value of $187 per person, and there are websites where consumers can sell them for cash. Recipients are often inclined to spend more than the card's value, driving additional sales for retailers. Consumers should be cautious when selling or buying gift cards online, and some states have laws requiring retailers to pay cash back for partially used cards.