National Use Your Gift Card Day

National Use Your Gift Card Day is observed on the third Saturday of January. In 2026, it falls on January 17. This shopping holiday serves as a timely reminder for consumers to locate and redeem the gift cards they received during the winter holiday season before they are forgotten or lost.

History of National Use Your Gift Card Day

The holiday was founded in 2020 by Tracy Tilson, an American public relations professional who realized that billions of dollars in gift card value were being left unspent each year. After discovering a forgotten gift card in her own wallet, she launched the initiative to help consumers maximize their gifts and provide a mid-winter boost for retailers. The Registrar at National Day Calendar officially proclaimed the first observance to take place on January 18, 2020, and it has since grown into a nationwide movement supported by major retail and restaurant brands.

The context for this day is rooted in the massive growth of the gift card industry, which saw widespread adoption in the late 1990s. While these cards are among the most requested holiday items, a significant percentage of their value—estimated at nearly $3 billion annually in the United States—remains unredeemed. The third Saturday in January was strategically selected because it falls just after the post-holiday rush, providing a perfect opportunity for people to take inventory of their finances and treat themselves during the January sales.

Why is National Use Your Gift Card Day important?

This day is important because it prevents “breakage,” the industry term for the value of gift cards that are never redeemed. For the consumer, using a card is essentially reclaiming “free money” that would otherwise be lost to expiration, loss, or a business closure. The observance encourages people to be more financially mindful by organizing their wallets and digital apps, ensuring that the thoughtfulness of the gift-giver is not wasted.

For businesses, the day is a vital sales driver during the traditionally slow month of January. Statistics show that a majority of gift card users end up spending more than the value of the card when they visit a store or restaurant, providing an additional economic stimulus. By participating in the holiday, retailers can clear out end-of-season inventory while acquiring new customers who may have received a card for a brand they have never visited before.

• The day helps consumers reclaim billions of dollars in unspent gift card value.
• It aligns with major January sales, allowing people to stretch their balances further.
• The observance protects against gift card fraud by encouraging early redemption.
• It reduces the financial liabilities that unused cards create on business balance sheets.
• The holiday honors the intent of the person who originally purchased the gift.

How to Celebrate National Use Your Gift Card Day

The primary way to celebrate is to conduct a thorough search of your home and digital accounts for any unused balances. Check the “junk drawer,” glove compartments, coat pockets, and old email inboxes for physical cards or digital codes. Once you have collected them, verify the remaining balances by calling the numbers on the back or checking the official merchant websites. Many people use this day to plan a “shopping spree” or a special dinner out that they might otherwise feel guilty about spending money on.

If you find a gift card for a store you do not visit, consider trading it with a friend or donating it to a local charity. Some online platforms allow you to sell unwanted cards for a percentage of their cash value. When you do go to spend your cards, try to use the entire balance by purchasing a small item if you have a few cents left over, as this allows the retailer to recycle the plastic card. Sharing your “finds” on social media helps remind others to do the same and promotes the spirit of the day.

• Search wallets, drawers, and email folders for any forgotten gift cards.
• Verify the balance of each card so you know exactly how much you can spend.
• Visit a local restaurant or retailer to treat yourself to something new.
• Host a gift card swap party with friends to trade for stores you prefer.
• Donate any unwanted cards to a charity or a local silent auction.

National Use Your Gift Card Day Dates Table