National Use Your Gift Card Day™ Returns on January 17, 2026

Gift cards are a popular way to give and receive presents, but many people end up with unused or partially used cards that collect dust.

National Use Your Gift Card Day™ encourages Americans to kick off 2026 by spending the estimated $29 billion in unused gift cards left over from the holiday season.

Now in its seventh year, the event urges consumers to find, organize, and redeem gift cards they may have forgotten—many worth real money, as 43% of Americans report having at least one unused card. With gift cards remaining the most popular holiday gift, the day serves as a timely reminder to start the New Year without leaving free money behind.

CharityChoice's Donate Your Card is once again a Pay It Forward option, giving customers an easy way to turn their retail gift card balance into a cash donation. 

Why National Use Your Gift Card Day™ Matters

Millions of gift cards go unused every year in the United States.

According to industry reports, Americans hold billions of dollars in unused gift card balances. These cards often expire, lose value, or get forgotten. National Use Your Gift Card Day™ highlights this issue and encourages individuals to take action.

Instead of letting gift cards go to waste, this day invites you to use them thoughtfully. Whether you redeem them for something you need or donate them to charity, every card can make a difference.

How CharityChoice Helps You Give Back with Gift Cards

CharityChoice’s Donate Your Card platform is designed to make donating gift cards straightforward and impactful. Here’s how it works:

• Easy Donation Process

You can donate gift cards from hundreds of popular retailers directly through the website. The process takes just a few minutes and requires no complicated steps.

• Support a Wide Range of Causes

Once donated, your gift card value is converted into a cash donation that supports charities focused on education, health, animal welfare, disaster relief, and more.