DON'T FORGET THEM: Some $1.7 billion of the $110 billion gift cards bought in 2012 will go unused, according to CEB TowerGroup.

FROM PLASTIC TO CASH: PlasticJungle.com, GiftCards.com and CardPool.com will pay you up to 92 percent of your card's value.

OTHER TIPS: Even though the card might have a specific store name on the front, you might be able to use it in the parent company's other stores. A TJ Maxx gift card can be used at Marshalls or at Home Goods stores. Other options include donating your gift card to a charity or trading it for United Airline miles.