Top 5 Christmas Gift Cards for College Students

With a struggling college student, there's always something needed for the dorm, classroom, etc. So why not give them something they need as well as something they actually like? Choose a gift card as a Christmas present.

The GGP Mall Gift Card

The GGP Mall Gift Card is the ideal gift, since it can be redeemed at more than 200 GGP mall locations nationwide. From Ruby Tuesdays to the Gap, depending on how much is loaded onto your card; you can shop until you drop. The GGP Mall Gift Card is convenient because it works exactly like a debit card. Using the card to make purchases is much better and safer than cash or using gift certificates because it is fast and easy to use. Transactions with gift cards are faster than gift certificates, since gift certificates are treated like checks. And, as we know by some of those television commercials, that using a check in long line can slow done the transaction process. And, this is not a good thing during the busy holiday season. Furthermore, you can regulate your spending, since you can't spend more than is allowed on the card. The GGP Mall Gift Card can be purchased in various denominations up to $500.00. These gift cards can be purchased with cash, Discover Card, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. A valid photo ID is required during purchase and there is a $2.00 purchase fee per card. For more information, check at your local mall's customer service desk or the mall office.

The Wal-Mart Gift Card

The Wal-Mart Gift Card can be purchased in denominations that start from $10.00 to $2,500.00. And you can pick from a wide assortment of decorative holiday cards. Choose from e.Gift cards, gift cards, holiday gift cards, or specialty gift cards. Most of these cards can be used for purchases online and in the store. Use them to purchase school supplies, computers, iPods, cameras, food, non-alcoholic beverages, clothes, shoes, and more. For most gift cards, there is no activation process. And the gift card even comes with its own PIN or Personal Identification Number, which is revealed in the upper-right hand corner under the silver scratch-off area. Each time the card is used in the store, the balance will be shown on your receipt. This way your college student can keep track of their spending. If the receipt is lost, the balance can be easily checked any cash register, online, or by calling (888) 537-5503. This way, no one has to suffer the embarrassment of trying to make a purchase totaling more than is actually on the card. Before you make you decide to purchase a Wal-Mart gift card for that needy college student, make sure this is the gift you want to give, since Wal-Mart gift cards are not refundable or refundable for cash, except in states where prohibited by law. For more information, visit www.walmart.com or stop by the customer service department at your local Wal-Mart store.

The Barnes & Noble Gift Card

To purchase the Barnes & Noble Gift Card, visit www.barnesandnoble.com. If ordered online, you can expect shipment of your gift card by standard mail or 3 to 9 business days; UPS Air Service or 2 to 5 business days; or Expedited Air Service or 1 to 3 business days. Gift cards may be purchased in denominations of $10.00 to $250.00. If you feel uncomfortable ordering you gift card online, you may also order by phone, by clicking the "Pay by Phone" button at the bottom of the payment page. Please wait until you have received the confirmation email stating that your order has been received. Then, just call (800) THE-BOOK or (800) -843-2665, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., ET and Saturday through Sunday as well as Holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. If you are outside of the United States, call (207) 272-3651. If the "Pay by Phone" is not an option for you, then feel free to visit your local Barnes & Noble store. Barnes & Noble Gift Cards are convenient for the college student because they can be redeemed at any Barnes & Noble college book store nationwide. This gift card can be used to purchase books, textbooks, magazines, food, beverages, toys, games, CDs, DVDs, and more.

The Visa Prepaid Gift Card

The Visa Prepaid Gift Card is like a universal card because it can be used anywhere for anything. With it you can purchase gas, food, clothes, books, movie tickets, and so much more. It is also perfect for any occasion such as birthdays, holidays, weddings, and more. With this gift card, your college student can shop online, in person, or by phone. Talk about flexibility! Since this gift card is a prepaid card, it can only be used to purchase merchandise or services for the stored value of the card. Thus, spending power can be regulated. It can also be used anywhere the Visa debit card is accepted. You can purchase Visa gift card in your local supermarket, at your credit union, at your local bank, and more. You can order the gift card online, by phone, or in person. The Visa Prepaid Gift Card in "non-reloadable," therefore, additional funds can't be added to the balance of the card. Maximum card values vary and are established by the providers that issue the card. For more information, visit www.usa.visa.com.

The Amazon Online Gift Card

You can purchase the Amazon Online Gift Card in denominations ranging from $5.00 to $5,000.00. The card is shipped free and it never expires. Allow 5 to 7 business days for delivery. All purchases must be purchased through www.amazon.com. You can use the Amazon Gift Card to purchase books, CDs, digital downloads, computers, electronics, shoes, jewelry, tools, and more. Exactly what your college student needs to have fun and unwind, after a long week of studying for tests, quizzes, exams, etc.