Store gift cards are issued by a specific store or store chain, and can ONLY be used there. If you know in advance where your gift recipient likes to shop, these can be ideal.

Store gift cards are often less expensive than national gift cards. The stores usually don't charge an up-front purchase fee, and often the cards don't have an expiration date. The cards also are less likely to have servicing or dormancy fees, and can be purchased right in the store or sometimes from a store Web site.

"National" gift cards sometimes look similar to store gift cards, and their appearance might promote a specific mall, product or service. But the fronts of such cards also display the logos of major payment systems, such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa.

Unlike store gift cards, which can only be used at a single chain or retailer, most national gift cards can be used pretty much anywhere that a credit card with the same logo is accepted. A few national gift cards are designed for limited usage — such as the Be My Guest card from American Express, useable only at restaurants. Such limitations are clearly indicated on the packaging and promotional materials.

If you don't really know where the gift recipient likes to shop, or if you want to present the widest range of options, then a national gift card is probably your best choice. National gift cards often can be purchased at a Web site, or from your bank. Some are available through retail stores or at malls.

Gift cards come in a wide variety and the terms can vary dramatically.

Check to see who issued the card, so you'll know who is guaranteeing that the funds on the card will be available after you purchase it. The issuer is usually indicated on the card itself or in the card "terms and conditions."

Always check to see if there is an expiration date, and if so, what that date is. Some cards have no expiration date. Some states prohibit expiration dates on gift cards.

If you purchase or receive a card that does have an expiration date, the date should be printed clearly on the outside of the packaging. Usually you'd want the recipient to have AT LEAST six to 12 months to use a card, but some special reward cards, or cards sold at a discount for fund-raising purposes, are good for as little as three months.

Some cards have no expiration date. A very small number of states prohibit expiration dates on all gift cards. When you give gift cards that have expiration dates, it's helpful to point the expiration times out, so that recipients do not lose the benefit of your gifts.

One thing to consider is whether you want recipients to use your gifts solely to purchase presents, or whether you'd like to allow them the option of redeeming the cards for cash. Some national gift cards allow the cardholder to get cash at an ATM (for a fee). Whether that's a feature you would like to offer or not, it's always a good idea to check the packaging (or the "FAQs" on a Web site) to see whether it is available.

Lastly, you should check to see what happens if the card is lost or stolen. Issuers of national gift cards generally reimburse customers for lost or stolen cards, though many require the owner to provide a receipt and the card number as proof of ownership, and they usually charge a fee for a replacement card. Many store gift cards provide a similar service — but others do not. Some gift card issuers will replace only the value that is still remaining on a lost or stolen card as of the time you notify the issuer of the loss, meaning you get nothing if a thief has used up the funds on the card.

Some cards come with "dormancy" fees, which are deducted directly off of the value of the card if it is not used to make a purchase within a specified period of time. For example, some issuers charge a dormancy fee of $2 if the card is not used within 12 months of purchase. And this fee may be retroactive, meaning $24 is charged once the card has been inactive for 12 months.

"Servicing" fees may also be deducted directly from the gift card after a period of time, but servicing fees are charged whether or not the card is used. For example, some gift cards lose $2.50 of remaining value for every month after six months from the date of purchase, whether or not the card has been used to make a purchase.

Card Issuance Fee — an up-front fee that may be charged by the store or bank to issue the card. When charged, typically $10 or less.

Monthly Service Fee — a fee for keeping the card active. When charged, typically $2 to $3 per month, and often waived during first six months to encourage prompt use.

Dormancy Fee — a fee sometimes charged for not using the card. Typically $2 to $3 per month, assessed after the card is unused for six to 12 months; but once charges start they may be retroactive to the date of purchase.

Reissue Fee — charge for replacing a lost or stolen card, if this service is provided. Typically $7.50 to $15. Some gift card issuers also will reissue an expired card for this fee.

Check Issue Fee — some bank-issued national gift cards can be redeemed for money instead of goods/services. In such instances, the issuer will provide the cardholder with a check, but will deduct a check issue fee in the range of $15.

ATM/Cash Access Fee — some bank-issued national gift cards can be used at ATMs, for a fee in the range of $2.50.

Overdraft or Shortage Charge — if you manage to use a card for more than the remaining value, which can happen with a system failure, the issuer may try to charge you $15 to $25.

Resist the urge to take the gift card out of its folder and packaging before presenting it to the recipient. The folder and accompanying materials contain terms, conditions and other valuable information that the recipient must know to receive the full benefit of your gift.

Record the number of the gift card, and hold onto the receipt until you know your recipient has received and used it, especially if you are mailing it. With that information, you can usually obtain a refund should anything happen to the gift card in transit.

Help your recipient realize the full value of your gift by enclosing a gentle reminder of any expiration dates or servicing fees that apply, pointing out, for example, if it is necessary to use the card within six months to avoid fees.

Make sure it is clear how much value has been loaded on the gift card before you give it. Many cards do not have a dollar amount printed on the card itself. Instead, the amount is hand-written on the card folder or purchase receipt. Make sure your gift recipient knows how much they have available to spend. Note any restrictions on combining the card with cash to purchase items costing more than the card value, or their purchase may be declined.

Sign the back of the card, if necessary. National gift cards usually require a signature, but store gift cards often do not.

Determine whether it is a store gift card or a national gift card, to know whether you have limits on its use.

Check the expiration date and see whether "servicing" or "dormancy" fees apply, to make sure you know how quickly you'll need to use it.

Write down and keep separate the card number on the front of the card and the customer service telephone number on the reverse, or just photocopy the front and back of the card, in case it gets lost or is stolen.

Always know how much value is left on a card before you try to use it. It's easy to find out — just call the toll-free number shown on the reverse of the card or check the gift card readers some stores provide so you can find out the balance of a store gift card. With some national gift cards, you can learn your balance at the issuing bank's ATMs.

Use your gift card quickly and entirely. Don't leave extra funds for future purchases, unless you have to.

When your card's value is worth less than the price of the item you want to purchase, you can do what is called a "split tender." Find out exactly how much is still on the gift card and let the merchant know to bill precisely that amount to the card. Then, tell the merchant how you want to pay the remaining balance of the purchase price. Some stores will only allow you to pay the remainder in cash. Others will allow you to use a credit card. Make sure the merchant's policies can accommodate your plans.

Should you have a problem or complaint about your gift card, first contact the issuer at the customer service number shown on the card. If you find you need more help, contact your state Consumer Affairs or Consumer Protection office, your state Attorney General's office, or the Better Business Bureau, for assistance.