Gift cards have been declining in popularity, but people still continue to give and get them. The problem is when you receive one that's intended to be redeemed at a place that doesn't appeal to you. Someone once gave Clark a Blockbuster gift card. He's hardly seen a movie from this millennium, so he's the wrong guy for that gift! Meanwhile, Clark's associate producer Joel once bought a Blockbuster card from a student who was selling them in his neighborhood. When he tried to redeem it, there was nothing on the card! The student had scammed him.

Some 30 percent of all gift cards are fraudulent, empty or stolen. People buy them on Craigslist or eBay and later find they're worthless. If you're looking to avoid such hassles, Clark recommends trying SwapAGift.com. This site allows you to get rid of your gift card or buy one -- all with buyer protection. Internal theft rings pose another problem in the gift card world. Sometimes employees conspire to sell used gift cards from their places of employment. So be aware that gift cards are not always a safe bet. Many retailers don't stand behind their cards; you'll take the hit if you get a bad card and are denied at checkout. Think about how embarrassing this must be for people who receive them as gifts. Do you tell the giver? Clark thinks you should.