One of the most popular presents this year was a gift card. If you got one, make sure you use it and don't lose it. The typical American home holds an average of $300 in unredeemed gift cards, according to the latest figures. These cards are often misplaced, accidentally thrown out, or only partially redeemed. Between 2005 and 2011, $41 billion in gift cards went unused.
Source: Journal of State Taxation, 12/26/12
