The pandemic has changed many aspects of our hobby from giveaways disappearing to prizing being changed or substituted, but one change that isn’t readily apparent is defunct prizes!

Gift cards are popular prizes. They are easy for the sponsor to buy and ship, even email, and the recipient can select whatever they want. WIN-WIN!

Due to the economic downturn, many companies are closing their doors and if you don’t use it, you could lose it. Those gift cards could be worthless very shortly if not spent ASAP.

Forbes has a list of U.S. companies that will be diminishing capacity or closing altogether. Many have Canadian locations also affected.

More Than 12,600 Stores Are Closing In 2020 So Far—A Number That Will Surely Rise

These retailers are closing Canadian locations in 2020

Start checking your wallets and pocketbooks, rummage your junk drawer, and find every single gift card you have. Then use them, NOW! Buy something you always wanted but felt was frivolous. Buy gifts for your family and friends now and tuck them away for the holidays. Just use them. Otherwise, it’s essentially throwing money away.

What is your favorite gift card to win?

SIDE NOTE: Years ago I did an informal poll and the American sweepers overwhelmingly wanted Amazon gift cards and the Canadian contestors wanted Tim Horton’s gift cards. I wonder if that has changed?