Free GiftCards 

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU JUST WON A $100 GIFT CARD!

That's what those e-mails and pop-up ads keep telling us. Of course, they'd like us to purchase something and jump through hoops to get the "prize." If we do, we often find out later that we are slammed with spam and/or telemarketing calls. Few things in life are truly free. But in fact, it is possible to get gift cards for free -- sort of. You'll have to click on e-mails, transfer a prescription, use a specific search engine, maybe even purchase a few items you were going to buy anyway. But for the most part, you can get one without spending a dime. All it will cost you is time -- in some cases, as little as a few minutes a day.

Seriously: Would you really miss five minutes a day? Some people spend that much time staring into the closet - wondering what to wear. But if you are unemployed, on a tight budget or in debt, those few minutes could mean the chance to give someone a birthday present or buy groceries. Even people who are adept at budgeting are affected by sudden life events. That's why we all love such items like free gift cards.

The granddaddy of the rewards sites, MyPoints, has been around for 10 years and has over 8 million registered accounts. MyPoints sends you e-mail ads for businesses and services, things such as office supply stores, insurance companies, food products (e.g., Boca Java, Omaha Steaks), business cards and Internet sites.

When you click on "Get Points" or "Shop Now," a second window opens to display the Web page for that business or service. Usually that's all you have to do; at times the ad is a survey, but you might get a few points even if you don't fill these out. Users earn points for reading e-mails (generally five points each) or buying things from the site; points can be redeemed for cards from more than 75 companies. As an indicator of the economy, gasoline gift cards and restaurant cards such as Applebee's, Panera Bread, Outback Steakhouse are some of the more popular cards. Restaurant gift cards are seen as a way to splurge without guilt."

Tips From The Pros

• Giftcards can be used to buy presents.
• Create a separate e-mail account for updates, newsletters or spam.
• Check MyPoints & look for the "Tell Us & Earn Points" link for 1 question surveys worth 5 points.
• In charge of ordering office supplies? See if items are available through a rewards site.
• If you're not squeamish, check the lunchroom recycle bin for redeemable products.
• Have patience - "In the long run you'll have enough to buy some nice gifts."

Source: Free gift cards -- yes, really!, Donna Freedman, MSN Money