They're carding everybody

In the not-too-distant future, the crackle of wrapping paper might be only a fond memory.

Nearly nine of 10 -- 88 percent -- of consumers plan to purchase at least two gift cards this year, according to the National Retail Federation, a Washington D.C.-based trade group. They will spend a collective $26.3 billion, up from $24.8 billion in 2006.

Earlier today, I chatted with Marlene Jacobs, a shopper at Cherry Hill Mall who already has bought cards at Toys R Us and Old Navy and plans to pick up more at Target and McDonald's.

Consumers can buy gift cards at merchants ranging from Trader Joe's to Jiffy Lube. Bath & Body Works rewards customers who spend $25 on gift cards with a free gift valued at $11.

"If you're unsure about what someone wants, a gift card is perfect," says Brenda Arrojo of Cherry Hill, who sells lots of gift cards at her job at Aeropostale. "And they'll never have to stand in line to make a return."

Brenda is hoping to find a Cherry Hill Mall gift card under the tree this year, which can be redeemed at most mall stores.

"A mall card gives me more choices," she says.

Such flexibility comes with a premium. While there's typically no charge for a store gift card, shopping centers and credit card companies usually collect a fee. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Trust, which owns malls in Cherry Hill, Moorestown and Voorhees, charges $2 for each card. A promotion in which shoppers who buy three cards can obtain three more at no charge runs through Dec. 16. There's a $6 fee for American Express cards valued at $100.

I suggest you redeem your gift card as soon as the last cup of egg nog is ladled. More than one in four adults who received gift cards during last year's holiday season still hadn't used them by October, according to a survey by Consumer Reports. The previous year, 19 percent had yet to redeem their cards.