The Best One Yet đł âAmericaâs Fave Giftâ â Gift Cardsâ surge. White Houseâs Tech Force. Zillowâs Name-Yo-Price. +Uber Eats Wrapped.
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Dec 17, 2025 Gift cards now account for a staggering 1.6% of the U.S. economy, with Starbucks leading the gift-giving trend. Discover how unused cards become profit sources for companies. Zillow faces competition from Google, prompting a creative solution to let homeowners name their selling price. The White House launches a Tech Force to modernize government tech, positioning it as a new career opportunity. Plus, a hilarious SNL skit comes to life with Uber Eats Wrapped, blending humor and reality.
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Unused Balances Become Pure Profit
- Retailers book unused card balances as profit and some states now force change to be given on small remaining balances.
- Consumers often forget or lose cards, leaving 10â20% of value unredeemed.
Give Cash When You Want Real Value
- Avoid gift cards when you want your recipient to control value; cash preserves flexibility and interest.
- Prefer cash over store cards unless you know the recipient will truly use that brand.
Gift Cards Are Company Gold
- Gift cards make up about 1.6% of US GDP and massively benefit issuers more than recipients.
- Companies gain upfront cash, unredeemed balances as profit, and overspend when consumers top off cards.