Gift cards are the next best thing to the shopping mall for many retailers, gift givers and receivers. According to CNNMoney.com , an estimated $35.75 billion will be spent this year on gift cards alone. They're popping up all over the place -- in grocery stores, drug stores, and gas stations. Buying gift cards online, at the store or bank can be a real time saver, as well as an easy-out for the lazy or forgetful giver. All you have to do is pick a favorite off the rack, pay for it and give it away. Quick and easy.

Gift Card Mania - Everybody's Doing It

Restaurants and cafes such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee's, Chili's, Cracker Barrel, TGI Friday's, Panera Bread, Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts have the cards at the register as you pay for your meal. Even McDonalds and Burger King have switched over to plastic.

Bank card: Also known as a cash card from American Express, Master Card, Visa and Discover are popular because they look like a credit card and are recognized and used worldwide.