Things You Should Buy With Your Gift Cards

As the holidays came to an end, you likely received a bunch of gift cards from friends, family members, and heck, even your boss! While many of you have likely used those gift cards for items and/or products that won't do much for you overtime (i.e. clothes that you will only wear once in awhile), the select few of us will think about what we can do with them that will actually provide benefits to us in the long-term - it's important to always have the minority mentality!

With this in mind, I thought about some of the products you can purchase without holding such a burden over your head. It's a good idea to think of your gift cards as if they were your personal investments; you always want to have the opportunities to receive the greatest returns for the best deals possible. There are plenty of options out there, but in my opinion, these are some of the best purchases you can make with that extra money you have lying around....

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WeatherTech Cupfone - $34.95

If you're an Uber/Lyft driver or just deciding to get to-and-from somewhere, the WeatherTech Cupfone is a great option for anyone. When your mobile phone sits in the holder, the visibility of you cellphone is easy for all to see due to its fully adjustable tilt and rotation.

The Cupfone can also fit almost any vehicle, based on how large or small your car's cup-holder is. It also enables you to leave your phone plugged in while it is in the holder and you can effortlessly, and with one hand, remove your phone from the holder or replace it without ever having to disconnect your charging cord.

Ready to get The Cupfone? Check out Weathertech's website and direct link to purchasing one.

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Yeti 30 oz. Cup - $34.99

By far one of the greatest gifts I ever received (thanks to my fiancé), the Yeti 30 oz. Tumbler is one of those "must have" purchases you should grab with the gift cards you still need to use. You may think that $34.99 is expensive for a tumbler, but after the experience you have with a Yeti, you'll be wondering if you have issues (no worries, you don't!).

The Yeti Tumbler can handle all types of extreme weather, and will ensure that your hot or cold liquids remain as anticipated. What's even better is that you don't have to worry about burning your hand with hotter liquids in the container - the tumbler remains at room temperature no matter what's in it. The tumbler is easy to wash (dishwasher friendly as well), the design is simple, yet sharp, and you'll always have others who want to ask more about your experiences with your Yeti!

According to Yeti: "Your morning brew stays hot, and your iced coffee will stay cold - so take your time. Kitchen-grade stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation will protect your drink at all costs."

You can get your very own Yeti 30 oz. Tumbler or other Yeti products by clicking the link here

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Protein Powder: $29.99 - $59.99

If you're like me, you always want to get "those gains" in, but hate purchasing protein when that time comes around. Protein is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but can become pricey when you decide to outsource to a place like GNC (an average container of protein costs between $40 - $60). Other locations such as The Vitamin Shoppe or even Walmart have containers for as little as $19.99, but I always recommend trying to get formula that sits better in your stomach - some of those cheaper proteins can make you feel uneasy.

However, with some gift cards, you'll be able to get your sources of protein without worrying about the price tags associated to them! Check out GNC's Ghost Whey Protein - it's delicious, comes in a variety of flavors including Chips Ahoy!, it's affordable when compared to most protein supplements, there is nutritious value in it, and it really hits the spot when looking for some fuel.

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Gas / Basic Necessities

This is the most boring option from the list, but you'll thank yourself later when you have a few extra bucks in your wallet when you don't have to worry about those pesky necessities. One my of my biggest pet-peeves is having to go to the gas station and spend anywhere between $20-30 to fill up my tank (which is usually two times a week), but it's a necessary thing to have if I want my life to remain as it is. If you realize you're out of things that facilitate your life, such as milk & eggs, toilet paper, or socks, then using your gift cards might be the best option.

Realize why you want to use your gift cards for all of your purchases. Remember, you can always get those new shoes you wanted if you have the extra money. However, if you want to save some income to use elsewhere (i.e. investment, savings accounts, a hair cut, etc.), then I suggest that you utilize your gift cards effectively. When used the right way, you'll be thanking yourself later when you have more wiggle room to spare.