Before you begin the holiday shopping season, driving yourself crazy trying to find great gifts for everyone on your list check out these survey findings from the National Retail Federation consumer interest in gift cards. Gift giving might be easier than you think! 57% would like to receive a gift card (up from 55% from last year.) 61% of those with higher incomes (more than $50K) want a gift card 63% of those ages 25 – 34 want a gift card 64% of women want a gift card So give the people what they want this holiday season, and give yourself a break.

Digital Gift Cards are gaining popularity throughout the market, however some top tier retailers are neglecting to start using the technologically advanced version of the Gift Card. Gift card sales continue to rise throughout the country, rising by about 2% in last year's holiday season. So the real question is: why aren't all retailers adopting the technology? Check out this article (http://www.dmnews.com/digital-gift-cards-get-the-short-stick/article/179517/) and leave us a comment to let us know what you think!

Come visit the GiftCard Partners team at the Motivation Show 2010 in Chicago starting tomorrow. GiftCard Partners will be located in booth 4631. More info to follow, including on our Facebook page and on twitter @gcpsolutions.

It is not even Halloween yet, and already the retail market is preparing for the holiday season. With online shopping, online coupons, and online marketing becoming ever-growing pieces of the holiday retail puzzle here are five predictions about email marketing for this year's holiday season 1. There will be more activity on Thanksgiving 2. Social and rich media campaigns are not going to have legs after mid-November 3. More retailers will include discount codes into their preheader text 4. More emails will feature share-with-your-network (SWYN) links as a strong secondary call to action 5. Mobile-friendly emails will become more common For more information on holiday 2010 email marketing predictions visit: http://directmag.com/email/0913-email-marketing-holiday-season/

The biggest conundrum that has existed in employee health care has always been whether to punish employees for bad health behavior, or reward employees for good behavior. This dilemma seems to be resolving itself, and the incentive based "carrot" approach is winning out. Employers are using more incentive based methods rewarding employees with discounts, gift cards, loyalty based incentives for good health behavior, as well as less tangible rewards such as educational materials to help employees keep up the good work. It seems that the days of uncertainty and health care fees are ending. As an employer if you are wondering whether to wield a fear-inducing stick over your unhealthy employees, or offer the healthy ones a rewarding carrot in hopes they set an example, reach for the veggies. For more information visit http://www.colloquy.com/article_view.asp?xd=7400