Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cards — here's what you can do with them instead (2024)

Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cards — here's what you can do with them instead (1) Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cards — here's what you can do with them instead (2)
  • Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores are no longer honoring gift cards as of April 21.
  • That doesn't mean they're useless, however.
  • Stores like Michael's and Kmart will offer discounts and credit for shoppers with Toys R Us gift cards.

Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cardsas it holds clearance sales at its liquidating stores.

That doesn't mean the gift cards are completely useless hunks of plastic, however. Some other retailers are running promotions to holders of Toys R Us gift cards and loyalty cards to try and lure its wayward customers back to the land of retail.

Kmart announced in April a plan to accept Toys R Us and Babies R Us gift cards in exchange for its own Freecash points. It doesn't matter if they're expired or empty — everyone gets $10 worth.Any customer can also get$5 in points by texting "TOY" to 56278.

Kmart's promotion runs until July 31.

Craft-supply store Michaels will also give discounts to holders of Toys R Us gift cards. Shoppers need only flash a Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift card or loyalty card to get $5 off any purchase of $20 or more from Michaels. The promotion is running until May 12.

Main Event, a nationwide entertainment and restaurant chain, will give $20 for each unredeemed Toys R Us gift card, regardless of the amount of money still left on it. That money can be used to play games at Main Event's locations. The promotion is limited to two cards per visit, per person, and it goes on through the end of May.

"We wanted to take a challenging situation and make it more positive for our guests,"Brendan Mauri, head of marketing at Main Event, said in a statement. "We understand that parents and kids all across the country were upset by the closing of one of their favorite retail brands, so we wanted to offer a silver lining to them."

Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cards — here's what you can do with them instead (2024)

FAQs

Can Toys R Us gift cards still be used? ›

Toys R Us is no longer accepting gift cards as it holds clearance sales at its liquidating stores.

Do Toys R Us gift cards expire? ›

You have 30 days to use it, or lose it — so make the best of your final stroll down those toy-filled aisles. Because soon, Toys "R" Us will be but memory.

Can companies stop accepting gift cards? ›

There is no law that says they have to accept gift cards.

Can you use a Toys R Us Gift Card at Bed Bath and Beyond? ›

You'll receive a Bed Bath & Beyond eGift Card via email within 1 business day of completing your Toys”R”Us gift card exchange online. eGift Cards can be used in Bed Bath & Beyond stores and on the store website.

What do you do with a gift card when the store closes? ›

When a Store Closes. If a store is planning on shuttering its doors, you may still be able to redeem your gift cards before it closes for good. Check with the store to find out if they are redeemable. You may be able to use the full amount on the gift card or a certain percentage.

Can you trade in Toys R Us gift cards for cash? ›

The cards can't be turned into cash, and now that the Toys "R" website has shut down they can't be used for online purchases either. If it's impractical or impossible for you to use a Babies "R" Us or Toys "R" Us gift card before it's too late, consider a special offer from Bed Bath & Beyond.

Do plastic gift cards expire? ›

No. Gift cards never expire.

How long do unused gift cards last? ›

2. How long do gift cards last? Federal law stipulates that gift cards can only expire five years after purchase. Its value can be diminished if it's not used within 12 months, as fees can be charged for inactivity, dormancy, and service.

Do gift cards get expired? ›

Gift cards are popular and convenient gifts (to give and receive) for many occasions. But is it possible for gift cards to expire before they're used? The short answer is yes: Gift cards can expire. But federal laws help protect consumers by regulating when gift certificates and cards expire.

Can gift cards unwanted gift cards be turned into cash? ›

You can easily turn gift cards into cash (or more desirable gift cards) through reputable sites like Raise and CardCash. The site you choose will depend on the ease of sale and the type of gift card you have. You won't get full value for it, but that's still better than letting a gift card go unused.

Can you get a refund on gift cards? ›

Unlike credit cards, there typically isn't any recourse for consumers when a gift card is stolen or used without authorization, so it is very hard to reverse the purchases or get a refund in these situations.

Why do gift cards stop working? ›

If your card is not working, it may be due to one of the following reasons: Your card is not activated. Your card is expired. You have insufficient funds on your card to support your purchase.

Does Michaels accept Toys R Us gift cards? ›

Michaels will take your Toys R Us gift... - Insider Business | Facebook.

Is Toys R Us coming back? ›

They're back online. Four years after closing its stores, Toys R Us and sister brand, Babies R Us, recently announced a UK comeback in the form of digital ecommerce stores, launched and live ahead of Christmas 2022.

How do I redeem a Toys R Us gift card? ›

Redeem Gift Card(s) at an "R"Us store
  1. At checkout, present your Gift Card or eGift Card as you would any other form of payment.
  2. The amount you spend will be deducted from your Gift Card balance.

What gift cards can you liquidate? ›

Visit sites like Prepaid2Cash and CardCash to liquidate prepaid cards. These sites can transform prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard gift cards, and cards from other leading merchants like Best Buy, Nike, and Target, to name just a few examples. You might also want to look into doing the same on Craigslist.

How do I turn my gift card into cash near me? ›

Where to Sell Gift Cards Near You
  1. Gift Card Bin Store Locator. While Gift Card Bin does have a website, that website lists over 600 physical locations across the US where you can bring your gift card to exchange it. ...
  2. Google Maps. ...
  3. Target. ...
  4. ClipKard. ...
  5. GiftCash. ...
  6. Raise. ...
  7. CardCash. ...
  8. GameFlip.

Does Walmart take unused gift cards? ›

Walmart offers a gift card exchange program where you can exchange unwanted gift cards with a Walmart e-gift card. The retailer provides the services in partnership with CardCash – a third-party website. Walmart's gift card exchange rate depends on the type of card.

Can you use a Toys R Us gift card online? ›

Merchandise credit may be issued as an E-Gift Card for use on ToysRUs.com only.

What machine trades out gift cards for cash? ›

A gift card exchange kiosk is a physical machine that allows you to turn unwanted gift cards into instant cash. The process is simple: insert your gift card into the kiosk, and it will give you a quote for how much cash you can get in return.

What can happen to a gift card if you don t use it for years? ›

Gift card Expiration Laws and Gift Card State Laws

Thankfully, gift certificates and store gift cards don't expire for five years because of the Credit CARD Act of 2009. At the same time, if you don't use your card within a year, issuers can charge you an "inactivity fee." All 50 states are subject to this rule.

Should I keep old gift cards? ›

If you do have old plastic gift cards and want to dispose of them safely, Enck recommends throwing them away in the trash. "Definitely don't put it in your recycling bin, and contact companies and tell them to stop making PVC gift cards as soon as possible."

What percentage of people have unused gift cards? ›

According to a July 2022 survey of 2,372 US adults conducted by CreditCards.com, 47% of respondents said they have at least one unused gift card voucher or store credit. So why aren't we using up what people have taken the trouble to give us?

Should I destroy used gift cards? ›

One cyber security expert tells CBS 11 all unpackaged gift cards on store shelves should all be destroyed.

Can I use a gift card to buy a gift card? ›

Well, yes and no. Some stores don't allow gift cards to purchase new gift cards, so before you go into it, it's best to confirm with their customer service. They will have a definitive answer for you.

Can you return a gift card for cash with receipt? ›

Absolutely – your best chance of being able to return gift cards is when you have a receipt.

Do gift cards from Walmart expire? ›

Walmart Gift Cards Do Not Expire.

Is it illegal to buy gift cards with credit cards? ›

Many retailers and credit card issuers allow you to buy gift cards with credit cards. Some card issuers may restrict this type of transaction, while some stores have their own restrictions or don't offer gift cards at all—smaller stores and private businesses, for example.

How do I change my gift card to money? ›

Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you.

Will banks cash out gift cards? ›

No. Cash cannot be withdrawn from a gift card, and you cannot get cash back in connection with a purchase transaction.

Can you exchange gift cards for cash at Coinstar? ›

Coinstar kiosks in the U.S. offer many services but do not exchange gift cards or foreign currency.

Why can't I return a gift card? ›

Not all stores allow gift card returns, and some may only accept returns in certain circ*mstances. For example, some stores may allow returns if the gift card has not been used or if it was purchased within a certain time frame. Most stores require the original receipt or proof of purchase.

Can you buy something with a gift card and return it for cash at Target? ›

Target GiftCards cannot be redeemed for cash or credit except where required by law.

What states are gift cards refundable? ›

At least ten other states currently have a provision in their respective gift-card laws that requires an issuer to redeem a card for cash upon request in certain circ*mstances. Those states include Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

What are the drawbacks of gift cards? ›

Now that you know how to benefit from gift cards online and offline, let's consider the disadvantages that shed shoppers from buying such cards.
...
Cons of Gift Cards
  • Risk of fraud. Scammers and fraudsters can target such deals. ...
  • Possible technical issues. ...
  • Extra expenses.
Feb 11, 2020

What demagnetizes a gift card? ›

Coming into contact with refrigerator magnets, clasps on wallets, and magnets on the back of tape measures and flashlights can demagnetize a credit or debit card.

How do you fix a demagnetized gift card? ›

Most gift cards and credit cards have magnetic stripes. Once these stripes are destroyed or de-magnetized there is no way to re-magnetize them.

How to return Toys R Us online? ›

Simply return your unwanted item within 28 days of receipt unused, unopened, in its original condition and packaging, your return must be in a re-sellable condition. All returns must be accompanied by a valid Toys R Us or Babies R Us receipt or your dispatch confirmation email including your order reference number.

Can you return items to Toys R Us without a receipt? ›

For a return or exchange, all products must be unused, in original packaging, in resalable condition and with the original receipt. We do not accept returns without the original receipt.

Does Target accept gift cards in store? ›

Target GiftCards and eGiftCards can only be used at Target stores or on Target.com, and cannot be used to purchase other gift cards or prepaid cards.

Who is replacing Toys R Us? ›

Who Bought Toys R Us in 2021? WHP Global acquired a controlling interest in Tru Kids, Toys R Us's parent company, in 2021 and will be managing the brand going forward. WHP Global is the company responsible for Toys R Us's comeback and its expansion into Macy's stores.

Is Toys R Us coming back 2023? ›

Babies “R” Us To Reopen Retail Stores Summer 2023. With Toys "R" Us announcing their own comeback just ahead of the 2022 holiday season, I guess it really is no surprise that a similar announcement came from sister brand Babies "R" Us in the new year.

When did Toys R Us end? ›

The company was further hampered by a significant debt load, the result of a leveraged buyout organized by private equity firms. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and 2018, closing all of its US, British, and Australian locations, with the last US stores closing in 2021.

Does Bed Bath and Beyond still take Toys R Us gift cards? ›

Toys R Us Gift Cards Can Now Be Exchanged for Bed Bath & Beyond Credit | Architectural Digest.

Can I still use my Toys R Us credit card? ›

Your credit card will no longer work once all the stores are closed, even though no specific date has been given. As with any credit card, you are responsible for all charges to that card, even if the store closes or goes bankrupt. To avoid interest charges, be sure to pay your balance in full by the due date.

How do you use a Toys R Us gift card? ›

At the register, present the Gift Card as you would any other form of payment. If you are using an eGift card, please ensure to print and present the eGift Card email showing the eGift Card Number, PIN and Bar code. The amount you spend will be deducted from your Gift Card balance.

Can you use a Toys R Us gift card at Michaels? ›

Michaels will take your Toys R Us gift... - Insider Business | Facebook.

What do I do with old gift cards? ›

So that it doesn't happen to you, here are seven things you can do with unwanted and unused gift cards.
  1. Sell Your Unused Gift Cards for Cash. ...
  2. Regift the Card. ...
  3. Sell or Exchange them with People You Know. ...
  4. Donate the Gift Card to Charity. ...
  5. Use the Gift Card to Purchase Items that You Can Sell.
Apr 6, 2023

Can I return a gift to Toys R Us without receipt? ›

For a return or exchange, all products must be unused, in original packaging, in resalable condition and with the original receipt. We do not accept returns without the original receipt.

What is Toys R Us return policy? ›

What is Toys“R”Us' return policy? We want you to love your purchase, but if you are not completely satisfied, we gladly accept most returns by mail within 30 days of purchase for free. There will be no returns or credit after 30 days.

How do I use my gift card online? ›

You can use your card for online purchases by entering the card number, expiry date and the 3 digit code (CVV) found on the back of the card. Occasionally websites will ask for the name on the card, in these instances simply insert “Gift Card” in the field provided.

Is Hobby Warehouse same as Toys R Us? ›

In addition to distributing leading products throughout Australia for key partners via its trading business Funtastic, the company recently acquired 100% of the Hobby Warehouse Group in November 2020, including Australian e-commerce websites Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and Hobby Warehouse and the distribution business ...

Can I use Gift Card in-store at Target? ›

Target GiftCards can be redeemed, for all or part of their value, anywhere in a Target store or on Target.com. Target GiftCards can be used: To purchase alcohol and other restricted items. At Starbucks within Target stores.

Does Target accept gift cards in-store? ›

Target GiftCards and eGiftCards can only be used at Target stores or on Target.com, and cannot be used to purchase other gift cards or prepaid cards.

Can I turn old gift cards into cash? ›

Bottom line. You can easily turn gift cards into cash (or more desirable gift cards) through reputable sites like Raise and CardCash. The site you choose will depend on the ease of sale and the type of gift card you have. You won't get full value for it, but that's still better than letting a gift card go unused.

How do I turn unwanted gift cards into cash? ›

Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you.

Do any gift cards do cash back? ›

A gift card acts as a voucher—not a debit card. The only way to get cash back from a gift card is if it is a closed-loop gift card or a prepaid card.

Can you return a gift and get cash? ›

"Keep in mind even with a gift receipt that person is not going to get a cash refund, or a credit card refund," he warns. "They are going to get merchandise credit, equal to the amount the gift giver paid or they are going to get an even exchange.

Can you return Toys to Walmart without a receipt? ›

Typically, items purchased in Walmart stores or via their website can be returned or exchanged within 90 days of purchase. For online items, the return window begins on the date of delivery. However, the return window depends on the type of item. For most items, returns can be made whether or not you have a receipt.

Is it rude to ask for a receipt to return a gift? ›

A good rule of thumb is that if the gift giver includes a receipt in the wrappings, it's considered fine to return or exchange. Often, that means that someone is already anticipating that the gift might not be your taste.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6240

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.