Be extra careful this year when you buy or even get Gift Cards as holiday presents. The Frugal Yankee has seen enough warnings to know several cards come with hidden fees, expiration dates and other 'fine print' snags. Some states are fighting these trends and only some gift cards have these bad characteristics, but the new warning is about stores simply not honoring the cards. The basic rule of thumb in the retail business is that of the $27 billion spent on gift cards over 10% is not used, ever. TRhat nearly $3 billion of found money. They won;t tell you because they want to keep the money. Be careful.

With the current recession dragging on, many stores and chains are facing difficult times. Some have already announced they will be closing stores after Christmas. Some are waiting until after Christmas to make the announcement.

Below is a list of some of these stores.

The Frugal Yankee suggests you avoid buying a Gift Cards until the dust settles, but if you do, be especially leery of these stores.

Ann Taylor
Blockbuster
Payless
Zales
Movie Gallery
Ritz Camera
Starbucks
Waldenbooks
B Dalton
Smith & Hawken
Crabtree & Evelyn
Bank fo America
Citigroup
Sears
Kmart
Samonsite Stores
Ann Taylor
Family Dollar
Office Depot
Gap
Rite Aid
Home Depot
Jo-Ann Fabrics
Yankee Candle
Foot Locker
Lane Bryant
Fashion Bug

This is just a partial list. To find out if a store near you is heading for the great beyond, do a google search.

Did we miss one? Do you know of a store heading for that Great Retail Space in the sky? Join the conversation.

Check out the Frugal Yankee's article on Liquidation Sales. What you don't know will cost you.