I'm not trying to dump on an idea, but you'd probably be better off keeping the extra $150 in cash. In the last year, a good many folks have been left holding now worthless gift cards. I've seen cards demagnetized, the strip scratched beyond use, and companies go out of business. Additonally, being tied to said stores pretty much limits options when you're operating on the fly, late at night, or on a day they aren't open. ...and that is all IF a store doesn't change their card policy (which they CAN and may do).