In cartoons, we see rich people lighting their cigars with a $20 bill or even a $100 bill. They have "money to burn," but the friend or relative who gave you a gift card probably doesn't.

Not using the gift card is almost the same as burning money, but this year $8 billion in gift cards bought in 2007 have not been redeemed. Though no one has the exact total, this estimate was made by researchers at TowerGroup of Needham, Mass.

In a few cases (very few) gift-card money is returned to the purchaser after up to one year, less some significant service charges.

What happens to the rest depends on individual states. About half of all states say all or at least part of the unspent balances should go to them under unclaimed-property laws. New York claimed $19 million in three years.

Other states let the unclaimed money ultimately go back to the stores. Those that allow it have a number of conditions that stores must meet.

Retailers would rather have the card recipients spend the face value of the card as soon as possible. They can't claim the revenue from selling it until the customer uses it.

In any case, not using a gift card shows disrespect for the giver. You should not only use the card but call or send a note telling what you bought.

Not using it or letting the card expire is a mistake financial analysts say is "not valuing all money equally." Would you pick up a $20 bill from the sidewalk?