Abstract:
The disclosed invention relates generally to various embodiments of holders and packaging for giving gifts. In particular, the invention relates to various gift card holders that hold a gift card and enhance the presentation and gift giving experience for recipients and gift givers alike. The holders and packing also permit a gift card disposed therein to be visible, scanned, accessed, or otherwise activated without removing the gift card from the holder.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/431,535, entitled “Gift Card Presentation Devices,” filed Feb. 13, 2017, which is a Divisional of and claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/181,668, entitled “Gift Card Presentation Devices,” filed Feb. 15, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,911, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/765,594, filed Feb. 15, 2013, entitled “Gift Card Presentation Devices,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Transaction cards, stored value cards, or gift cards are popular gifts. Gift cards typically comprise a stored value card whereby a certain cash equivalent value is encoded upon a magnetic strip applied to the surface of the card. This stored value may be determined by the vendor prior to packaging and display for sale or may be selected at the point of sale by the purchaser and loaded by the cashier using a magnetic card reader/writer. Although popular, gift cards are typically provided with a generic and impersonal design. In addition, gift cards are often given in simple un-adorned envelopes or impersonal sleeves. This may minimize the gift giving experience and emotional value for both gift giver and the recipient. 
         [0003]    Therefore, a need exists for a gift card holder that provides graphical and/or mechanical enhancements to entertain the gift card recipient and add emotional and personal value to the gift and the gift giver. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This invention relates generally to gift card holders and more particularly to a device for holding a gift card or gift card packet while providing graphical and mechanical enhancements to entertain the gift card recipient and add value to the gift giving experience for the gift giver. In addition, the gift card holders are suitable for convenient display and activation by retailers. Specifically, the gift card holders include one or more cutouts that provide easy access to view and scan a barcode or other indicia on the gift cards for activation. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, a gift card holder includes a pocket portion having at least one cutout, and an insert portion for receiving a gift card. The insert portion also includes at least one other cutout. The insert portion is slidably engaged to the pocket portion such that the gift card is concealed within the pocket portion when the insert is fully inserted. In addition, the cutouts of the pocket portion and the insert portion are aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may be viewed when the card is inserted into the pocket portion. In various aspects, the pocket portion and insert may be configured and adorned to resemble a gift box or gift bag. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a gift card holder includes a pocket portion having a front, a back with at least one cutout, and a flap. The holder also includes an insert portion for receiving a gift card. The insert portion includes at least one opening for receiving the gift card, at least one opening for receiving a photograph, and at least one cutout. When the insert portion is inserted into the pocket portion, the at least one cutout is aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may be viewed when the card is inserted into the pocket portion. In one aspect, the insert portion includes an easel attachment, so that the insert portion may be used as a photo frame. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the gift card holder includes a planar material that is folded to form a pocket portion and a gift card panel. The pocket portion includes a front, a back having at least one cutout, and a flap, while the gift card panel is configured to receive a gift card. The gift card panel also includes at least one cutout. The gift card panel is slidably inserted into the pocket portion such that the cutouts are aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may be viewed when the gift card panel is inserted into the pocket portion. In one aspect, the pocket portion includes one or more gusset panels. In another aspect, the pocket portion forms a box shape. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the gift card holder is a planar material folded to form a bi-fold having a top portion and a bottom portion with at least one cutout. The holder also includes a frame affixed to the bottom portion. A gift card may be received within the frame and the top portion may be folded towards the bottom portion such that a front surface of the top portion is positioned proximate to a front surface of the bottom portion when the holder is in a closed configuration. In one aspect, the holder may also include an outer sleeve that also has a cutout such that the cutouts are aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may be viewed when the bi-fold is inserted into the sleeve. The bi-fold holder may also include a band that encircles the holder to hold it in the closed configuration. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the gift card holder is a box having a bottom portion with at least one cutout and a lid portion. The box also includes a tray positioned within the bottom portion. The tray receives a gift card and includes at least one cutout. The exterior of the box is covered in one or more decorative liners that also include at least one cutout, such that all of the cutouts are aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may be viewed when the box is closed. 
         [0010]    In various other embodiments the pocket portion or sleeve and insert portions may be dimensioned such that they are at least twice the height and/or twice the width of a typical gift card. In addition, the insert may also include one or more pull tabs for removing the insert from the pocket portion or sleeve. 
         [0011]    Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages may be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front plan views of a simulated present gift card holder in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled pocket portion of a simulated present gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled insert portion of a simulated present gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4-6  are plan views of embodiments of adornments and accessories that may be used with the gift card holders disclosed herein. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are front plan views of a simulated present gift card holder in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled pocket portion of a simulated present gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are plan views of an interior surface and an exterior surface, respectively, of an unassembled insert portion of a simulated present gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are front plan views of a slide-out gift card holder in a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively, according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10C  is a rear plan view of a slide-out gift card holder in a closed configuration according to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled sleeve portion of a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of an insert frame for a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of an insert backer for a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14A  is a diagram of the assembly of an insert for a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14B  is a diagram of the assembly of a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of a retail package for a slide-out gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a diagram of various components of a photo frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are a rear plan view and a front plan view, respectively, of an assembled envelope portion of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of an exterior surface of an unassembled envelope portion of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of a frame portion for a frame insert of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are a front plan view and a rear plan view, respectively, of a frame backer panel for a frame insert of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a plan view of an easel support for a frame insert of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a diagram of the assembly of a frame insert of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a diagram of the assembly of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 25A and 25B  are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of a revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 26A and 26B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 27A and 27B  are front plan views of a revealing gift card holder in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according to one embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 28A and 28B  are plan views of an exterior surface and an interior surface, respectively, of an unassembled revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  is a diagram of the assembly of a revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  is a plan view of a bi-fold gift card holder in a closed configuration according to one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 31A and 31B  are a front plan view and a rear plan view, respectively, of a bi-fold gift card holder in an open configuration according to one embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  is a plan view of an exterior surface of an outer sleeve portion of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  is a plan view of a backer panel for a bi-fold insert portion of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is a plan view of a front frame portion for a bi-fold insert portion of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 35A and 35B  are a front plan view and a rear plan view, respectively, of an assembled bi-fold insert portion of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is a plan view of a closure band of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a plan view of a decorative element for a closure band of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 38A and 38B  are a front plan view and a rear plan view, respectively, of a gift box gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 38C  is a perspective plan view of a gift box gift card holder with the lid removed according to one embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is a plan view of an unassembled tray of a gift box gift card holder according to one embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 40A and 40B  are plan views of a lid and bottom portion, respectively, of a gift box gift card holder in an unassembled configuration according to one embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 41  is a plan view of a decorative lid cover for a lid portion of a gift box gift card holder in an unassembled configuration according to one embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 42  is a plan view of a decorative bottom cover for a bottom portion of a gift box gift card holder in an unassembled configuration according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    The present invention relates to gift card holders that enhance the gift giving experience for both the gift giver and the gift recipient. The gift card holders disclosed herein also provide benefits to retailers. For example, the gift cards and gift card holders may be received by retailers in pre-assembled packaging. In addition, gift card holders allow the gift cards to be purchased and activated without removing them from the gift card holders. In various aspects, the gift card holders of the present invention include a number of decorative and functional features that allow a gift giver to add personalization and other enhancements when giving a gift card. 
         [0056]    Simulated Present Gift Card Holders 
         [0057]      FIGS. 1A-6  depict one embodiment of a simulated present gift card holder  10  having a pocket portion  100  and a removable gift card insert  150 . In one aspect, the pocket portion  100  is formed by cutting and folding a generally planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, or cardboard. The planar material has an exterior surface  101 , shown in  FIG. 2A , and an interior surface  103 , shown in  FIG. 2B . The surfaces  101  and  103  may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. In one aspect, the planar material is cut to form two generally rectangular portions  102 A-B and tabs  104 A-B. The rectangular portions  102 A-B and the tabs  104 A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds  106 A-C. The pocket portion  100  is folded along fold  106 C to position the interior surface of the rectangular portion  102 A proximal to and facing the interior surface of the rectangular portion  102 B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  104 A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of rectangular portion  102 A, thereby forming a pocket that is open along the side opposite the tab  104 B. The rectangular portion  102 A includes a cutout or opening  108 . The cutout  108  allows a barcode, including matrix or two-dimensional barcodes and/or other indicia, including alphanumeric text, on a gift card positioned within the pocket to be viewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the pocket portion  100 . The pocket portion  100  may also include additional indicia and adornments, such as a bow  110  or indicia to identify the gift giver and recipient. 
         [0058]    The removable gift card insert  150 , shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is also made from a planar material that is marked with indicia on the exterior surface  151  or the interior surface  153 . The insert  150  is formed by cutting and folding along fold  154  to bring the interior surfaces of the insert  150  into close proximity to each other. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  152 A-B that are folded inward to hold the folded insert together. 
         [0059]    The folded planar material has a top insert portion  160  and a bottom insertion portion  170 . In one aspect, the top insert portion  160  is wider than the bottom insert portion  170 . Once the insert  150  is assembled, the bottom insert portion is received into the pocket portion  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1A-B . Once inserted, the gift card holder  10  has the appearance of a wrapped present. Translating the insert portion  150  away from the pocket portion  100 , as indicated by  99 , simulates the opening of a present to reveal the gift card. 
         [0060]    The bottom insert portion also has one or more cutouts  172  that align with the cutout  108  and allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card attached to the insert  150  to be viewed and scanned when the insert is positioned within the pocket  100 . A gift card may then be attached to the marked surface of the bottom insert portion  170 . The top insert portion  160  may include additional features, including a removable tab  180  for displaying the gift card holder  10  at a retail location, a tag  182  for identifying the gift giver and recipient, and additional adornments including a ribbon  184 , which may be passed through a slot cut into the top portion. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 7A-9B  depict another embodiment of a simulated present gift card holder  20  having a pocket portion  200  and a slidable gift card insert  250 . In one aspect, a pocket portion  200  is formed by cutting and folding a generally planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, or cardboard. The planar material has an exterior surface  201 , shown in  FIG. 8A , and an interior surface  203 , shown in  FIG. 8B . The surfaces  201  and  203  may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. In one aspect, the planar material is cut to form two generally trapezoidal portions  202 A-B and tabs  204 A-B. The trapezoidal portions  202 A-B and the tabs  204 A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds  206 A-C. In one aspect, the trapezoidal portions are shaped and marked to resemble a shopping bag; however, other shapes and markings may also be used. The pocket portion  200  is folded along fold  206 C to position the interior surface of the trapezoidal portion  202 A proximal to and facing the interior surface of the trapezoidal portion  202 B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  204 A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of trapezoidal portion  202 A, thereby forming a pocket that is open along a side opposite the tab  204 B. The trapezoidal portion  202 A includes a cutout or opening  208 . The cutout  208  allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card positioned within the pocket to be viewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the pocket portion  200  The pocket portion  200  may also include additional indicia and adornments, such as a bow  210  or indicia to identify the gift giver and recipient. 
         [0062]    The slidable gift card insert  250 , shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , is also made from a planar material that is marked with indicia on the exterior surface  251  or the interior surface  253 . The insert  250  is formed by cutting and folding along the fold  254  to bring the interior surfaces of the insert  250  into close proximity to each other thereby forming a two-layer insert with range-limiting tabs  252 A-B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  252 A-B that are folded inward to hold the folded insert together. The insert  250  has one or more cutouts or openings  270  that align with the cutout  208  and allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card attached to the insert  250  to be viewed and scanned when the insert is positioned within the pocket portion  200 . In addition, the insert  250  may include additional adornments, such as a handle  256 . The range limiting tabs  252 A-B are dimensioned such that the width “W” of the insert  250  along the fold  254  and the latitudinal axis between the tabs is greater than the width of the upper portion  255  of the trapezoidal shaped pocket portion  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . As such, the range limiting tabs  252 A-B prevent the insert  250  from being removed from the pocket portion  200  unintentionally. Translating the insert portion  250  away from the pocket portion  200 , as indicated by  99  in  FIG. 7A , simulates the opening of a gift bag to reveal the gift card  90 . 
         [0063]    The gift card holder  20  may also include additional features, including a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the gift card holder at a retail location and a tag  182 , shown in  FIG. 5 , for identifying the gift giver and recipient. Additional adornments including, but not limited to a ribbon, may be attached to the holder to enhance the appearance thereof. 
         [0064]    Slide-Out Gift Card Holders 
         [0065]      FIGS. 10A-15  are an embodiment of a slide-out gift card holder  30  having a sleeve portion  300  and a removable gift card insert  340 . In one aspect, the sleeve portion  300  may be formed from cutting and folding a planar material  301 , such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard. One or more of the external surface  301  or the internal surface  303  of the planar material shown in  FIG. 11A  may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. The planar material  301  is cut or scored to form a front portion  302 A, a back portion  302 B, and a flap  302 C, as well as tabs  304 A-B. In one aspect, the front and back portions  302 A-B are dimensioned to have a height approximately greater that the height or width of a typical gift card, depending upon the orientation of the gift card within the holder  30  such that the gift card can be fully received within the sleeve portion. The front, back, and flap portions  302 A-C, respectively, and the tabs  304 A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds  306 A-D. In addition, the back portion  302 B includes a cutout or opening  308 . The cutout  308  allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card positioned within the sleeve to be viewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the sleeve portion  300 . The sleeve portion  300  is formed by folding the planar material along folds  306 A-B to position the interior surface of the front portion  302 A proximal to and facing the interior surface of the back portion  302 B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  304 A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of rectangular portion  302 B, thereby forming a sleeve that is opened at the end proximal to the flap  302 C. The flap may be folded and inserted into a slot  310  that is cut into the front portion  302 A to close the sleeve portion  300 . The sleeve portion  300  may include additional indicia and adornments, such as an area to identify the gift giver and recipient or a ribbon and bow. In addition, the sleeve portion  300  may include a removable tab  180 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the slide-out gift card holder  30  at a retail location. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, the removable gift card insert  340  is made from two or more planar materials that are each marked with indicia or graphics on one or more surfaces thereof. The insert  340  is formed by cutting and the planar materials to fabricate a front frame  350  and a backer panel or board  360 . The front frame  350  is affixed on top of a backer board  360 . In particular, the front frame  350  is cut to create a generally rectangular opening  352  dimensioned to receive and hold a gift card  90 , while that backer board  360  includes a cutout or opening  362  for viewing indicia on the gift card engaged to the insert  340 . The cutout  362  aligns with the cutout  308  to allow a barcode or other indicia on the gift card placed within the frame opening  352  to be viewed and scanned when the insert  340  is positioned within the sleeve portion  300 . The backer board  360  may include another cutout or opening  364  to receive a pull tab, which may be a looped ribbon  366  in one embodiment, for removing the insert  340  from the sleeve portion  300 . In another embodiment, the frame  350  and the backer board  360  may be formed from a single planar material that is folded upon itself. 
         [0067]    To assemble the holder  30 , the front frame  350  is affixed to the backer board  360 . The insert  340  is then inserted into the sleeve  300  as shown in  FIG. 14B . In one embodiment, a gift card  90  may be provided with the slide-out gift card holder  30 . In another embodiment, the slide-out gift card holder  30  may be used or re-used with any gift card  90 . 
         [0068]    In various aspects, an envelope  370  may be included with the slide-out gift card holder  30 . The envelope and additional tags or stickers (not shown) may be included within a separate cellophane sleeve portion (not shown). Together, the envelope and slide-out gift card holder  30  may be displayed in a retail location for sale as a single item, shown in  FIG. 15 , using a removable tag similar to the tag  180  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0069]    A Frame Gift Card Holder 
         [0070]    An embodiment of a framed gift card holder  40  is depicted in  FIGS. 16-23 . The framed gift card holder  40  includes an envelope portion  400  and a removable photo frame insert  440 . In one aspect, the envelope  400  may be formed from cutting and folding a planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard. One or more sides or surfaces of the envelope portion  400  may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with indicia. The envelope portion includes a front portion  402 A, a back portion  402 B, and a flap  402 C, as well as tabs  404 A-B. In one aspect, the front and back portions  402 A-B are dimensioned to approximate the size of a typical greeting card; however, in other embodiments, other sizes may be used. The front, back, and flap portions  402 A-C, respectively, and the tabs  404 A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds  406 A-C. In addition, the back portion  402 B includes a cutout or opening  408 . The cutout  408  allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card disposed within the envelope  400  to be viewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the envelope. The envelope  400  is formed by folding the planar material along folds  406 B to position the interior surface of the front portion  402 A proximal to and facing the interior surface of the back portion  402 B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  404 A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of rectangular portion  402 B, thereby forming the envelope that is opened at the end proximal to having the flap  402 C. The flap may be folded and inserted into a slot  410  that is cut into the front portion  402 A to close the envelope  400 . The envelope  400  may include additional indicia and adornments, such as an area to identify the gift giver and recipient or a ribbon and bow. In addition, the envelope  400  may include a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the framed gift card holder  40  at a retail location. 
         [0071]    In one embodiment, the removable gift card insert  440  is also made from two or more planar materials that are each marked with indicia on one surface. The insert  440  is also formed by cutting and the planar materials and affixing a front frame  450  on top of a backer board  460 . In another embodiment, the insert  440  is formed from a single planar material that is cut and folded upon itself. In particular, the front frame is cut to create two or more openings  452 A-C. The openings  452 A-C may be generally rectangular as shown or they may be any other shape. At least one of the openings  452 A-C is dimensioned to receive and hold a gift card, while the other openings are dimensioned to display one or more other items, including but not limited to photographs, greeting cards, notes, or business cards. 
         [0072]    The backer board  460  includes a cutout or opening  462  that aligns with the cutout  408  to allow a barcode or other indicia on the gift card placed within the frame of the insert  440  to be viewed and scanned when the insert is positioned within the envelope  400 . In addition, the backer board  460  may also include an easel attachment  464  that is engaged to the backer board. The easel attachment  464 , may be made of the same planar material as the insert, or alternately, may be made of any other material, including plastics, that provides sufficient support to prop up the insert  440 . In one aspect, the insert  440  may be placed on a surface and displayed as a photo frame, thereby augmenting the gift and further enhancing the gift giving experience. 
         [0073]    To assemble the insert  440 , a front frame  450  is affixed to the backer board  460 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , and the easel attachment is attached to the backer board on the side opposite the front frame. Before being given to a recipient, the photo frame insert  440  is then inserted into the envelope  400  along with any greeting cards or notes  470 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . In one embodiment, the greeting card  470 , note or photographs may be inserted into one of the openings  452 A-C of the insert  440 . 
         [0074]    Revealing Gift Card Holders 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIGS. 24-26B , one embodiment of a revealing gift card holder  50  is shown. In one aspect, the revealing gift card holder  50  is fabricated by cutting and folding a planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard, into a desired shape. One or more of the external surface  501  or the interior surface  503  of the planar material, as shown in  FIGS. 26A-B , may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. Various cuts and folds may be made to the planar material to define a front panel  500 , a back panel  502 , a lid panel  504 , a gift card panel  506 , gusset panels  508 A-B, and tabs  510 A-F in the planar material. 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the front panel  500 , the back panel  502 , and the lid panel  504  are generally trapezoidal in shape. In one aspect, the trapezoidal portions are shaped and marked to resemble a shopping bag, and the gift card holder  50  may include a handle  554 . Other shapes and configurations may also be used, including but not limited to a generally rectangular shape, as shown for the gift card panel  506 . In one embodiment, the gift card panel  506  includes a sub-panel  507  that may include a message, graphics, or other indicia that is viewable by the gift recipient upon translation of the gift card panel to reveal the gift card  90 . 
         [0077]    In various aspects, both the back panel  502  and the gift card panel  506  have cutouts  512  and  514 , respectively, which allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card attached to the gift card panel to be viewed and scanned when the holder  50  is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0078]    To assemble the gift card holder  50 , the planar material is folded along fold  520  so that the interior surface of the front panel  500  is proximal to and facing the interior surface of the back panel  502 . An adhesive is placed in the tabs  510 A-B of the gusset panels  508 A-B, such that the gusset panels may be affixed to the interior surface of the back panel  502 . In one embodiment, once assembled the gift card panel  506  cannot be completely removed from the pocket formed by the front panel  500  and back panel  502  without folding or otherwise altering the holder  50 . 
         [0079]    The planar material is folded along folds  522  and  524  to position the gift card panel  506  within the gussets of the gusset panel  508 A-B, preferably within the front must gusset of the gusset panels. Folding at folds  526  and  528 , allows the lid panel  504  to overlap the front panel  500  when the gift card panel  506  is fully inserted in to the gussets as shown in  FIG. 24 . In one aspect, the lid panel  504  includes a closing mechanism  530 , such as hook-and-loop fasteners or a removable adhesive, for removably engaging the lid panel to the front panel  500 . 
         [0080]    The tabs  510 C-F provide attachment points for optional adornments such as a ribbon  540  or a bow. The gift card holder  50  may also include a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the gift card holder  50  at a retail location, or a tag  182 , shown in  FIG. 5 , for indicating the gift giver and the recipient. 
         [0081]    Another embodiment of a revealing gift card holder  60  is shown in  FIGS. 27A-29 . Similar to the revealing gift card holder  50  shown in  FIGS. 24-26B , the holder  60  is fabricated by cutting and folding a planar material. One or more sides or surfaces of the planar material may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with indicia. As shown, various cuts and folds may be made to define a front panel  600 , a back panel  602 , a lid panel  604 , a gift card panel  606 , side panels  608 A-B, flaps  610 A-D, and various tabs  612 A-F in a single sheet of the planar material. 
         [0082]    In one aspect, the front panel  600 , the back panel  602 , and the lid panel  604  may be generally rectangular. In addition, the flaps  610 A-D may be configured such that the holder resembles a box, when assembled. In various aspects, both the back panel  602  and the gift card panel  606  have cutouts or openings  614  and  616 , respectively, which allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card  90  attached to the gift card panel to be viewed and scanned when the holder  60  is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 27A . The gift card  90  in this embodiment and all other embodiments may be engaged to the various gift card panels with a removable adhesive or through one or more slits  613 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
         [0083]    To assemble the gift card holder  60 , the planar material is folded along folds  620 A-B so that the interior surface of the front panel  600  is facing the interior surface of the back panel  602 . In one embodiment, an adhesive is placed on one or more of the flaps  610 A-D, such that the side panels and the front and back panels  600  and  602 , respectively, may form a box. 
         [0084]    The planar material is folded along folds  622  and  624  to position the gift card panel  606  within a box formed by the front panel  600 , the back panel  602 , side panels  608 A-B, and the flaps  610 A-D, as indicated by  611 . In one embodiment, the gift card panel  606  includes a sub-panel  607  that may include a message, graphics, or other indicia that is viewable by the gift recipient upon translation of the lid panel  604 , as indicated by  99  in  FIG. 27A , to reveal the gift card  90 . Additional folding at fold  626  allows the lid panel  604  to overlap the front panel  600 , when the gift card panel  606  is fully inserted into the box as shown in  FIG. 27A . In one aspect, the lid panel  604  includes a closing mechanism  630 , such as hook-and-loop fasteners or a removable adhesive, as shown in  FIG. 28A , for attaching the lid panel to the front panel  600 . 
         [0085]    The tabs  610 C-F provide attachment points for optional adornments such as a ribbon and bow  640  or handle  654 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The gift card holder  60  may also include a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the gift card holder  60  at a retail location, or a tag  182 , shown in  FIG. 5 , for indicating the gift giver and the recipient. 
         [0086]    A Bi-Fold Gift Card Holder 
         [0087]      FIGS. 30-37  depict an embodiment of a bi-fold gift card holder  70  that includes a decorated closure band  770 . The holder  70  has a general bi-fold configuration with an outer sleeve portion  700  engaged to at least one surface of an insert portion  740 . In one aspect, the holder  70  is fabricated by cutting and folding one or more sheets of planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard. Each sheet of the planar material may be printed, painted, or otherwise marked with indicia on at least one side. The outer sleeve portion is formed from a planar material that is cut and scored to form a front portion  702 A, a back portion  702 B, and tabs  704 A-B. In one aspect, the front and back portions  702 A-B, respectively, and the tabs  704 A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds  706 A-E. In addition, the back portion  702 B includes a cutout or opening  708 . The cutout  708  allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card positioned within the holder  70  to be viewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the holder. An adhesive is applied to the tabs  704 A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of a bi-fold insert  740 . The sleeve  700  may include additional indicia and adornments, such as an area to identify the gift giver and recipient or a ribbon and bow. In addition, the sleeve  700  may include a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the gift card holder  70  at a retail location. 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, the bi-fold insert  740  is also made from two or more planar materials that are each marked with indicia or graphics on at least one surface. The insert  740  is also formed by cutting the planar materials and affixing a front frame  750  on top of a panel of a backer board  760 , having a front portion  761  and a back portion  763  separated by a fold line  765 . In particular, the front frame  750  is cut to create a generally rectangular opening  752 , dimensioned to receive and hold a gift card. The front frame  750  may also include one or more cutouts  751  that aid the removal of a gift card disposed in the frame. The backer board  760  includes a cutout or opening  762  that aligns with the cutout  708  to allow a barcode or other indicia on the gift card placed within the frame opening  752  to be viewed and scanned when the insert is positioned within the sleeve  700 . To assemble the insert  740 , the front frame  750  is affixed to the interior surface  767  of the back portion  763  of the backer board  760 . The sleeve  700  is also engaged to an exterior surface of the insert  740 . 
         [0089]    In various aspects, a band  770 , shown in  FIGS. 30 and 36 , for holding the gift card holder  70  closed in a folded configuration, is engaged to the holder. The band  770  may be fabricated as a continuous loop of material; alternatively, the band may be a strip of material that is adhered or otherwise attached to itself to form the band. In one embodiment, the band  770  is a planar material, such as paper, cardstock, or fabric, among others, that includes an adhesive  771  for forming the continuous loop. In one aspect, the band  770  may include one or more additional adornments  772 . In various aspects, the adornments  772  and indicia for the gift card holder  70  may vary in accordance with the purpose of the gift, the holiday, or season. For example, the adornment may have the general shape of a snowflake for giving a gift during winter. 
         [0090]    A Gift Box Gift Card Holder 
         [0091]      FIGS. 38A-42  depict another embodiment of a gift box gift card holder  80 . In this embodiment, the gift box gift card holder  80  is generally box-shaped with a bottom portion  800  and a lid portion  802 . The bottom portion  800  and lid portion  802  may be engaged to decorative covers  840  and  830 , respectively, which include graphics or indicia. In one embodiment, the graphics and indicia may be applied directly to the bottom portion  800  and the lid portion  802 . The holder  80  may also include a tray  840  within the box to hold and display a gift card placed or attached thereon. 
         [0092]    The bottom portion  800  and a lid portion  802  are fabricated from a planar material that is cut and scored to define a respective bottom panel  810  including a cutout  812  and a top panel  814 . Each portion  800  and  802  also includes sidewalls  816 A-D and  818 A-D, respectively, which are formed from the planar material. The sidewalls  816 A-D and  818 A-D may be folded inward to provide structure to the box. In one aspect, sidewalls  816 A and  816 C include notches  820 A-B to grip and remove the lid portion  802  from the bottom portion  800  after assembly. 
         [0093]    The decorative liners  830  and  840  are similarly formed from a planar material. One or more sides or surfaces of the planar materials for the decorative liners  830  and  840  are printed, painted, or otherwise marked with indicia. In one aspect, the markings are designed to give the appearance of wrapping paper  832  and a bow  834 . One or both liners  830  and  840  may include an area  842  for indicating the gift giver and the recipient. The decorative liner  840  for the bottom portion  800  may also include a cutout  844  that aligns with the cutout  812  of the bottom panel  810  to allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card placed in the holder  80  to be viewed and scanned when the holder is in a closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 8E . The decorative liner  840  may also be affixed with a removable tab  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , for displaying the gift card holder  80  at a retail location. 
         [0094]    The tray  850  may be formed from a planar material that is cut and folded to fit within the bottom portion  800 . The tray  850  includes a central portion  854  that is proximal to the bottom portion  800  of holder  80 , when the tray is folded and assembled. In one embodiment, the central portion  854  is adhered to the interior surface  801  of the bottom portion  800 . The central portion  854  of the tray  850  also defines a cutout or opening  852  that is aligned with the cutouts  812  and  844  to allow the barcode or other indicia on the gift card to be viewed and scanned without removing the card from the box  80 . In various aspects, the tray  850  includes markings and indicia that may correspond to the gift giving occasion, holiday, or season. 
         [0095]    For each embodiment, a gift card  90  may be included with the gift card holders  10 - 80 . In various other embodiments, the gift card holders  10 - 80  may be used or re-used with any gift card  90 , including those purchased separately from the purchase of the gift card holder. 
         [0096]    It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
         [0097]    While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.