Are gift cards washed up? Not this year. Enjoy these creative and personal gift-giving picks from our 2011 gift guide.

Photos: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling:Chaunté Vaughn

Once considered the go–gift for the lazy, last–minute shopper, the gift card is making a comeback this season. Still easy–to–purchase (phew), but now more personal than ever with all of the options available. Now, before you stuff that card in a big 'ol envelope, consider using our creative packaging tips to make it feel extra special.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

One Kings Lane

She scours flea markets; she lives for the auction scene. From unique decorative pieces to kitchen essentials, this site offers a plethora of options for the person who has a knack for blending the eclectic with the everyday.

To buy: Starting at $25, onekingslane.com.

Packaging tip: Present your card in a vintage teacup or another one–of–a–kind find.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Stub Hub

From sporting events to rock concerts, this gift card will have him scoring seats to the band or baseball game that he already has marked on his calendar.

To buy: Starting at $25, stubhub.com.

Packaging tips: Play up the fun factor and wrap the card with earphones or an old-school wristband.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Jet Blue

For the sister dreaming of a beach vacation or the BFF hundreds of miles away dying to come for a visit, give them extra incentive for booking that flight.

To buy: Starting at $10, giftcards.jetblue.com.

Packaging tips: Need an idea on the fly? Pop the card in a stylish luggage tag (striped luggage tag, henribendel.com).

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Fandango

When you’ve just about had it with the I’ll wait for it to come out on Netflix response, this is all your co-worker or cousin needs to hit Saturday’s matinee.

 To buy: Starting at $10, fandango.com.

Packaging tips: Fill a festive container (striped paper favor boxes, shopsweetlulu.com) with classic movie munchies.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Wine.com

When you can't recall if it was Chardonnay or Cabernet that she prefers, this is the smart gift–giving solution. Meant for the holiday hostess who enjoys handpicking and ordering her bottle after the company has gone home.

To buy: Starting at $25, wine.com.

 Packaging tips: Bundle the card with a set of cute coasters.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ebay

Bidding wars? Bring 'em. From his last car (really!) to her Chanel bag, this card gives that special person permission to be a little competitive.

To buy: Starting at $25, giftcard.ebay.com.

Packaging tips: It seems only right to bid—and win—an item for this lucky recipient.

Photo: Nicole Hill Gerulat

Whole Foods

You can't beat the fruit basket, but certain people like picking their own peaches and pears. For the shopper with an all-natural mentality, this idea is worth almost as much as money to spend at her favorite farmer’s market.

To buy: Starting at $20, wholefoodsmarket.com.

Packaging tips: A reusable bag, of course!

Photo: Brian Henn

DonorsChoose.org

Never underestimate the power of the gift that gives back. A card to donorschoose.org lets your recipient be instrumental in helping the lives of students across the country. And making a difference can happen in a few ways like purchasing classroom supplies (pencils, reference books, lab materials) or browsing and choosing a specific project they're most inspired by.

To donate: donorschoose.org.

Packaging tips: This much love only requires a simple festive ribbon.