Abstract: Various themed gift card and gift card holder combinations are disclosed. Some embodiments are contained inside a box along with novelty gift items that are themed or otherwise related to the type of gift card contained therein. Other embodiments contain various three-dimensional pop-up structures and other paper engineered constructs that are shaped, decorated and otherwise themed to match an accompanying gift card. And in yet other embodiments, the gift card holders are directed to specific holidays or special occasions with appropriate gift cards included. Each embodiment may include electronic features, such as audio and light. The packaging of gift card and gift card holder combinations is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions describe a system and method by which gift cards may be user-activated and assigned value using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The user-activated gift card contains an RFID chip embedded therein that works in conjunction with a mobile website or mobile app to allow users to activate and assign value to the gift card at any time and at any place.

Abstract: An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated. In one embodiment, the game piece is operative to interact with a touch screen of a mobile device.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An improved forecasting and modeling tool for planning and estimating sales of consumer products, including social expression products in a retail operation. The tool enables retailers to create a plan based on information shared between the retailer and vendor of social expression products. The methodology employed begins with actual sales totals for the prior term and the plan goal for the current term and provides financial calculations based on a variety of factors to determine the sales bridge needed to meet the current term goal. Information relating to actual sales, significant events, door activity, current forecast, trending data, and vendor initiatives are input into the application and are used in financial calculations to determine a current term sales plan.