Have a few bucks and some change left on that gift card you received at the holidays? Or your birthday two years ago?

If you live in four states, you can redeem that balance for cash.

California has the newest and most generous law, requiring retailers to redeem any gift card with a balance of less than $10 for its cash value.

Merchants in Washington and Montana must redeem gift cards with balances below $5 for cash. In Vermont, only gift cards worth less than $1 are redeemable.

This allows card holders to enjoy the full value of their gifts without having to spend more than the card is worth and make up the difference with their own money.

Consumers are holding billions of dollars' worth of unspent gift cards, and we suspect many of those have small balances that are difficult to use.

So if you live in California, Washington, Montana or Vermont, dig all those old cards out of your junk drawer, take them to the store and get the cash that is rightfully yours.

Our 6 smart moves to get the most out of gift cards will ensure your presents get used.