Gift cards are the salvation of last minute gift givers everywhere. Easy to buy, no thought required, no need to know sizes or favorite colors, just grab and go. (I posted a guide on getting the most out of them, here.) Even the cards themselves are arguing their benefits:



But with the economy continuing its steady slide toward dinner out at soup kitchens, gift cards have a problem you may not have thought of: if the company goes belly-up, the gift you gave isn't worth the plastic it's printed on.

Way back in September, ConsumerReports.org saw the writing on the wall, and called on the government to protect those holding gift cards. But with our elected officials trying to keep banks, mortgage companies, the airlines and the auto industry afloat, your $25 Circuit City gift card might not be a priority.

Before you throw money on a card for the people on your list this year, know which companies are sitting on shaky ground. And if you get a card from one of these places, don't toss it in a drawer. Spend it before they've got a chance to slip into bankruptcy, leaving you with a worthless hunk of plastic.

Here are some companies listed by Forbes.com, you should keep an eye on:

Circuit City
Already in bankruptcy and closing 566 of its 1200 stores. Still selling gift cards and says it will honor ones already sold.

Mervyn's
The retailer is shutting down for good after the holidays. If you've got a card from them, I'd cash it in now.

Linens N' Things
Is shutting down its 371 stores by January. Grab that set of bath towels now.

Sharper Image
Is in bankruptcy, but is still honoring $20 million worth of cards, with some strings attached.

Tweeter Audio Video
Has been in bankruptcy and was going to stop gift cards on Nov 15, but the attorney general convinced them to honor them until the end of the year, or the stores fully close.

Bennigan's and Steak & Ale
The party's over at these two places, but if you live near a Logan's Roadhouse, they'll accept your Bennigan's card.

Steve & Barry's
Still honoring gift cards while in bankruptcy, but, to the dismay of college students nationwide, it's closing all of its stores.