SAN DIEGO -- They used to be considered the lazy person's gift comma but now gift cards are the most popular gift choice this holiday season.

Gift cards have their advantages, but they also have their drawbacks. Some lose value or expire over time.

The rules in California are pretty clear.

"The law says it's unlawful to put expiration dates on gift certificates purchased after Jan. 1, 1997," said Attorney Mike Klarfeld.

Klarfeld helped write the law that ended expiration dates and fees on unused balances.

"After all, the gift certificate money belongs to the public and when retailers get in there and start grabbing at it, it's not fair," Klarfeld said.

According to the National Retail Federation, 70 percent of consumers purchased a gift card last year. This year, 74 percent of consumers are expected to buy a gift card during the holidays.

In California, gift cards don't expire unless they are freebies -- promotions for some product or service -- or they are for a food product.

Klarfeld's advised consumers to read the card's fine print with a magnifying glass.

You can't be charged a service fee unless the gift card hasn't been used in 24 months and has a balance under $5.

If a service fee is charged, it can't cost more than $1 a month.

For more information, visit http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/s-11.htm.