You might have started your Christmas shopping already, but with retail bankruptcies expected to rise next year, if there are gift cards on your list, it may leave you out of luck.

Christmas shopping is never easy, especially when your shopping for that person who has everything. So this year you might consider buying them a gift card. But before you do, you might want to consider a few things first.

If you buy a gift card from a retailer who files for bankruptcy, your rights as a customer are limited. Some no longer accept them, others only for a limited time.

But Angie Monson says with three kids, sometimes gift cards are just easier.

Angie Monson/Parkston "Kids, its just so hard to buy for them these day. Sometimes even if they want a video game you're still not sure what game it is."

But she knows she'd be out of luck if that retailer went out of business. That's why she only buys from certain stores.

Angie Monson says, "Usually the businesses we buy gift cards for we're very comfortable with. If it's stores in the mall or larger chain stores."

So financial experts say before you buy, take a look at your options. First consider the financial health of the retailer. If their future seems shaky, don't buy. Also look at gift cards for necessities like gas or groceries or consider buying a generic gift card from a bank or the mall. They can be used in any store nationwide.

Angie says her Christmas shopping this year will probably include some gift cards, but not many.

Angie Monson/Parkston "I still like the personal touch of picking out a gift that you think would suit somebody."

Now if you do get a gift card from someone this Christmas, financial experts suggest spending it as soon as possible.