Did you know with your AARP membership you can get an additional card for another household member at no charge? This way, even the $5 gift cards for points can end up being $10 or $30 worth for the month. In my opinion, $10 can go a ways at places like Starbucks, Walmart or Target.
My husband and I often pair the gift cards for points with the gift cards for purchase; or the Daily Deals with the regular ones. For example, we purchased two $20 REI gift cards for $14 each and a Daily Deal $10 one for $8. This saved us $14, more than our AARP membership.
Another way we save is by signing up to receive emails from places we have gift cards. For example, Applebees provides a $5 coupon for doing so.
Also, you can usually use coupons along with gift cards. We recently saved at Burger King by doing so.
Lastly, our combined Instant Wins have been added bonuses!