money gift question

i've read how some of you give bonds as monetary gifts... i have a question or two about them.

how do you purchase them?
do you need the recipient's name and ss# when purchasing them?

if you've received them, how do you store them? how do you keep track of them? does uncle sam know how many/value of them?

how do you cash them in?

ok. it was more than two questions.
tia

Re: money gift question

I used to get them at my bank, but then started getting them online. Having the SS# helps, but I don't think it's mandatory. When I have them for my nephew and neice, I have their names, but in care of my sister.

Hope this works:
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/products.htm

My grandmother was good for giving all the grandkids bonds for EVERY occassion!!!!! As kids, we were , where's the "real" gift? But over the years, they just accumulated in the safe deposit box. They came in REALLY handy when I needed to buy a new car and pay for the wedding!!!!

Good luck!

Re: money gift question

I go to the bank. I use their address and my ss# and leave in care of a parent. I use them a baptism gifts. I think they are an investment in the childs future. You can get them at any bank, even if you don't have an account there. Or online if you think of it early enough.

Re: money gift question

thanks.

i can't look at that site from work (restricted) but i will be looking at it over the weekend.