Some of the larger shopping malls offer gift certificates that one may use at any of the stores in the mall. Last Christmas, I received one of these for $50 at a large mall in Northern Virginia, purchased something for $12 and receievd the rest of the change in cash. Not sure if the giver paid cash or used a credit card or paid cash, but there was no notation on the gift certificate. I believe cash is given since it would be difficult to equip every store with the ability to offer a "mall credit" for the balance.

This may be an option for those of you who find that this is no longer possible at Home Depot. With a shopping mall, you can cash certificates at multiple stores without making multiple purchases at the same store. Also, you would have multiple options if some stores are more strict on giving back cash.

Hope this helps.