Banner generator

Hi there.

I was wondering to create a banner, but since I do not have time to sit and play with ImageReady maybe anyone knows a program for easy generation? I mean there could be some text animation, etc. I am not talking about SWF ads, because the place where I want to put them supports only GIF. I will make graphics, background by myself, just need a program to join everything and add some simple efects.

Ty for advice.

XARA 3D can make fast 3D text for you.

well, I know it, but I mean I would like to create more than banner, not only animated text...
I am going to test "GIF Construction Set Pro" and see if it suits my needs...