This is the one time of the year when it pays to give gift cards because of all the bonus offers. The end dates vary for each promo, but most expire Dec. 31. In addition, some promos are available online or in-store only, while others are available either way. (For true savings, it’s better to buy the gift cards in-store, rather than pay any shipping charges — if a retailer doesn’t offer free shipping on gift cards.) Please note: not all of these establishments are present in the Charlotte market. I’m passing this info on from the hardworking folks at Living on the Cheap.
Here are some of the more popular national deals. However, there are many local deals to be found, too, so check your favorite neighborhood shops for more offers. Plus, review our tips on how to maximize the promos at the end of the list. If you are not a Charlotte on the Cheap subscriber yet, consider subscribing now so you don’t miss information like this.
- Merchant – Minimum gift card purchase = bonus / promo offer
- Abuelo’s – $50 = $10 VIP Card
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – $50 = $10 food & drink voucher
- AMC Theatres – $30 = FREE small popcorn
- Applebee’s – $50 = $10 Bonus Card
- Ben & Jerry’s – $10 = FREE scoop of ice cream
- Barnes & Noble – $75 = $10 Gift Card (purchase by Dec. 2)
- Bonefish Grill – $100 = $20 Bonus Card
- Boston Market – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Brick House Tavern + Tap – $20 = $15 Brick Bucks
- Brio Tuscan Grille – $100 = $20 Bonus Gift
- Buca di Bepp0 – $50 = $10 Reward Card
- Buffalo Wild Wings – $25 = Blazin’ Bonus worth $5, $15, $25 or $100
- California Pizza Kitchen – $100 = $20 Promo Card
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill – $100 = $20 Bonus Card
- Carl’s Jr. – $20 = FREE Original Six Dollar Thickburger
- Champps Americana – $50 = $10 Extra Points Card
- Children’s Place – $40 = $10 off coupon
- Chili’s – $50 = $10 Bonus Card
- CiCi’s Pizza – $25 = FREE buffet
- Cinemark Theatres – $35 = $5 Concession Bonus Coupon
- Del Taco – $30 = FREE Combo Meal / $100 = Four FREE Combo Meals
- Einstein Bros. Bagels – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Elephant Bar – $25 = $5 Promo Dining Card
- Famous Dave’s – $25 = $5 Reward Card
- Fleming’s Steakhouse – $100 = $20 Bonus Card
- Golden Corral – $25 = $5 Bonus Bucks
- Harkins Theatres – $25 = FREE medium popcorn
- IHOP – $25 = $5 coupon
- Jamba Juice – $25 = FREE juice or smoothie
- Joe’s Crab Shack – $25 = $30 in coupons
- Hooters – $25 = $5 Santa’s Bonus Card
- Little Caesars – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Maggiano’s Little Italy – $100 = $20 Bonus Card + FREE one-year Food & Wine Magazine subscription
- McCormick and Schmick’s – $100 = $20 Reward Card
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Morton’s The Steakhouse – $250 = $50 Reward Card
- Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply – $30 gift card for $25
- Native Foods Café – $100 = $20 Gift Card
- Ocean Prime – $100 = $25 Bonus Card
- Olive Garden – $50 = $10 Bonus Offer
- On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Outback Steakhouse – $100 = $20 Bonus Card
- Papa John’s – $25 = FREE large one-topping pizza
- Pei Wei Asian Diner – $50 = $10 Bonus Card
- P.F. Chang’s China Bistro – $100 = $20 Bonus Card
- Red Lobster – $25 = $5 Bonus Coupon
- Red Robin – $25 = $5 Bonus Buck Reward
- Regal Cinemas – $50 = $5 Promo Card
- Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery – $25 = $5 Bonus Card
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill – $25 = $5 Grazie Gift Bonus Coupon
- Ruby Tuesday – $25 = $5 Bonus Coupon / $50 = $15 Bonus Coupon
- Shoney’s – $25 = $5 Shoney’s Bucks
- Smashburger – $25 = $5 Smash Cash
- Souplantation– $50 = FREE Meal Pass
- Steak ‘n Shake – $20 = $5 Certificate
- Sweet Tomatoes – $50 = FREE Meal Pass
- Texas Roadhouse – $30 = $5 Bonus Gift Card
- T.G.I. Friday’s – $25 = Bonus Bites Card worth $5, $10 or $25
- White Castle – $25 = $5 Promo Card
- Whole Foods Market – $20 = $5 Promo Card (must be redeemed via Google Wallet)
Remember, price and participation may vary. It’s also important to note that many of the promos are “bonus cards” — not gift cards. Review the fine print for limitations, including minimum purchase requirements, date restrictions or menu exclusions first. Plus, most (if not all) bonuses are not valid until Jan. 1, 2015.
If you don’t have a gift recipient in mind, but have a favorite restaurant on the list, consider buying gift cards for yourself to “cash in” on the bonus. Plus, get more bonuses by breaking down a large purchase. For example, if the bonus is for a $25 (or more) gift card and you’re buying a $50 gift card, why not purchase two $25 gift cards in separate transactions instead? You just doubled your bonus.
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