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As the years go on and you continue to buy Christmas gifts for the same family and friends, odds are that you’ll eventually at least have one year when you’re not sure what to get them. There’s a good chance, however, that they won’t really mind that you’ve run out of ideas, because it just means they’ll get what most people really want, anyway: money or gift cards.
But while this is the season of giving, there’s no harm in thinking of yourself a bit, too. Luckily, there are dozens of restaurants that are treating you when you treat someone else by including bonus gifts cards with every purchase. Ranging from $5 to $15 and even $50 worth of coupons, it’s just another way you can’t go wrong with a gift card.
Take a look at some of the restaurants offering bonus gift cards or coupons this holiday season.
Applebee’s
You’ll get a $10 gift card for yourself when you purchase $50 in gift cards from Applebee’s. The deal is good until Jan. 6, 2019, and the value of the bonus card expires on March 3, 2019.
Bahama Breeze
You’ll get $20 in gift cards for every $50 you spend on gift cards a Bahama Breeze through Jan. 2, making this one a seriously great deal. The $20 will be divided into two $10 gift cards, with one being valid Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2019, and the other from Feb. 1-March 31, 2019. Neither gift card can be used on Feb. 14, 2019.
BJ’s Restaurant & Bar
You have two choices at BJ’s Restaurant & Bar. You can either get $10 when you spend $50, or $25 if you spend $100. Both cards also come with a 20 percent off VIP card. The deal is valid until Jan. 1, 2019, and the bonus cards can be used Jan. 1-Feb. 13, 2019.
Now until Dec. 24, you’ll get a $10 reward card when you buy $50 in gift cards for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Reward cards are valid Jan. 1-May 31, 2019, excluding Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
If you spend $25 on gift cards at Buffalo Wild Wings, you’ll get a $5 bonus card now through Dec. 31. The bonus card can be used Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2019. There is a limit of four bonus cards per person.
California Pizza Kitchen
You’ll have to buy $100 in gift cards at California Pizza Kitchen to get their deal, but you’ll get $20 in bonus cards. The gift cards must be purchased before Jan. 1, 2019, and the bonus cards can be used Jan. 7-Feb. 24, 2019.
Carrabba’s
Now through Dec. 31, you’ll get $10 in gift cards for every $50 you spend on them at Carrabba’s. The $10 promotional cards must be used between Jan. 1-Feb. 10, 2019.
Cheesecake Factory
You won’t get a gift card when you buy $25 worth of cards at the Cheesecake Factory, but you will get something that’s basically the same thing — a free slice of cheesecake. The offer is valid through Dec. 31, and the free slice card can be used from Jan. 1-March 31, 2019.
You’ll get $10 in gift cards for every $50 you buy at Chili’s. The deal is good through Dec. 31 and the bonus cards are valid from Jan. 1-Feb. 6, 2019. If you’d like to order your $50 gift card online, you’ll also get free shipping.
Chuck E. Cheese
Now through Dec. 25, you’ll get a $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend in gift cards at Chuck E. Cheese. You can buy a maximum of four bonus cards (per customer), and they are valid from Dec. 26, 2018, through March 31, 2019. There are a few locations that are not included in the deal, so be sure to check your location before ordering. The cards are not valid on birthday parties or group events.
Denny’s
While you won’t get a gift card per se when you buy a $25 Denny’s gift card, you will get $50 in coupons. Fine print: Denny’s will apply a $1.95 shipping and handling fee to each order with this deal.
You’ll get $10 in gift cards for every $50 you buy now through Dec. 31 at Outback Steakhouse. The bonus cards can be used Jan. 1-Feb. 10, 2019, and are valid at any Bloomin’ Brand restaurant location in the United States, which includes Outback Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread will give you a $10 gift card for every $50 gift card you purchase or reload. That means if you received a gift card, you can reload it with another $50 and get $10 for free. The deal is valid until Dec. 31 and the bonus cards are good from Jan. 1-22, 2019.
P.F. Chang’s
You’ll get a $20 bonus card for every $100 you spend on gift cards at P.F. Chang’s. The deal is good until Dec. 31, and the bonus cards can be redeemed Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2019.
Red Lobster
You’ll get $10 for every $50 you spend in gift cards at Red Lobster. The $10 gift card must be used in January 2019.
You’ll get a $5 bonus buck reward for every $25 you spend on Red Robin gift cards. The bonus bucks are valid from Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2019.
Ruby Tuesday
While supplies last, you’ll get $15 back for every $50 you spend on gift cards at Ruby Tuesday, making this one of the best deal on the list. The deal goes through Dec. 31, and the bonus cards are valid Jan. 2-March 5, 2019.
Steak N’ Shake
You’ll get a $5 certificate when you spend $20 on gift cards at Steak N’ Shake now through Dec. 31, 2019. The certificate is valid Jan.-Feb. 28, 2019, at participating locations.
Texas Roadhouse
For every $30 you spend when you purchase gift cards online for Texas Roadhouse, you’ll get a $5 bonus egift card. Texas Roadhouse does not list an expiration date on their website for the bonus card, so you may want to check with your local restaurant for details.
T.G.I. Fridays
You’ll get a $5 “Bonus Bites” gift card for every $25 you spend in gift cards at T.G.I.Fridays, but if you spend $50, you’ll also get a FandangoNOW movie code. The promotion runs through Dec. 31, and the gift cards are valid Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2019. The FandangoNOW code is good toward the rental of any movie (up to a $6 value) on FandangoNOW and via participating FandangoNOW apps. The code expires Jan. 31, 2019.