Gift cards used to seem impersonal, but now they show you know how to navigate the questionable economy this holiday season. Restaurant gift cards are a great way to treat someone special, and they also provide a smart way to get bonus rewards and freebies.
Many popular restaurants offer limited-time gift card promotions, giving you extra dining credits or free appetizers when you purchase a qualifying amount. These deals can stretch your budget and make dining out more rewarding. Here’s a look at some of the best restaurant gift card offers to take advantage of as the new year approaches.
1. Applebee’s
Often a local staple, you can give the gift of eating good in the neighborhood. For a limited time, you can spice up your holiday season and get a $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend on gift cards. If your friends and fam love Applebee’s, your shopping list just got easier. And if you’re getting a late start, don’t worry, as the offer extends to January 4, 2026.
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2. Red Robin
Red Robin’s tiered gift card bonus for the 2025 holiday season offers escalating rewards where you can get $5 Bonus Bucks for buying $30, $10 Bonus Bucks for $50, and a $25 Bonus Buck when you spend $100. It may sound counterintuitive, but the more you spend the more you can give away, or keep for yourself as a discount. Keep in mind these Bonus Bucks are typically valid for future visits in early 2026.
3. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
If you’re planning to treat someone — or yourself — to a meal at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, check for gift card deals first. The franchise favorite offers holiday gift card promotions where you get a $10 bonus card with a $50 gift card purchase and a $20 bonus card with a $100 gift card purchase, plus an extra 20% VIP card for the $100 purchase. It’s valid for use in early 2026 throughout January and February.
4. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is offering a $10 Bonus Card for every $50 in Panera gift cards in the form of an actual card or digital e-card. You can grab them now until Dec. 31, 2025, with the bonus cards valid for redemption through Jan. 31, 2026, at participating locations.
5. IHOP
If you purchase a $25 IHOP gift card during the holiday season, you’ll get a $5 bonus for a future visit. These are valid for purchases made now through early January 2026, with the bonus card redeemable from January 2026 through February 2026. This promotion is a great way to give a gift and get a little something extra for yourself.
6. Outback Steakhouse
Gift card deals are aplenty down under. For a limited time during the holiday season, Outback Steakhouse is offering two $10 bonus cards for every $50 in gift cards purchased. You can get $50 in gift cards now until December 27, 2025, and receive these two $10 bonus cards. Here are the conditions for the freebies:
- First $10 Bonus Card: Valid from Jan. 1, 2026, through Feb. 8, 2026
- Second $10 Bonus Card: Valid from Feb. 16, 2026, through March 29, 2026
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Restaurants That Give Away Gift Card Freebies
