5 Reasons December Is the Time To Buy Restaurant Gift Cards
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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If you have an app or you’re part of an email club for your favorite restaurants, you’ve likely seen promotions leading up to the holidays for gift cards. Whether you want to treat someone else or yourself, there are numerous reasons December is the time to scoop up gift cards to popular eateries.
1. The Best Promotions Are Offered
Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner (CFP) and CEO of 11 Financial, noted that December is usually the best month to buy restaurant gift cards because it’s when the strongest bonuses are offered. In fact, those big bonuses have pretty much become a holiday tradition. You could score deals like receiving $20 bonus cards when you buy $50 in gift cards.
2. They’re the Most Requested Gift for the Holidays
According to Shelley Hunter, a consumer gift card expert eGifter, “Gift cards continue to top holiday wish lists, and restaurant cards are always popular because they’re easy to ‘get right’ — and everyone has to eat. It’s a festive time of year, and the hope is that the recipient will use the gift card to treat themselves to a good meal or a fun experience.”
Kevin Estes, CFP and founder of Scaled Finance, followed up by noting, “A gift card may be perfect for someone who’s hard to buy for and loves a specific restaurant. It can also be a nice item for a gift exchange or teacher appreciation.”
3. They Work for Every Holiday Budget
Per Hunter, “Whether it’s a $10 token or a $100 treat, you can find restaurant gift cards that work for most dollar amounts. My rule is that a gift card should be usable for an entire purchase or a ‘whole gift’ — meaning the recipient shouldn’t have to use their own money to redeem the card.”
4. It’s Time To Treat Yourself
You deserve it. That may be a good thought to keep in mind as you give gifts to others this time of year. You can treat yourself and help your budget by buying gift cards and getting bonuses at restaurants where you already eat during the year.
5. It’s a Chance To Help Local Businesses
You can help support local businesses as they wrap up the year by buying gift cards. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious food while also helping small business owners in your community.
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