6 Restaurants That Give Away Gift Card Freebies
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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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.
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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