It’s that time of year again—the holiday rush is here, and so is the need to find thoughtful, meaningful gifts for everyone on your list. But let’s be real: holiday shopping can take a serious toll on your wallet. That’s why I’m here with a little gift-giving suggestion that will not only bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces but also help you stretch your budget a bit further. The secret? Gift cards. Not just any gift cards, though—restaurant gift cards with bonus offers. It’s like getting a gift for someone else and a little something for yourself at the same time. Who doesn’t love a win-win like that? Many local and chain restaurants are offering fantastic promotions this holiday season. Buy a gift card for your favorite foodie or coffee enthusiast, and you’ll get bonus cards or discounts that you can use yourself (or add to their gift to make it extra special). Annesso makes some of the best pizza in town, and they’re offering a great gift card special! Here’s a roundup of some awesome deals to check out: Local Restaurant Gift Card Deals The Annex Kitchen/Annesso Pizzeria: Spend $100 on a gift card and get a $20 bonus card. (Available until 12/23). 13 Prime: Buy a $100 gift card and receive $20 extra—it’s a steak lover’s dream. Five: Get $10 back for every $50 in gift cards you purchase. Fansler Restaurants (Pismo’s Coastal Grill, Yosemite Ranch, Westwoods BBQ): Get $10 for every $50 gift card. They have something for everyone, from fresh seafood to hearty steaks. Kuppa Joy: Buy a $20 gift card for just $15. Talk about spreading some caffeinated joy! Lin Group Restaurants (J-Pot, Hino Oishi, Spicy J’s, Lin’s Fusion, Ramen Hayashi, O-Iza): Enjoy 20% off $100 gift cards—perfect for foodies who love delicious Asian fusion cuisine! If you have sushi lover in your life, an O-Iza gift card could be the perfect gift! Chain Restaurants Offering Bonus Perks Dutch Bros Coffee: Snag 50 bonus reward point toward free coffee when you purchase a $25 gift card. Texas de Brazil: For every $100 gift card you buy, get a $25 bonus card. This is one of the most generous offers! Eureka!: Grab $10 in bonus value for a $50 gift card, or $30 for $100. Applebee’s: Add a $10 bonus card to every $50 gift card purchased. The Habit Burger & Grill: Spend $25 on an e-gift card and get a $5 bonus valid through 1/30/25. Panda Express: Purchase a gift card of $30 or more and get an $8 bonus card. The bonus card is valid through 1/31/25. Outback Steakhouse: Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card. Bonus cards are redeemable from 1/1/25 to 2/11/25. The Cheesecake Factory: Buy a $50 gift card and receive a $15 promo card, redeemable from 1/1/25 to 2/28/25. Chili’s: Purchase $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card, valid from 1/1/25 to 2/13/25. Buffalo Wild Wings: For every $25 gift card purchased, get a $5 bonus card. Bonus cards are valid from 1/1/25 to 2/28/25. Insider Tip: Costco is a great spot for discounted restaurant gift cards—sometimes up to 20% off. If you’re still shopping, this is a great place to score big savings on your holiday gifting and if you shop in-store, they have a great selection of gift cards from favorite local restaurants vs. online where you’ll mostly find chain options. Why It’s a Win for Everyone Not only are you giving a gift that lets someone enjoy their favorite meal or coffee, but you’re also supporting local and national businesses that help make our dining scene great. Plus—you can use those bonus cards to treat yourself once the holiday chaos dies down, because let’s be honest, you’re going to want a break from all that cooking and baking! So, if you’re still finishing up your shopping list, consider grabbing a gift card (or two!) from one of these spots. You’ll give the gift of good eats, and help your gift go further (or maybe keep a little bonus for yourself). Happy shopping—and happy eating! Give the gift of coziness to the ramen lover in your life with a Ramen Hayashi gift card