Bonus Deals on Last Minute Gift Card Purchases
A Consumer Reports poll published today says that 20% of Americans haven’t even started their Christmas shopping. Even if you aren’t part of that statistic, the article states that almost half of Americans still have gifts left to buy. If you are planning to brave the stores over the next couple of days, you might want to consider picking up a gift card. Several businesses are offering bonus deals for those who buy gift cards. The most common deals are an extra $5 for yourself if you buy a $25 gift card, or $20 if you buy a $100 gift card. We have compiled a list of local businesses that have some sort of gift card incentive. If we have missed any, leave a comment at the bottom of this post and let us know.
Applebee’s – Get a free $10 bonus gift card when you buy $50 in Applebee’s gift cards. More information.
Bartolotta Restaurant Group – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. Valid at Bacchus, Mr. B’s Steakhouse, Lake Park Bistro, Ristorante Bartolotta & Pizzeria Piccola. More information.
Bonefish Grill – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. More information.
Buca di Beppo – Get a free $10 bonus gift card when you buy a $50 Buca gift card. More information.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $25 Buffalo Wild Wings card. More information.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. More information.
Culver’s – Purchase $20 or more in gift cards and receive a coupon for a free Double Deluxe Value Basket. More information.
Fazoli’s – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $20 Fazoli’s gift card. More information.
Flat Top Grill – Get a free $25 bonus gift card when you buy a $100 Flat Out Crazy Gift Card. Card can be used at Stir Crazy or Flat Top Grill. More information.
Fleming’s Steak House – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. More information.
George Webb Restaurants – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $20 Webb’s gift card.
IHOP – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $25 IHOP gift card. More information.
Maggiano’s Little Italy – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. More information.
Marcus Theatres – Buy a gift card of $25 or more, get a Buy One, Get One Free movie ticket, plus a coupon for two free tickets to the Marcus Theatres Family Fun Series. More information.
Outback Steakhouse – Buy $100 of gift cards, get a bonus $20 gift card for yourself. More information.
Qdoba Mexican Grill – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $25 Qdoba gift card. More information.
Red Robin – Get a free $5 bonus gift card when you buy a $25 Red Robin gift card. More information.
Restaurant.com – $25 gift certificates for $2 using the promotion code HOLIDAY through Christmas. More information.
Stir Crazy – Get a free $25 bonus gift card when you buy a $100 Flat Out Crazy Gift Card. Card can be used at Stir Crazy or Flat Top Grill. More information.
Note that many of the businesses that we have linked to offer the option to purchase gift cards online. You can save the processing fees by going and purchasing the gift cards in person rather than online. Also, these bonus deals are not available at gift card kiosks like you might find at Walmart or Walgreens as shown in our picture above.
Free Meals for Veterans at Applebee’s & Chili’s on November 11th
Applebee’s and Chili’s restaurants are honoring our nation’s military by offering free entrees to all veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11th. Free meals will be available all day long, during regular business hours at both restaurants.
Free entrees at Applebees include:
- Three Cheese Chicken Penne
- Bacon Cheeseburger
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- 7 oz. House Sirloin
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Oriental Chicken Salad
Menu items available at Chili’s are:
- Oldtimer with Cheese
- Wuesadilla Explosion Salad
- Margarita Grilled Chicken
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Crispers
- Chicken Club Tacos
Both offers are valid for dine-in only, and beverages and gratuity are not included. Proof of military service is required. For more information see the Applebee’s website and the Chili’s website.
The Bargain Sleuth has a list of other restaurants that are offering discounted or free meals for Veterans Day.
Thanks to Milwaukee Consumer reader Dani for contributing to this post!
Related post: Free Admission to the Milwaukee Art Museum for Veterans
Free Applebee’s Meal for Teachers on May 18th
Applebee’s restaurants in Wisconsin are honoring teachers on Tuesday, May 18th by offering a free meal. With proper identification, both active and retired teachers can select from several entrees – Three Cheese Chicken Penne, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Chicken Fajita Rollup, or Oriental Salad. Beverage and tip are not included.
For a list of all of the participating locations and the acceptable forms of identification, check out the Wisconsin Hospitality Group website.
Bucks Tickets & Dinner for Four at Applebee’s – $69
The Milwaukee Bucks have partnered again with Applebee’s this season to offer a great deal on a game ticket & dinner package. For just $69, you can get 4 – $29 Upper Level seats plus 4 vouchers for select Applebees entrees. If you prefer to sit in the Lower Level, you can get 4 – $51 Lower Level seats plus 4 vouchers for select Applebee’s entrees for just $109. There are 4 games available for this promotion:
- Saturday, 1/23/10, 7:30 P.M. vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Wednesday, 1/27/10, 7:00 P.M. vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Saturday, 2/20/10, 7:30 P.M. vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- Wednesday, 2/24/10, 7:00 P.M. vs. New Orleans Hornets
A password is necessary to get this deal. The discount password and Ticketmaster can be accessed by clicking here (you may need to allow pop-up windows in order to see the discount code).
Free Applebees Meals for the Military on November 11th
All Veterans and Active Military can receive a free entree at Applebee’s on Veterans Day, November 11th. Just bring one of the following forms of valid veteran and active duty identification:
- U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
- U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
- Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
- Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW)
- Photograph in uniform
- Wearing uniform
- DD214
- Citation or Commendation
and choose from one of these entrees:
- Three Cheese Chicken Penne
- Fire Pit Bacon Burger
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- 7 oz. House Sirloin
- Oriental Chicken Salad
Dine in from the limited menu only. Beverages and gratuity are not included. For more information see the Applebee’s website.
