Holiday Gift Card Freebies You Need to Know About

"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart..." and very possibly my last dollar. That's obviously not how those lyrics go but you feel it in your gut, don't you? No matter how financially stable you are, it's hard not to feel like you're hemorrhaging money this time of year.

From holiday getaways and seasonal soirees to your extensive gift list and school functions, the holiday spending can feel out of control. That's why it's all the more important to be on high alert for ways to save money when you can. 

Thankfully, this is also the time of year when businesses are gearing up for some incredible sales and promotions. We've gathered some of the best freebies you need to know about and shared them below. 

Firehouse Subs

You'd be hard put to find anyone on your list who doesn't love Firehouse Subs, as the menu is extensive and their savory subs are spectacular. Founded by two firefighters, their trademark Hook and Ladder sub is the way to go (if you're a meat lover!). From now through January 31, guests who purchase a $25 gift card will receive a free medium sub card to use on their next visit.

North Italia

What's better than authentic Italian food and from-scratch, chef-made pizzas and house-made cocktails? All of those things for less! Buy a $100 gift card at North Italia and get a free $20 eCard. Check out this link for terms and conditions.

Guests can receive $10 off any $100 or more catering order with the attached coupon from November 19 - January 2.

Benihana

Your kids love it and, let's face it, you do, too. It's hard not to love the incredible food and the Hibachi hi-jinx at this Japanese restaurant. If you're like most families, you save Benihana for special occasions, as it's certainly not easy on the budget. Keep in mind, however, that they are running a promotion in which you get a $10 promotional card for every $50 you spend on gift cards (through December 31). 

Noodles & Company

Finding a restaurant that both you and the kids both love can feel a bit like searching for The Holy Grail. Enter Noodles & Company, saving the day and dinner (or lunch!). This popular cafe will share a $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card purchased online or in-restaurant, now through 12/31/19. And, yes, they have paid homage to the veggie du jour - try their new cauliflower-infused rigatoni!

Chili's

Welcome to the neighborhood, indeed. Chili's is one of those restaurants where even the pickiest of eaters in your family will have a pleased palate. Whether you all chime in to sing, "I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs" is up to you. Head to Chili's to get a $10 e-bonus card when you buy $50 in gift cards (promo card available 1/1/20-2/12/20). 

Carrabba's

Want Italian food with the consistent quality of a chain restaurant that doesn't feel like it's part of a chain? Head to Carrabba's. And from now until December 31, you can get a $10 bonus card for every $50 you spend on gift cards (bonus card valid from 1/1/20-2/9/20).

Schlotzsky's 

Comfort food at Christmas is a no-brainer, so spread the sammie love with a gift card from Schlotzsky's. For every $25 you spend in gift cards, you get a $5 card for yourself (from 11/11/-12/31).

Outback Steakhouse

The Bloomin' Onion is by far the headliner here but this is no one trick pony. And if you have friends and family members who like to head here when they're feeling down (under), you'll be glad to hear that Outback Steakhouse is offering a $10 gift card for every $50 gift card purchased this holiday season.

BJ's Brewhouse

Handcrafted beer, Chicago-style pizza and their famous ice cream and freshly baked cookies dessert, Pizookies. What more could you ask for when giving something to someone and getting a bit in return? Buy a BJ's Brewhouse $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card, or buy a $100 gift card, and get a $25 bonus card (bonus cards valid from 1/1/20-2/13/20). 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Give the gift of Fleming's to whoever is hosting the holidays this year and you know you'll be invited back next year (and for New Year's Eve, Easter, and so on and so on). Purchase $100 in gift cards this season and get a $20 bonus card (bonus card is redeemable from 1/1/20-2/9/20). 

Bonefish Grill

For that someone special who savors seafood on your list, Bonefish Grill offers market-fresh fish of all varieties. You'll definitely take the bait on this one - when you purchase $50 in gift cards between November 1 and December 31, you'll get a $10 gift card for yourself. Go to their website for any restrictions.

Sweet Tomatoes (AKA Souplantation in California)

Is it really better to give than to receive? There's nothing wrong with satisfying both urges, which is exactly what you can do with this deal. Stop by Sweet Tomatoes and pick up a $50 gift card for the healthy eater on your list. You'll get a free meal pass that you can use on another day (before April 30, 2020).

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

If you consider Ruth's Chris Steakhouse to be a special occasion splurge as many of us do, you're going to love their promotion. Spend $250 in gift cards during the holidays, and get a 10% off card for yourself. Give the gift of elegant cuisine and save your own for an upcoming anniversary or birthday dinner.

Joe's Crab Shack or Bubba Gump Shrimp

Seafood casual is not just the order of the day but the order of the season, which is why you're in luck. Shell out $50 on a Joe's Crab Shack gift card or Bubba Gump Shrimp (both Landry companies) and get $10 on a promotional card that can be used through May of 2020 (purchase must be made by December 24), which is a nice long time to take advantage of this deal.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Feel free to let your fellow wing-eaters fight over whether to serve them with ranch dressing or blue cheese. Keep your eye on the prize instead, which is that for every $25 you spend in gift cards at Buffalo Wild Wings, you'll get a $5 gift card for yourself (promo runs from 11/11/-12/31). 

LongHorn Steakhouse

Calling all carnivores! Receive a $10 bonus card for every $50 LongHorn Steakhouse gift card purchased during this holiday season. LongHorn has also partnered with Fandango for a fun holiday promotion that'll please both the foodies and flick-lovers on your list. For $75, receive a $50 LongHorn eGift Card toward a meal and a $25 Fandango eGift Card toward a movie. See their website for restrictions.

California Pizza Kitchen

What's a holiday without CPK? Pizza is the universal language of love, after all (but don't forget their amazing salads to boot). Give the gift of California Pizza Kitchen with a $100 gift card and get $20 in promotional cards from 11/21-12/31 (promotional cards are valid through January 5, 2020).

Ruby Tuesday

It's physically impossible not to find something on the menu at Ruby Tuesday that someone you know loves, so this is one you can be sure will be universally loved. And fortunately for you, you benefit as well. Get a $15 bonus card for every $50 you spend in holiday gift cards (to be used from 1/2/20-3/5/20). 

Fuddruckers

Burgers and serve-yourself cheese? Fuuuuuuuhgettaboutit. Well, don't forget about the Fuddruckers holiday promo - for every $25 you spend on holiday gift cards between now and December 31, you will receive a $5 reward card valid for use at participating Fuddruckers. 

Cold Stone Creamery

You could smell this store just by reading the name, couldn't you? If only Cold Stone Creamery made a candle! That's why it's just good scents to take advantage of their holiday promo - Get a free $10 eGift when you purchase $40 in Cold Stone gift cards (online only).

Fox Restaurant Concepts

This Phoenix, Arizona-based restaurant group operates the following ten concepts with over 50 nationwide locations: Blanco, Culinary Dropout, The Henry, Flower Child, Zinburger, Doughbird, Olive & Ivy, The Greene House, The Arrogant Butcher, and Wildflower. Now through December 31st, for every $100 in gift cards you purchase, you will receive a $20 bonus card for yourself. Gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100. You can select either a digital or physical card that is redeemable at any Fox Restaurant Concept nationwide. You can also purchase gift cards in store at any of their locations.

To save even more money this holiday season, Skip Black Friday and Try These Money-Saving Ideas Instead.

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. Sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!