The bonus gift cards that restaurants give when you spend $25 or $100 make good gifts. But many buyers use the gift cards and the bonus gifts themselves as a way to save 10 percent or more at their favorite restaurants.
To get the deals, you have to purchase gift cards by Friday (Dec. 31 at some restaurants), and most of the bonus cards cannot be used until next year. Bonus cards are not subject to the same restrictions as gift cards, so check carefully for expiration dates or other "gotchas."
Here are some of the restaurants and grocery stores offering bonus cards with a gift card purchase. Send me any others for a follow-up.
Spend $100 in gift cards, get $100 in bonus deals Blue Plate (Edina Grill, Highland Grill, Groveland Tap, Longfellow Grill, Scusi and 3 Squares): The $100 bonus comes in the form of a booklet with a coupon for each month of 2011, ranging from $5 to $15 that can be used at any of the six restaurants. Order in the restaurants or at www.blueplate restaurantcompany.com.
Morrissey Hospitality (St. Paul Grill, St. Paul Hotel, Pazzaluna, Tria, Enjoy! and Paradise Landing): The $100 bonus is a package with five nontransferable $20 cards good at each of the following: St. Paul Hotel (not the St. Paul Grill), Pazzaluna, Tria, Enjoy! and Paradise Landing in Balsam Lake, Wis. Gift cards can be ordered at the locations, at www.morrisseyhospitality.com and by calling 651-221-0815. Bonus cards must be used by March 31.
Spend $100 in gift cards and get a $25 card Parasole (Burger Jones, Chino Latino, Good Earth, Il Gatto, Manny's, Muffuletta, Pittsburgh Blue, Prohibition and the Living Room at the W Hotel, and Salut): The cards can be redeemed at any of the restaurants. Order at 1-866-541-4438 or at www.parasole.com.
Spend $100 in gift cards at St. Clair Broiler, Rudolph's and Town Talk Diner and use the bonus at any of the three. Buy the cards at the restaurants.
Seven Steakhouse and Sushi (www.7mpls.com, 612-238-7770).
