Gift cards offer a fantastic opportunity to diversify revenue streams, especially during the season of giving. What better way to celebrate than by offering gift cards? Here are some compelling statistics that highlight why gift cards are not just a smart marketing strategy but also a valuable lifeline for restaurants in challenging times:
- 37% increase year-over-year in eGift card sales.
- 56% of customers express a desire to receive a gift card from their favorite restaurant.
- 65% of gift card recipients spend 38% more than the card’s face value.
- 44% of consumers say gift cards inspire them to try new restaurants they wouldn’t have visited otherwise.
Restaurant gift cards not only provide an immediate boost to revenue but also encourage repeat visits and help attract new customers, making them a win-win strategy for the business and its patrons.
Here are ten innovative ideas to make the most out of gift card marketing in 2025:
1. Seasonal Promotions
Tie your gift card promotions to seasonal events, holidays, or special occasions. Offer limited-time bonuses, such as “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card” during the holiday season or around Valentine’s Day. This approach not only drives sales but also creates urgency. You can further enhance the appeal by creating themed designs for the cards that resonate with the specific season or holiday. These visual touches combined with strategic discounts can make your promotions stand out, encouraging customers to purchase more and share them with loved ones.
2. Digital Gift Cards with Personalization Options
In 2025, the digital experience continues to dominate. Offer digital gift cards that customers can personalize with custom messages, images, or even video greetings. This added touch makes the gift card more meaningful and shareable. Additionally, allowing recipients to store these cards in their digital wallets adds convenience. Including features like scheduling delivery for special occasions ensures the recipient gets their gift on time, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the digital gifting experience.
According to Toast 41% of respondents prefer to learn about gift cards on a restaurant’s website. Although physical cards are more popular, 46% of guests still prefer digital. Offering digital gift cards online is a simple way to make it easy for your guests to make a purchase. Plus, digital gift cards allow you to offer restaurant gift cards without requiring the hassle of keeping any inventory on hand.
3. Collaborations with Local Businesses
Partner with local businesses or complementary brands to cross-promote gift cards. For example, pair a restaurant gift card with a spa or movie theater voucher to create a complete “Night Out” package. This collaboration can attract a wider audience and boost sales. Local partnerships not only expand your reach but also reinforce your commitment to supporting the community. Promoting such partnerships on social media and in newsletters can amplify their impact and drive mutual benefits.
4. Exclusive Experiences for Gift Card Holders
Make your gift cards more appealing by bundling them with exclusive perks or experiences. For example, offer priority reservations, complimentary appetizers, or access to special events like wine tastings or cooking classes. These unique benefits can make the card feel like a VIP pass rather than just a monetary voucher. Highlighting these exclusives in your marketing campaigns can draw attention to the added value your gift cards provide, enticing more customers to purchase them.
5. Social Media Contests and Giveaways
Leverage the power of social media by hosting contests or giveaways where gift cards are the prize. Encourage participants to like, share, or tag friends in your posts to spread the word. This strategy not only boosts engagement but also increases brand awareness. You can add an interactive element by asking participants to share their favorite dining memories or menu items from your restaurant. This user-generated content can serve as free advertising and foster a stronger connection with your audience.
6. Subscription-Based Gift Card Packages
Introduce subscription-based gift card packages for loyal customers. For instance, offer a “Dinner for Two” package where customers prepay for a monthly dinner, redeemable via a gift card. This approach guarantees recurring revenue and builds customer loyalty. You can also offer tiered packages to suit different budgets, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience. Highlight the cost savings and convenience of such subscriptions in your promotions to make them more appealing.
7. Corporate Partnerships for Bulk Sales
Tap into the corporate gifting market by offering bulk discounts to companies purchasing gift cards for their employees or clients. Create customizable corporate packages with branded cards and promotional materials to enhance the appeal. Highlighting the tax benefits and goodwill these gifts generate can make them even more attractive to businesses. Developing a dedicated corporate gifting page on your website can streamline inquiries and drive more sales.
8. Gamification and Rewards
Incorporate gamification into your gift card promotions. For example, offer scratch-off cards or digital codes with the chance to win bonus gift cards or discounts. This interactive element makes the purchase more exciting and encourages repeat visits. Adding a tiered reward system, where customers earn points for gift card purchases that can be redeemed for future discounts, can further boost engagement. This fun approach appeals to a wide range of customers, enhancing both the gifting and dining experience.
9. Loyalty Program Integration
Link gift card purchases to your restaurant’s loyalty program. Offer points or rewards for buying or redeeming gift cards. This encourages repeat customers and adds value for loyalty members. Highlighting the added benefits, such as faster reward redemption or exclusive member perks, can make your gift cards even more attractive. Promoting these integrations through email campaigns and in-store signage can increase both gift card sales and program sign-ups.
10. Highlight Sustainability
Appeal to eco-conscious diners by offering sustainable gift card options, such as biodegradable physical cards or completely digital alternatives. Share your commitment to sustainability in your marketing efforts to connect with this growing audience. Educating customers on how their purchase contributes to environmental conservation can further enhance your brand’s image. Adding certifications or partnerships with green organizations can also make your efforts more credible and impactful.
FAQs
- Why should restaurants focus on gift card marketing in 2025?
Gift card marketing is a powerful strategy to boost revenue, attract new customers, and enhance brand loyalty. With creative approaches like seasonal promotions and digital personalization, restaurants can stand out and provide added convenience for customers, making gift cards an effective tool in 2025.
- How can restaurants attract corporate clients for gift cards?
Restaurants can attract corporate clients by offering bulk discounts, customizable branded cards, and highlighting tax benefits. Creating exclusive corporate packages and streamlining the purchasing process through a dedicated webpage can also make the proposition more appealing.
- What are the benefits of linking gift cards to loyalty programs?
Linking gift cards to loyalty programs encourages repeat visits, adds value for loyal customers, and boosts overall engagement. Offering points or rewards for purchasing or redeeming gift cards enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens brand connections.
- How can gamification improve gift card sales?
Gamification adds excitement to gift card promotions by offering chances to win bonuses or discounts. Scratch-off cards, digital codes, or tiered rewards systems engage customers, making the gifting experience more interactive and enjoyable while encouraging repeat purchases.
- What makes digital gift cards a better option in 2025?
Digital gift cards provide convenience, personalization options, and easy storage in digital wallets. Features like scheduled deliveries and customizable designs make them a thoughtful and modern gifting solution, aligning with consumer preferences in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Gift card marketing in 2025 is all about innovation and personalization. By adopting these strategies, restaurants can maximize sales, attract new customers, and enhance customer loyalty. Whether it’s through seasonal promotions, corporate partnerships, or gamification, there’s no shortage of ways to make gift cards a central part of your marketing strategy.
Incorporating these ideas into your restaurant’s marketing plan can help you stand out in a competitive industry and build lasting connections with your customers. So, start implementing these strategies today and watch your gift card sales soar!
