Boost Holiday Sales with Creative Restaurant Gift Card Strategies

Written by
Henry Kaminski
Published on
November 13, 2024

Introduction

The holiday season is prime time for restaurants to boost revenue with gift card sales. However, with many businesses offering similar promotions, standing out can be a challenge. By thinking outside the box and creating unique, enticing gift card campaigns, you can increase sales, attract new customers, and strengthen loyalty. In this guide, we’ll explore unconventional holiday gift card strategies that will set your restaurant apart and help you maximize sales.

Why Holiday Gift Card Sales are Essential for Restaurants

Gift cards provide an excellent opportunity to increase cash flow during the slower winter months while attracting new diners to your restaurant. With the right strategy, gift cards can:

  • Attract new guests through gift recipients
  • Boost post-holiday revenue when guests redeem cards
  • Build brand loyalty among existing customers

To stand out this season, it’s essential to go beyond standard promotions and create memorable, unique experiences for gift card buyers and recipients.

Unconventional Holiday Gift Card Strategies to Boost Sales

Here are some creative, outside-the-box ideas for selling more restaurant gift cards this holiday season.

1. Create Limited-Time “Experiential” Gift Card Packages

Give customers a reason to gift a memorable experience, not just a meal. Offer unique, themed packages with the gift card that add value and make it a more enticing gift. For example:

  • Brunch & Mimosas Package: Gift card recipients get a brunch for two with a round of mimosas.
  • Date Night Package: Include a special dinner for two with a dessert platter.
  • Chef’s Tasting Experience: Create an exclusive multi-course meal prepared by the chef.

Promote these packages as limited-time holiday offers, emphasizing the unique experience the recipient will enjoy.

2. Introduce a Holiday “Buy More, Give More” Promotion

Encourage customers to spend a bit more with a “Buy More, Give More” promotion:

  • Buy a $50 Gift Card, Get a $10 Bonus Card
  • Buy a $100 Gift Card, Get a $25 Dining Credit for Themselves

Position this promotion as a way to “gift one, get one” so customers feel rewarded for gifting a card. Emphasize the benefits of using the bonus credit to enjoy a night out after the holiday rush.

3. Add Personalization Options for Gift Cards

Personalized gifts hold more meaning. Offer customers the option to customize their gift cards with a message or special packaging, like a holiday-themed cardholder or an envelope with a handwritten note.

For an extra fee, you could also offer premium holiday packaging, such as a beautifully boxed card paired with a small item like a signature spice blend or a mini dessert voucher. This personalization creates a more memorable gift experience.

Creative Ways to Promote Your Gift Cards

Promoting holiday gift cards requires creativity and visibility. Here are some innovative ideas for getting the word out and maximizing sales.

1. Run a Holiday-Themed Social Media Campaign with UGC

Leverage user-generated content (UGC) by encouraging customers to share their gift card purchases on social media. For example:

  • “Tag & Win” Campaign: Ask buyers to post a photo of their gift card on Instagram and tag your restaurant for a chance to win a free meal.
  • #HolidayWith[YourRestaurant]: Create a holiday-specific hashtag that builds excitement around your restaurant’s holiday promotions.

This not only spreads awareness but also creates buzz on social media, positioning your gift cards as the perfect holiday gift.

2. Offer Digital Gift Cards with Instant Delivery

For last-minute shoppers, digital gift cards are a lifesaver. Promote the ease of instant digital delivery on your website and social media channels. Consider offering a small incentive for digital gift cards, like a complimentary appetizer on the recipient’s first visit.

Highlight the convenience of these cards, especially as the holidays get closer, to attract shoppers who are pressed for time or want to avoid crowded stores.

3. Set Up a Holiday Gift Card Pop-Up Display in Your Restaurant

Create a visually appealing holiday gift card display near the entrance, bar, or waiting area where guests can easily see it. Decorate the display with festive touches, like twinkling lights, gift-wrapped boxes, and holiday signage.

You could even host a small “holiday preview” evening where regulars can come in, see the gift card display, and enjoy a complimentary holiday-themed appetizer or dessert.

Engaging Gift Card Redemption Strategies to Drive Repeat Visits

Encouraging customers to redeem gift cards is essential for driving foot traffic in the new year. Here are some unique redemption strategies to keep guests coming back.

1. Introduce a “Gift Card Loyalty” Program for the New Year

Offer a loyalty incentive for guests who redeem their gift cards in the first quarter of the new year. For example:

  • Earn Rewards on Every Visit: Each visit earns the guest loyalty points or credits toward a future meal.
  • Gift Card Redemption Rewards: Every redemption comes with a bonus offer, like a 10% discount on their next visit or a complimentary dessert.

Promoting a “Gift Card Loyalty” program encourages guests to come back multiple times, increasing post-holiday revenue and building long-term loyalty.

2. Host Exclusive “Gift Card Appreciation” Events

Invite gift card holders to a special “Gift Card Appreciation” event where they can redeem their cards for a curated experience, like a chef-led tasting menu or a wine-pairing dinner. These events give guests a memorable experience and make them feel appreciated.

Host these events during traditionally slower periods to maximize attendance, and consider offering add-ons or upgrades to boost revenue.

3. Provide a Special “Thank You” to Gift Card Buyers

Recognize customers who buy gift cards as a way to build loyalty and foster repeat business. For example:

  • Exclusive Discounts: Give gift card buyers a special offer, like 10% off their next visit or a complimentary appetizer.
  • VIP Status: Offer buyers a temporary “VIP” status that includes perks like priority reservations or early access to special events.

Not only does this encourage immediate return visits, but it also builds goodwill and shows customers that you value their support.

Tips for a Successful Holiday Gift Card Campaign

Now that you have unique gift card ideas, here are some quick tips to execute your campaign effectively.

1. Plan Your Campaign Early

Start promoting gift cards as early as possible. Use email marketing, social media, and in-store signage to remind customers that gift cards are a perfect holiday option.

2. Use Targeted Ads to Reach Your Ideal Customers

Run targeted social media and Google ads to reach local diners, focusing on holiday shoppers and last-minute buyers.

3. Track and Measure Sales Performance

Monitor the performance of your gift card sales and promotions. Track which strategies drive the most purchases and use these insights to refine future holiday campaigns.

Conclusion: Creative Gift Card Strategies to Drive Holiday Sales

By thinking outside the box and creating memorable, enticing gift card campaigns, your restaurant can boost revenue, attract new customers, and build loyalty. Try implementing some of these unconventional strategies to set your gift card sales apart from the competition and make your restaurant a go-to holiday gift destination.