Is a restaurant.com gift card a crappy gift?

megontoast · December 2009

I remember A LOT of people saying they were going to be giving these as gifts. I did as well.. to my entire family. Everyone was grateful, except my brother (see post below). But apparently, there are people who think it was a crappy gift. What is your opinion?

The reasoning behind the "it's a crappy gift" opinion is that because these gift cards require you to spend money to use them. For example.. if you have a $25 restaurant.com gift card, your bill must be at least $35 in order to use the gift card.

Here's the OP, because the context might change your opinion.

I honestly want everyone's opinions, because I didn't think I was doing something crappy by giving my brother this gift. If it truly was a crappy gift, then I will send him something else. I am the only one in the entire family that gave him anything anyway. He has estranged himself from all of us, but I decide to stay in contact with him.

southernbelle82 · December 2009

If it's to a restaurant that someone loves to go to and has the money to cover any extra cost, then I think it's a great gift. If someone doesn't have the money to spend, I don't think it's the best idea. I wouldn't call it crappy, but if your brother frequents Taco Bell...a couple $10 gift cards there probably would have been a better idea for him.

radiokate · December 2009

To me, that's not a "gift card," it's a coupon. So yes, I think that's a little crappy, and I personally would never give someone something that REQUIRES them to spend money to use it. To me, it's kinda like giving someone a random Direct TV dish and not paying for the service.

Coupons do not equal gifts to me.

violetvirgo · December 2009

well i think it's not in great taste. it's a nice gesture and sure, if you know the person goes to a particular restaurant once a week and a dinner for two usually costs $x then sure. but otherwise I wouldn't do it.

gift cards that cover everything or that do no require you to spend money are okay b/c you technically can eat for free. you know?

Skipperg82 · December 2009

I said it in the other thread and I'll say it here again, yes it's a crappy gift. But I don't think I would go out and buy all new presents if everyone seemed to like them. Maybe next year you can make it up to them - it doesn't need to be expensive to be a great gift!

Don't feel bad, it sounds like you were trying to do a good thing and I'm sorry your brother acted so ungrateful about it, maybe you could take back the coupon and instead get him a American Express gift card or something like that for the same value.

Gina418 · December 2009

I don't think it was a good decision in your brother's situation. I think a $10 card to Taco Bell/McDonalds would have gone over better.

In the right situation, it's a great idea. DH and I love a particualr restaurant which has a $25 off $35 check and it works out great for us every time. I would love to get those certificates as gifts.

megontoast · December 2009

radiokate:

To me, that's not a "gift card," it's a coupon. So yes, I think that's a little crappy, and I personally would never give someone something that REQUIRES them to spend money to use it. To me, it's kinda like giving someone a random Direct TV dish and not paying for the service.

Coupons do not equal gifts to me.

So, if I give someone a $400 blackberry, it's a crappy gift unless I start paying for their service, too? Haha.. I don't get this logic.

I guess it is a crappy gift. =(

Now I feel horrible, because all the adults in my family received these. I guess they all secretly were unhappy.

Gina418 · December 2009

megontoast:
radiokate:

To me, that's not a "gift card," it's a coupon. So yes, I think that's a little crappy, and I personally would never give someone something that REQUIRES them to spend money to use it. To me, it's kinda like giving someone a random Direct TV dish and not paying for the service.

Coupons do not equal gifts to me.

So, if I give someone a $400 blackberry, it's a crappy gift unless I start paying for their service, too? Haha.. I don't get this logic.

I guess it is a crappy gift. =(

Now I feel horrible, because all the adults in my family received these. I guess they all secretly were unhappy.

Not necessarily - if they have the means, then it's a nice gift. Don't feel bad. Your heart was in the right place.

Lucky_Dragonfly · December 2009

I think it depends onthe restaurant that you buy for. I have a couple for a restaurant that a typical bill would be $60-$70 for just 2 people. So my GC would come in handy. but for a place where the bill may usually only be $30 then its not worht it.

Angel037 · December 2009

I've always viewed these as coupons since they require you to spend a certain amount to get the discount. Gift cards do not require that.

radiokate · December 2009

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

allieoop80 · December 2009

DH and I have used these a few times and they are great, but I would never give them as a gift. I think you had good intentions though, so don't feel bad!

Gina418 · December 2009

radiokate:
Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

Why does what it cost her mean anything?

Wassygirl · December 2009

i seriously wouldn't worry too much about it, op. it's the thought that counts and you stayed within your means.

megontoast · December 2009

radiokate:

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

I see your point. At the time I sent the email I was just trying to do a nice thing for him. I'm wishing I just didn't do anything. I actually didn't plan on getting him anything. Like I said in my other post, I was the only person in the family to even acknowledge him for Christmas. I actually sent it the day after because I had some leftover gift cards and was feeling bad for him.

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I defintely got some perspective.

However, I still think the whole "it's not a gift if they have to spend money" theory is flawed. LOL

Disneygeek77 · December 2009

I use restaurant.com for myself but personally would not use them as gifts. Everyone is right. You have spend at least $35 if not more for the coupon to be accepted. IT doesn't include taxes, tip and a lot of times alcohol. There are a lot of time restrictions such as you can't use them on weekends and holidays. Plus, I know they sometimes can be as cheap as $2 for a $25 coupon. I perosnally would feel more comfortable giving a $10 GC to their favorite fast food joint.

radiokate · December 2009

Gina418:
radiokate:

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

Why does what it cost her mean anything?

Because she's giving a $2 gift that forces someone to pay $10. How in any way is that a "gift?" Making someone pay MORE money than you for something you are GIVING to them? This blows my mind, especially when the recipient has NO money!

RedBrideNC · December 2009

I think it's a crappy gift. That's mostly because I don't like most of the restuarants in my area that I could use it at. I agree with pp that said it's more like a coupon than a gc.

With all that said I would not send your ungrateful brother a new gift just b/c he didn't like it.

Gina418 · December 2009

radiokate:
Gina418:
radiokate:

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

Why does what it cost her mean anything?

Because she's giving a $2 gift that forces someone to pay $10. How in any way is that a "gift?" Making someone pay MORE money than you for something you are GIVING to them? This blows my mind, especially when the recipient has NO money!

Yes, he would have to pay ten dollars, but he would save $25. So it's not that bad of a deal given the right situation.

The amount spent on a gift should really never be a factor in being gracious in receiving it. He could have said "Thanks Sis" and then thrown it in the garbage.

radiokate · December 2009

megontoast:
radiokate:

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

I see your point. At the time I sent the email I was just trying to do a nice thing for him. I'm wishing I just didn't do anything. I actually didn't plan on getting him anything. Like I said in my other post, I was the only person in the family to even acknowledge him for Christmas. I actually sent it the day after because I had some leftover gift cards and was feeling bad for him.

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I defintely got some perspective.

However, I still think the whole "it's not a gift if they have to spend money" theory is flawed. LOL

I'm really sorry, I'm not trying to come across mean. Ironically enough, I would LOVE a gift like this, because DH and I eat out every week, so this would actually be thoughtful for OUR situation. So I'm not saying it's a crappy gift in general, I thought you were asking if it's a crappy gift FOR your brother. I guess the reason I'm fired up about this is because you are telling us he HAS no money, so asking someone to spend it as their "gift" just seems really ironic. "You're poor? Then my gift to you is that you have to spend a week's pay! But you'll at least get a nice hamburger for it!"

And for the Blackberry thing, that's different if someone is asking for that because they plan to get one anyway, or they already have the service or whatever. But to buy someone a random gift they DIDN'T ask for that requires them to spend money, I just think that puts them in an akward and unnecessary position.

radiokate · December 2009

Gina418:
radiokate:
Gina418:
radiokate:

Whoa, I just read down farther where you said it only cost you $2.

So you paid less that what the gift receiver has to pay?! Holy crap, that makes it WAY worse, IMO. You should have given the $10 with it (only spending a total of $12 then) to make it an actual "gift."

Why does what it cost her mean anything?

Haha, spending 10 to save 25 is not always the most logical decision if you DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY. It's not like he gets to invest that saved $25, he just gets to consume a marked up burger. Oooh.

What's that saying? A man with spend $2 for something only worth $1 is it's something he really needs. But a woman will spend $1 for something worth $2 even if she doesn't need it, just because she wants to "save" money?! Something like that. It makes me laugh how many people think like that, myself included, when I get sucked into those $ bins at Target.

Yes, he would have to pay ten dollars, but he would save $25. So it's not that bad of a deal given the right situation.

The amount spent on a gift should really never be a factor in being gracious in receiving it. He could have said "Thanks Sis" and then thrown it in the garbage.

radiokate · December 2009

OOPS, I messed up the quotes^^^^^:

Haha, spending 10 to save 25 is not always the most logical decision if you DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY. It's not like he gets to invest that saved $25, he just gets to consume a marked up burger. Oooh.

What's that saying? A man with spend $2 for something only worth $1 is it's something he really needs. But a woman will spend $1 for something worth $2 even if she doesn't need it, just because she wants to "save" money?! Something like that. It makes me laugh how many people think like that, myself included, when I get sucked into those $ bins at Target.

KGsky · December 2009

megontoast:
radiokate:

To me, that's not a "gift card," it's a coupon. So yes, I think that's a little crappy, and I personally would never give someone something that REQUIRES them to spend money to use it. To me, it's kinda like giving someone a random Direct TV dish and not paying for the service.

Coupons do not equal gifts to me.

So, if I give someone a $400 blackberry, it's a crappy gift unless I start paying for their service, too? Haha.. I don't get this logic.

I guess it is a crappy gift. =(

Now I feel horrible, because all the adults in my family received these. I guess they all secretly were unhappy.

Have you seen the prices of blackberry service? I won't say it's crappy, but it won't be as useful as you think, which is what I think about the gift certificates. If it makes you feel better, I think the website is designed to mislead the giver into thinking they're giving something really good when they're not. The thing is, the expense/ripoff gets passed along to the recipient, which sucks. Also, for future reference, most gifts that cost $2 suck.

6fsn · December 2009

If it's not something I would normally spend extra money on it's a crappy gift. I like to splurge at the spa twice a year. MIL gives a gc that doesn't cover everything, but it's something I do anyway. So her $50 gc allows me to spend that budget money on something else fun. If I didn't normally do it, I'd have to take $20 from another budget item to spend her "gift." So I'd lose my coffee or lunch money to do so. That's crappy.

I'll say again your brother was rude and ungrateful. However, $2 to Taco Bell would have been a better idea FOR HIM.

Ciconrad · December 2009

I probably wouldn't give it as a gift if it requires you spend more. We have gotten SIL who is a college student and strapped for cash spa gift certificates and I usually throw her the extra money for the tip, since you can't use the certificate towards tip.

I saw your earlier post - i wouldn't send your brother another gift. He sounds like the type who will still use it and come up with the $10 and then also use the extra gift you sent. Don't reward someone for being ungrateful. If anything, send him the $10 extra and be done with it.

mabst196 · December 2009

I think its a crappy gift honestly. Just spend what you can afford on a giftcard to a restaurant you know they like.

T1andT2 · December 2009

I don't think it is that crappy! Maybe depends on the resturant and the person you gave it too. The ones that you have to spend $50...maybe. But the $35 ones, not too bad. I would like to go out and have a nice dinner that I don't have to cook or clean up after for $10.

And, in the event that they don't use it....being out $2 is not a big deal.

Skipperg82 · December 2009

radiokate:
OOPS, I messed up the quotes^^^^^:
Haha, spending 10 to save 25 is not always the most logical decision if you DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY. It's not like he gets to invest that saved $25, he just gets to consume a marked up burger. Oooh.
What's that saying? A man with spend $2 for something only worth $1 is it's something he really needs. But a woman will spend $1 for something worth $2 even if she doesn't need it, just because she wants to "save" money?! Something like that. It makes me laugh how many people think like that, myself included, when I get sucked into those $ bins at Target.

I'm with you here...I have to pause for a minute when I get these coupons because most often you HAVE to spend some money to get the savings, so you are still spending more money for something you didn't need in the first place.

All the moms at Gymboree go crazy when it's Gymbucks time (I think it's $25 off for a $50 purchase or more?) and I just laugh...I don't even use those damn things because I could just go to the Gymboree outlet or Carters outlet and get $50 worth of clothes for $10. Maybe if I was going to spend $25 at Gymboree (which I don't because in general, I think the full price is a ripoff personally) then sure it's great. But it's just not worth it to me! Ok sorry for that tangent....

J+O · December 2009

I saw people raving about this before Christmas and I checked out the site and realized you had to spend x amount before the "gift card" kicked in and I didn't like that aspect and decided against it.

I do think it's a crappy gift, but if someone gave it to me at Christmas I wouldn't say anything... I would just think it. And no, I wouldn't buy him another gift. Next time though, I would get something else.

preg_amy · December 2009

6fsn:
If it's not something I would normally spend extra money on it's a crappy gift. I like to splurge at the spa twice a year. MIL gives a gc that doesn't cover everything, but it's something I do anyway. So her $50 gc allows me to spend that budget money on something else fun. If I didn't normally do it, I'd have to take $20 from another budget item to spend her "gift." So I'd lose my coffee or lunch money to do so. That's crappy.

I'll say again your brother was rude and ungrateful. However, $2 to Taco Bell would have been a better idea FOR HIM.

I agree with this. I think it is an okay gift if it something that the recipient would spend that money on anyway. So if you got someone a $400 blackberry, it would only be a good gift if they were replacing an old blackberry or were planning on getting the service anyway. If someone bought be a blackberry, I would say "WTF?" and I would sell it. I could never afford the service.

But if someone gives me a $20 gift card to an expensive restaurant that I don't usually frequent, then I would look at it as wasted money. I would still be appreciative and thank the gift giver, but it would probably never get used if I had to spend more money to use it.

Your brother was an a$$ for sending the e-mail, but you said yourself that you weren't even planning on giving him a gift at all... it was just a leftover gift certificate/coupon. So does it really matter what he thinks?

Angel037 · December 2009

To add on, he would have to spend more than $10 because it doesn't include tax, drinks or tip. That's why I look at it as a coupon. Yeah, it's $25 off, but it will probably end up costing him at least $20 out of pocket when its all said and done.

102503Natalie · December 2009

Honestly, I'd rather a $25 gift card to Chili's where I didn't have to spend an extra amount of money to be able to cash in the card. I wouldn't say it's a crappy gift, but it just doesn't make much sense to me, I guess.

14years · December 2009

I don't think any gift is a crappy gift. I might not have given this to someone, but only because I would be concerned that they wouldn't want to spend the extra $10 to use it. Of course, if someone doesn't want to do that, they don't have to use it. I think it is incredibly rude for anyone to whom you gave one of these to complain about it. I wouldn't send your brother anything else.

Piad1 · December 2009

I don't think it's a crappy gift per se, but my sister in law recently bought two of those to use at dinner the same night. There were so many restrictions, that it turned out being more of a coupon than a gift card. So really, you have to spend at least $50 to use a $25 card, and then you can't combine them. It's a nice idea, but in practice, it turns out to be a bit of a hassle I think.