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Sunday December 13, 2009 | 03:12 AM

GIFT CARDS ARE becoming more popular holiday presents, but I ask: Why give them away?

A few years ago some restaurants and retailers started offering bonus gift cards or coupons for customers who purchase gift cards between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I say, if you’re already going to eat at the restaurant or purchase an item at the retailer, why not purchase the gift card for yourself, pocket the bonus reward card, and use the gift card to buy your meal or item while you’re already there?

Here are some of the many food deals I’ve found this year:

• Outback Steakhouse is giving a $20 gift card to use in January for every $100 in gift cards you purchase now.

• Stop in to Smokey Bones and buy a $25 gift card, get $5 off your meal and a $10 coupon to use on your visit early next year. And if you’re a Bones Club member, you get an extra 25 points for purchasing a gift card in the store.

• For every $25 gift card purchased at Red Robin, you’ll receive a $5 Bonus Bucks Card valid from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.

• Head to Applebees, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 gift card to use in January or February.

• Charlie Brown’s steakhouse may have closed its Dickson City location but the one in Buckhorn is still open and it’s right off I-80. Stop in and buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 Charlie Brown’s coupon you can redeem Jan. 1 through Feb. 28.

• Lucky’s SportHouse in Wilkes-Barre Township is offering a free $5 Lucky’s card with the purchase of a $25 gift card. The deal doubles to $10 if you buy a $50 gift card.

• Rita’s Italian Ice may be closed for the season but head to http://www.ritasice.com/gift-card/purchase-gift-card.aspx to buy a $10 gift card and get a certificate for a regular size free treat to use next year.

Retailers also are getting in on the gift card promotions.

• L.L. Bean is offering customers a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card. You can go to www.llbean.com and take advantage of the deal once per day.

• Barnes & Noble is giving customers a free $10 gift card with the purchase of one valued at $100.

• Champs Sports is offering a free $10 rewards card for every $50 gift card purchased. Reward Cards are redeemable Dec. 26 through Jan. 30.

By the way, Price Chopper has a huge selection of gift cards available for purchase and if you use your Advantage Card, the money you spend on the gift cards, except for Price Chopper gift cards, will count toward your gasoline rewards tally. So buy $100 in gift cards and get 20 cents off per gallon of gas at your next fill-up at participating Sunoco gas stations when you use your shopper’s club card.


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