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We have all been in a lurch once or twice, we need a gift quickly, we have no time to cruise the stores for something special. It may be a gift for a coworker, or an associate. So after much thought, we go for a gift card, or a gift certificate, to our favorite restaurant. After all, each and every time you have dined there you have been very impressed. What could possibly go wrong?

Unfortunately, there are a few things that can go wrong. Firstly, you have to think about the cost of dinner, drinks, appetizers, and desserts. I have been a server for many years, and many people request gift certificates in the amount of two dinners. No thought to the recipients preference. Maybe an appetizer, or a drink? Never purchase a gift certificate for exactly an amount of two dinners. You must go for $50.00 or more. A nice dinner is around $20.00 or so, at least buy the person a dinner and one for his or her date. After all, you do not expect them to dine alone, do you?
Secondly, please remember that this is a gift to them. They may never get out and spend money on a decent dinner. If you want to go all out, make arrangements with the restaurant, tell your friend when to be there, and have a great dinner with wine delivered to them. Do not ever let them know the value. As a server I have seen gift certificates abused badly. A couple may have one worth $100 and spend $30.00. We have to give them cash value and then they can go spend it on cigarettes or cheap beer. I know that was never the intention of the person giving the gift.
Another thing, make sure this is an appropriate gift. If your recipient appreciates going for dinner, that is great! However, if it is a single guy who likes to guzzle beer and never eats a decent meal, but him a gift certificate to the liqour store.
And lastly, if you do not want to spend the money , do not give a gift certificate to a restaurant. If you only have $20.00 to spend, put it toward coupons for Tim Horton's or a great book at Chapter's. It would be appreciated more than money towards a dinner for two.
Trust me!

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