All shopped out? Here are 24 gift cards with bonuses

I spent about four hours Christmas shopping last night. My, how much easier would it have been to rack up on gift cards. Seriously, I had fun while I was out and did indeed get a couple of gift cards. If you’ve had it with malls, lines, parking and all of the other trappings that go along with last-minute holiday shopping, you might consider gift cards.

Before you read on for the cards and their accompanying bonuses below, be sure you know what you’re getting into when you buy a gift card, like expiration dates and fees.

Here’s a handy round-up I found on the Hartford Courant:

Stores and restaurants looking to boost sales are offering what New Orleans residents call a “lagniappe” (a little something extra) to sweeten the deal.

Buy $50 worth of gift cards at any Applebee’s restaurant, and you’ll get a $10 bonus card free.

For every $25 worth of gift cards you purchase at TGI Friday’s, you’ll get a free $5 Bonus Bite gift card.

Spend $25 on gift cards at Friendly’s, and get a free $5 gift card for yourself.

Make a $25 purchase at LLBean.com or in any L.L. Bean store between now and Dec. 24, and you’ll get a free $10 gift card.

Get a free $20 gift card with every $100 gift card you buy at Fleming’s Prime Steak House & Wine Bar.

Purchase a $25 gift card at Denny’s, and get a free $5 gift card.

Buy $50 worth of gift cards at P.F. Chang’s, and get a $10 gift card free.

Spend $25 on gift cards at the Cheesecake Factory, and you’ll get a coupon for a free slice of cheesecake.

Buy a $50 gift card at DSW Shoe Warehouse, and get a free $10 gift card.

Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants are offering a free $5 gift card when you buy $25 worth of gift cards.

Outback Steakhouse will give you a free $20 gift card when you buy $100 worth of gift cards.

At Red Robin restaurants, you’ll get a free $5 gift card when you buy $25 in gift cards.

Buy $100 worth of gift cards at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and you’ll get a free $20 gift card.

Make a $50 purchase at Godiva, and you’ll get a free $10 gift card.

Spend $100 in person or online at The Container Store, and you’ll get a free $25 gift card.

Smokey Bones restaurants are offering free $10 gift cards to customers who purchase $25 in gift cards.

Buy $25 worth of gift cards at IHOP restaurants, and you’ll get a $5 coupon you can use at your next visit.

California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free $20 gift card with the purchase of $100 worth of gift cards.

Buy a $25 gift card at Uno Chicago Grill, and you’ll get a free $5 bonus voucher.

Buy $300 worth of gift cards at Morton’s Steakhouse, and you’ll get a free $50 gift card.

Purchase $500 worth of gift cards at Morton’s, and you’ll get a free $100 gift card.

Spend $250 on gift cards at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and you’ll get 10 percent of your purchase back in the form of a free gift card.

Spend $25 at CVS.com, and you’ll get a free $5 e-card.

Buy a $25 gift card at Moe’s Southwest Grill, and get a free $5 Bonus Bucks.

Some offers are available both online and in stores, while others can only be purchased in person. Some freebies expire quickly, and restrictions apply, so be sure to check the fine print.

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