Gift cards and special packages are powerful revenue boosters for restaurants, especially around holidays and major life events. They allow diners to share your cuisine with friends and family, or bundle experiences (like date nights or family-style feasts) into a convenient deal. Yet, many restaurants underutilize these offers, missing out on potential impulse buys or easy ways to delight customers looking for the perfect gift or group meal solution. SMS marketing—with its high open rates and quick actionable nature—can effectively spotlight these purchase options.
In this blog, we’ll showcase 25+ SMS templates specifically geared toward promoting gift cards (digital or physical) and special packages (like a romantic dinner set, holiday hamper, or any curated meal kit). From direct “Buy a gift card now!” prompts to limited-time discount codes for package bundles, we’ll help you craft messages that convey ease, value, and excitement. We’ll also explore best practices: highlighting convenience (e.g., e-gift cards sent instantly), special personalization options (like custom messages or décor), and how to tie these offers to upcoming holidays or celebrations.
By weaving these SMS prompts into your marketing calendar, you can not only boost off-peak revenue but also create memorable experiences for your diners—and for the lucky recipients of their thoughtful gifts.
Why Promote Gift Cards & Packages via SMS
- Immediate Purchases
Gift cards can be a snap-decision buy—especially around birthdays or holidays. A text with a “buy now” link catches them at the perfect moment. - Expanded Reach
Friends or family who receive gift cards become new customers for your restaurant, broadening your diner base. - Convenience Factor
Last-minute gift shoppers love quick solutions. An SMS linking to your e-gift card portal is a no-brainer. - Sales Even When Seats Are Empty
You generate revenue upfront via gift cards or special packages—some might be redeemed later, smoothing out cash flow. - Bundled Experiences
Special packages (like date-night combos or holiday meal kits) add perceived value, encouraging bigger spends while delighting recipients.
Best Practices for Gift Card & Package Promotion
- Focus on Key Occasions: e.g., Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s, graduations—moments when people seek easy gift ideas.
- Clear Purchase Link: “Buy Gift Card” button or short link is essential—no complicated instructions.
- Highlight Flexibility: Emphasize that gift cards are redeemable anytime or on any menu item for maximum appeal.
- Mention Discounts/Bundles: e.g., “Buy a $50 card, get a $10 bonus,” or “Save 10% on date-night package.”
- Make It Personal: Suggest that the buyer can add a custom note, or choose from different gift card designs.
25+ SMS Templates for Gift Cards & Special Packages
Below is a complete set of 25 messages focusing on gift cards and curated packages.
A. Direct Gift Card Promotions
- Simple Gift Card Prompt
- “Need a quick gift? Grab a [Restaurant] gift card: [short link]. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!”
- Holiday Gift Card Offer
- “Spread cheer with our holiday gift cards! Buy a $50 card, get a $5 bonus. Details at [link]. Great stocking stuffer!”
- Graduation Season
- “Congrats to all grads! Celebrate them with a [Restaurant] gift card. Easy to buy at [short link], even easier to use.”
- E-Gift Convenience
- “No time to shop? Send an instant e-gift card from [Restaurant]. Click [link]—gift done in 2 minutes flat!”
- Bonus Value
- “Sweet deal: purchase a $100 gift card, receive a free $20 card for yourself. Give and treat yourself, too!”
- Anniversary Gifting
- “Surprise your loved one with a date night. Our gift cards are perfect for an anniversary treat. Grab one now: [link].”
- Birthday Shout
- “Forgot someone’s birthday? Solve it with a digital gift card from [Restaurant]. Delivered instantly: [short link].”
- Corporate Gifting
- “Looking for employee rewards or client thank-yous? Our gift cards cater to all tastes—bulk rates available. [link].”
- Flash Gift Card Sale
- “48-hr sale: All gift cards 10% off. Show love to your friends with the gift of food. Code: LOVEFOOD at [short link].”
- Mother’s Day Card
- “Mom deserves the best. Send her a [Restaurant] gift card in seconds: [link]. She can choose her favorite dish!”
B. Special Event & Meal Packages
- Date Night Package
- “Romance made easy: Our date-night bundle includes 2 entrées + dessert + wine for $X. Show text to claim!”
- Family Meal Kit
- “Busy week? Order our family-style meal kit—feeds 4, easy reheating, save $5 if you order by Friday. [link].”
- Holiday Hamper
- “Bring the feast home! Our Thanksgiving hamper includes turkey, sides, pie. Early-bird pricing at [short link].”
- Picnic Basket
- “Sunny weekends call for a picnic basket package from [Restaurant]: sandwiches, salad, fruit. Tap [link] to order.”
- Game Night Tray
- “Hosting friends for the big game? Our snack tray + wings package is a sure touchdown. Order link: [short link].”
- Birthday Party Pack
- “Throwing a mini birthday bash? We have a ready-to-go party pack—pizzas, drinks, cake. Book it at [link].”
- Grill-Out Bundle
- “Try our summer grill bundle—marinated meats, veggies, sauces. Just grill at home. Order while supply lasts: [short link].”
- Valentine’s Dinner Kit
- “Stay in but keep it romantic: our Valentine’s dinner kit includes everything from main course to dessert. Reserve yours now!”
- Brunch Basket
- “Brunch at home? Our new brunch basket has pastries, fresh juice, coffee beans—just pick up or get it delivered. [link].”
- New Year’s Party Pack
- “Ring in the new year with our party pack for 4: snacks, champagne flutes, dessert shots. Pre-order at [short link].”
C. Gift Card + Package Combos
- “Combine the best of both: buy a $50 gift card, get a free mini meal kit for 2. Only this week at [link].”
- “Send a friend a gift card + our holiday hamper—2 gifts in one? We’re offering 10% off the bundle: [short link].”
- “Your spouse loves [Restaurant]? Surprise them with our date-night bundle and a gift card for next time. Double the love!”
- “We have a special wedding gift combo: $100 gift card + a romantic dinner set. Perfect for newlyweds. Tap [link].”
- “For the ultimate foodie treat, pair our pizza party kit with a $20 gift card for next time. Show this text for $5 off both.”
- “Did you know you can gift our weekend brunch basket + a $30 e-gift card? The perfect housewarming present, available now.”
- “Bundles abound! Buy a $25 gift card and add a family meal kit at 10% off. Everyone wins. [link].”
- “Looking for a big gift? Our full tasting-menu certificate + $50 gift card for future visits. A real gastronomic delight!”
- “Send a gift card instantly AND schedule a special hamper drop on their birthday. Double surprise: [link].”
- “Our date-night hamper plus $25 gift card is a match made in heaven: treat them now and let them come dine in soon!”
Gift cards and special packages offer flexible, meaningful ways for customers to engage with your restaurant—whether as thoughtful gifts for loved ones or convenient solutions for hosting events at home. With SMS marketing, these offers can reach diners at precisely the right moment: a day before Mother’s Day, mid-holiday shopping, or during a friend’s birthday week. The 25+ templates we’ve outlined showcase how to spotlight gift cards (physical or digital) and curated packages (meal kits, hamper deals, or seasonal combos) in a concise, compelling way.
When deploying these campaigns, link directly to your purchase or booking page, highlight the ease and benefits (“no wrapping needed,” “feast feeds 4,” etc.), and occasionally offer small incentives (“Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 bonus!”) to drive immediate action. Keep your text timing relevant to seasonal peaks or popular gift-giving occasions, ensuring your message stands out amidst holiday clutter or last-minute scramble. Over time, you’ll see these promotions not only increase revenue but also deepen customer loyalty as patrons pass along the delight of your restaurant to their friends and family—thus expanding your reach and reputation in the most authentic way.