This holiday season, restaurant gift cards are high on the priorities list for many shoppers as they look to find convenient, flexible and thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. According to the latest survey from the National Restaurant Association, 3 in 5 (59 percent) adults plan to give restaurant gift cards, with the trend growing among younger generations, particularly Gen Z (74 percent) and Millennials (70 percent).

“Restaurant gift cards are a thoughtful way to make holiday gift giving meaningful and easier, especially when you have a long list of friends and family to purchase gifts for,” says Michelle Korsmo, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. “As our survey shows, nearly half (46 percent) of adults buy a restaurant gift card because it offers convenience and flexibility. With the holidays in full swing, there's no better way to bring people together than by sharing a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant. Americans love going to restaurants and a restaurant gift card creates valuable memories for friends and family.”  

Younger adults are leading the way in giving restaurant gift cards, with nearly three-quarters of Gen Z adults report planning to give a restaurant gift card this holiday season. Respondents are more likely to purchase a gift for a friend or family member their own age, highlighting their preference for giving practical and experiential gifts within their own social circles. The Millennials age group is the biggest giver and receiver of restaurant gift card, showing strong preference for gifting to their peers but also extending their giving across generations. Older generations are less likely to give restaurant gift cards, with 54 percent of Gen Xers and 44 percent of Baby Boomers planning to give a gift card.

Recipients enjoy what they know, as 77 percent of adults prefer a restaurant gift card from a favorite restaurant. Only 36 percent say they want a gift card to somewhere new. They also want flexibility, as 76 percent of adults value gift cards that can be used for delivery or takeout. Millennials are especially fond of this option, with 82 percent preferring the flexibility to enjoy their gift in the comfort of their own home. This trend was highlighted in the National Restaurant Association's 2025 What's Hot Culinary Forecast, in which budget-friendly deals and convenience are key drivers of restaurant spending.  

Finally, nearly half (48 percent) of all adult respondents will go straight to the source, purchasing gift cards directly from the restaurant (either in-store or online) in order to ensure they’re supporting their favorite spots.