Using restaurant gift certificates on a date?

Question

I just got $200 worth of gift certificates for one of the high end restaurants in the area from work as a bonus. What are your views on using them on a date?

Answer 1

You could approach her like this:  "Hey, guess what?  I just got this great gift card for The Four Seasons.  Would you like to help me spend it?"  It might be a good ice breaker and then she wouldn't have to worry about what to order.

Answer 2

as long as you are up front with her that you have them and will be using them..  so she doesn't think that you always drop $200 on dinner..  any woman who skoffs at using the gift certificate isn't one you will date for long anyway..

Answer 3

Not on the first date.  If you have been dating for awhile I think it would be OK.

Answer 4

I don't see a problem with using them. At least you're not making the girl pay for the dinner. I know I would appreciate it.

Answer 5

i'd say go for it!! let her in on the secret though so she's not expecting a lot more of that...... i mean unless u can actually afford it!!ithink she'll be happy to see that you chose her to use up that pricey thing on!! she' ll be flattered!! i know i would!!

Answer 6

thats a great idea

Answer 7

Never on a first date.....however, if you have been dating for a while, this is steady girlfriend I see no reason why not.....plus it is a bonus you were given from work.....not like a christmas gift from aunt mary

Answer 8

Yes of course you should use them on a date.  If you are going to spend 200.00 of food on yourself thats a LOT of feed!  And truthfully I don't think your date will care if you use gift certificates.  Shes just going to appreciate going to an expensive restaurant....whether its a first date or your 100th date.  And your date will NOT think your cheap!

Have Fun!!!!

Answer 9

It really depends on the individual you want to date. Typically speaking, I'd say no on the first date.

But if it were me or my friends, we would say go for it. Seriously, if I were hanging out with a guy who didnt have to pay for an expensive meal, and he invited me to enjoy it with him, I'd think that's pretty cool.

If you can afford the meal on your own, then pay the first time around. But if going to this restaurant is a luxury, then be real and look at it for what it is.... an opportunity to taste the good life at someone else's expense. ;)

Answer 10

I don't think it would be a big deal, just kind of a bonus for both of you..no one would have to pay.

Answer 11

I wouldn't use them on a first date.  But otherwise, I think it would be fine to let your date know that you are sharing your good fortune with them.

Answer 12

It looks a little cheap, especially on a first date.

If you can, settle the bill privately instead of at the table in front of your date and then she won't have any idea that you used the gift certificates.

Answer 13

There is nothing wrong with using them anytime you would like to.First date?..No problem!

Answer 14

why not use it?  it's not like you're taking someone out on a date and using food stamps for crying out loud!  enjoy..  if you are taking your date to a high scale restaurant and paying the tab, who cares how it's paid for???

Answer 15

Any woman who would think less of you because you used a gift certificate rather than cash or a credit card is not worthy of another date. It should not matter one bit the method of payment that you use, and if she has any class she will not pay any attention to the bill if you are the host!

Unless the payment for the meal involves her and you washing dishes, there should be no issue.

When the bill arrives, you look at it, and instead of, or in addition cash or a credit card, put the gift certificates in folder! The wait staff will handle it without any problems, especially if this is really a high end establishment!

Answer 16

DO NOT DO THIS ON DATES 1-3!!! It is very tacky and makes you look cheap! I went out with a guy ONCE who paid this way and it was our first and last date.

Answer 17

Gift cards are the same as cash...it's not like you're clipping coupons, Duh!

Answer 18

I'm a girl so I say o.k. When you get the bill just take it to the front to pay for it so your date doesn't see the certificates if you are embarrassed.  Don't be.  Its still your "money" and you are doing a kind thing.  You could have taken yourself to dinner and glommmed yourself to death. (ha ha)

Answer 19

Steve is cool has the correct answer.  Not on the first couple of dates, it makes you look cheap.

Answer 20

I wouldn't care if a guy took me to dinner and used a gift certificate. Money isn't what a date is about :-)