With a lot of people cutting down on their eating out budgets because of the economy, a restaurant gift certificate makes a nice gift. Just call the restaurant you have in mind and ask how to order.

But what if you're not sure which restaurants your gift recipient really likes? And how can you make sure your gift will still be good if the restaurant doesn't make it through the recession?

Giphter.com, owned by our friends over at BirminghamMenus.com, has a great solution. They offer several "group certificates" that are available at your choice of a number of different establishments:

Birmingham Originals Group Gift Certificate can be redeemed at 26 of the best independently-owned restaurants in Birmingham including Bellini's, 26, daniel george, Little Savannah, La Mesa, Hot and Hot Fish Club and more: www.giphter.com/73-group/282-birmingham-originals

The Five Points South Group Gift Certificate can be redeemed at 30 merchants in Birmingham's historic Five Points neighborhood including restaurants like The 5 Points Grill, Cosmo's Pizza, The J. Clyde, Ocean, Highlands Bar and Grill and Chez FonFon: www.giphter.com/73-group/296-five-points-south

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce Star Gift Certificate can be redeemed at 189 merchants in Homewood, including restaurants such as O'Henry's, Crape Myrtle's Cafe, Nabeel's, Salem's Diner, Tria Market and Savage's Bakery: www.giphter.com/73-group/573-homewood-chamber-of-commerce

BirminghamMenus.com Group Gift Certificate can be redeemed at 31 independently-owned restaurants in Birmingham including Little Savannah, Cafe DuPont, Fish Market, Prairie Fire Grille, John's City Diner, Klingler's, and others: www.giphter.com/73-group/70-birminghammenus