Systems and methods for facilitating real-time item-specific application of a gift card balance to a purchase within a collaborative gift card network are described. Such methods permit restriction of gift cards and gift card balances to purchase of specific items. Collaborative systems are used to implement such methods, such as computer systems and networked computer system. Methods for facilitating item-specific application of a gift card balance may be performed using computer systems managed by a single entity as well as in distributed computing environments wherein aspects of the methods are implemented by disparate parties. Unique bank card number are associated with a promotional offer as well as item-specific information relating to authorized uses of the offer. When an offer is attempted to be redeemed, a secondary item-specific authorization check is performed in addition to a check of the validity of the overall promotional offer.