Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies

Who doesn’t love getting free stuff, especially on their birthday? From free meals and desserts to beauty products and exclusive discounts, dozens of U.S. brands love to help you celebrate with special birthday-freebies. The best part? Most of them are easy to claim, all you have to do is sign up for loyalty programs or download a few apps ahead of time.If you’re ready to make your birthday a little sweeter (and a lot cheaper), here’s your ultimate guide to birthday-freebies that make your special day even better.

How to Get the Most Out of Birthday Freebies

Before you start signing up everywhere, here are a few tips to help you maximize your birthday rewards:

Sign up early: Most programs require you to join their loyalty or rewards club at least a few days before your birthday to qualify.

Use your real birthdate: Many systems verify this information before sending you your freebie.

Check expiration dates: Some offers are only valid on your birthday, while others can be redeemed anytime during your birthday month.

Download the app: Many birthday-freebies are distributed through brand apps, making redemption easy.Plan a birthday freebie tour: Combine offers from multiple restaurants or stores to make a fun, free birthday outing!

Restaurant Birthday Freebies

Foodies, rejoice! These restaurants and cafés are known for handing out birthday treats that range from free desserts to full meals.

IHOP: Get a free stack of pancakes when you join their rewards program.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Members get free wings or snacks during their birthday month.

Chili’s: Rewards members get a free dessert to celebrate.

Applebee’s: Receive a free dessert when you’re part of the email club.

Olive Garden: Dine in and enjoy a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée.

The Cheesecake Factory: You’ll often get a complimentary slice of cheesecake when celebrating in the restaurant.

Coffee, Snacks & Sweet Treats

If caffeine and sugar are your favorite ways to celebrate, these chains have you covered with some delicious birthday-freebies.

Starbucks: Get a free drink or food item on your birthday when you’re a Rewards member.

Baskin-Robbins: Sign up for their Birthday Club and receive a free scoop of ice cream.

Krispy Kreme: Enjoy a free doughnut and coffee when you’re part of the rewards program.

Cold Stone Creamery: Join their club and receive a buy-one-get-one-free ice cream creation.

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Members get a free mini Bundt cake every year.

Auntie Anne’s: Snack lovers get a free pretzel via the rewards app.

Retail & Beauty Birthday Freebies

Looking for a little self-care? Many major retailers and beauty brands offer birthday gifts, samples, or store credits when you sign up for their programs.

Sephora: Choose a free mini set of popular products when you’re a Beauty Insider.

Ulta Beauty: Members receive double points during their birthday month and a free gift.

Bath & Body Works: Enjoy a free travel-size item as a birthday treat.

Aveda: Get a free aroma product or discount when you join their rewards program.

Retail & Lifestyle Birthday Freebies

It’s not just restaurants and beauty stores celebrating your big day, plenty of retail brands give birthday perks too.

Old Navy: Members of the rewards program receive a birthday coupon.

Kohl’s: Get a special birthday gift, often a discount code, as part of their loyalty club.

Target Circle: Enjoy a 5% off reward during your birthday month.

Nike: Members receive a birthday discount on select merchandise.

Adidas: adiClub members get a birthday surprise, which can include coupons or free gear.

American Eagle: Rewards members enjoy a special birthday discount to spend online or in-store.

Entertainment & Experience Birthday Freebies

Celebrate your day out with fun activities and experiences that won’t break the bank.

AMC Theatres: Members of the AMC Stubs program receive free popcorn on their birthday.

Dave & Buster’s: Get a $10 game credit on your birthday with their rewards program.

Chuck E. Cheese: Kids’ birthdays come with 20 bonus play points when parents join the rewards club.

Birthday Freebie Pro Tips

To get the biggest bang for your (nonexistent) buck: Create a “birthday email” to manage all your freebie offers easily.

Combine offers for a full day of freebies—breakfast at IHOP, coffee at Starbucks, dessert at Baskin-Robbins, and dinner at Red Robin.

Take advantage of birthday month offers to spread out your celebrations.

Keep an eye out for bonus points or cash-back promotions that drop on your birthday week.

Your birthday only comes once a year, so make it count! With just a little preparation, you can enjoy an entire day (or even week) filled with delicious meals, sweet treats, beauty goodies, and retail discounts. Signing up for these birthday-freebies is a small effort that can lead to a seriously fun, low-cost celebration.So go ahead, eat the free cake, grab the free drink, and celebrate yourself. After all, birthdays are better when they come with perks!