Whether it’s your birthday, or someone else’s, getting free stuff on your birthday is something to celebrate. But take note, you’ll likely have to sign up for a loyalty or rewards program ahead of time to qualify.
“The best time to sign up for birthday deals is at least several months before your birthday,” said Helen Holden, owner of CountingCandles.com. “This gives enough time for your email address to be placed on birthday time email distributions.” It's also a good idea to make note of how long the birthday specials last. Having a week or two — instead of just one day — to redeem your birthday freebie is ideal, said Holden.
To help you have a happy birthday, here’s a list of where to get freebies on your birthday, ranging from free meals to gifts and birthday coupons that will help make your special day affordable.
Related: 31 Best Websites for Free Stuff
1. Free Birthday Dinners
Not all deals get advertised, so speaking up could result in getting free birthday stuff. ”If you go out on your birthday, make sure to ask local restaurants and shops if they offer a birthday discount or freebie,” said Kendall Perez of CouponSherpa.com. You could even get a free burger or premium steak dinner at one of your favorite hamburger joints or steakhouses.
Benihana: It’s worth signing up for email notifications from Japanese steakhouse Benihana. Members of their The Chef’s Table list get a $30 email certificate during their birthday month for use towards a meal.
Black Angus Steak Club: Get a free steak dinner on your first birthday as a Prime Club Member.
Ruby Tuesday: Enjoy a free burger on your birthday when you join the restaurant’s So Connected email list.
2. Free Ice Cream for Your Birthday
If you love the idea of free ice cream on your birthday, you’re not alone. “My favorite birthday freebies mostly involve a free ice cream [at] Baskin-Robbins or any free dessert,” said Holden.
Baskin-Robbins: Join their birthday club and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday plus a coupon for $3 off a birthday cake.
Cold Stone Creamery: Join the My Cold Stone Club and get a buy one get one free coupon emailed to you for your birthday.
Dairy Queen: Get a coupon to buy one Blizzard, get one free when you sign up online for the Blizzard of the Month Club. Plus, get an extra coupon on your birthday.
Marble Slab Creamery: A membership in the Slab Happy Rewards loyalty program will get you $5 off on your birthday.
3. Mexican Food Birthday Deals
“If you're ever paying for food on your birthday, you're doing it wrong,” said Matt Spillar from DealsPlus.com. “Desserts are the most common freebie offered, but you can also expect to find free entrees, appetizers and more.” And that includes some free Mexican cuisine.
Baja Fresh: Join the Club Baja email list to get a free burrito on your birthday. You must sign up at least seven days before your birthday and show a valid ID with your date of birth to claim your burrito.
Don Pablo’s: Visit your local Don Pablo’s restaurant for some Tex-Mex cuisine and pick up a Habaneros Card. Register your card online before your birthday week to receive a $10 rewards coupon, redeemable once during the four weeks following your birthday.
El Chico Cafe: Enjoy a complimentary dessert on your birthday with a membership in their e-club.
4. Free Birthday Desserts
Many birthday specials include a free dessert at some of your favorite restaurants.
Cantina Laredo: This Mexican chain rewards members of their e-club with a complimentary birthday dessert with a dinner purchase.
La Madeleine Country French Cafe: Join their online e-club and receive a free individual pastry or slice of cake on your birthday.
RAM Restaurant & Brewery: Sign up for email notifications for RAM Restaurant & Brewery or C.B. & Potts Restaurant & Brewery and enjoy a free birthday mud pie with entree purchase.
Shari's Cafe: Sign up for Shari's Cafe Club and receive a free slice of pie on your birthday.
5. Birthday Breakfast Deals
A free birthday meal doesn’t have to be dinner — celebrate with breakfast instead at one of these restaurants.
Denny’s: Get a free Grand Slam Breakfast on your birthday at this popular restaurant chain. Restrictions apply, however, so contact your local restaurant to ask for more details and be prepared to show ID.
IHOP: Subscribe to IHOP’s Pancake Revolution email list and get a free full stack of pancakes every year on your birthday. Members must be at least 13 years old.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Join myPerkins, the email list for this nationwide family restaurant, and get a free breakfast on your birthday. Contact your local Perkins for more details.
6. Free Pizza on Your Birthday
It’s pretty hard to say no to pizza, especially when it’s free birthday food. Get a free pizza pie on your birthday at one of these restaurants.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar: Enjoy a free small one-topping deep dish pizza on your birthday when you sign up for their online rewards program.
Old Chicago Pizza & Pasta: If pizza and beer sound like a great way to celebrate your big day, you’ll enjoy the $16 Birthday Value credit that comes with an eligible membership in the new OC Rewards Program. Some restrictions apply.
Pizza Ranch: Join the Ranch Rewards email program to get $5 loaded onto your card on the Monday before your birthday. Must be redeemed within 30 days.
7. Kids' Birthday Freebies
Say “happy birthday” without breaking the bank when you use these birthday discounts for kids.
Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen: Surprise a child age 12 or younger with a membership in The Kid's Birthday Club and get a free kid's meal at participating Captain D’s restaurants.
Chuck E. Cheese: Book a kid's birthday party on Friday or Sunday night and get 100 free tokens for play at Chuck E. Cheese.
Imo’s Pizza: Children age 12 and younger who join Imo’s Pizza Kids' Club will receive an email birthday coupon to redeem at a local Imo’s location. Sign up now — if you wait until your child’s birthday month you won’t get the coupon until the end of the month.
Mattel Toys: Get a $5 email birthday certificate when you sign your child up for Mattel’s Birthday Club. Visit their site to download the application, fill it in and take it to your local Mattel Toy Store.
Nick Jr. Birthday Club: If you know a child between the age of 1 and 13 who would love a birthday phone call from their favorite Nickelodeon Kids character, you're in luck. Sign them up for free through the Nick Jr. Birthday Club and schedule their call.
8. Free Birthday Smoothies
If the idea of a whole free birthday dinner just doesn’t appeal to you, here are a few healthier alternatives.
Booster Juice: Sign up online at least one week before your birthday to become a member of Booster Nation and receive an email coupon good for six months for a free birthday smoothie. Expect to show ID matching the name on your voucher to redeem your offer.
Jamba Juice: Enjoy a free birthday juice or smoothie when you sign up for Jamba Insider Rewards.
Planet Smoothie: Get a free birthday smoothie every year when you sign up online for the Planet Smoothie Birthday Club.
9. Free Birthday Coffee or Tea
“I'm a fan of the Starbucks freebie because I don't often treat myself to lattes or blended coffees,” said Perez. Check out what coffee and tea birthday deals are available.
Argo Tea Cafe: Loyal Argo tea customers can enjoy a free $5 drink with membership in the LoyalTea club and at least five visits.
David’s Tea: Membership in the David’s Tea Frequent Steeper loyalty program gets you a free cup of any tea on your birthday. You can sign up in store or online.
Starbucks: Enjoy a free tea, coffee or another favorite Starbucks item for your birthday when you sign up for My Starbucks Rewards online. Your free birthday credit gets added to your account two days prior to your birthday and expires the day after. Just show the barista your registered Starbucks reward card to receive the free item.
10. Free Birthday Cake and Cupcakes
Have a birthday party and celebrate with a free birthday cake or cupcake on your special day.
Gigi’s Cupcakes: Sign up for Gigi’s Cupcake Lovers Rewards Program and get a free cupcake for your birthday. Redeemable at any Gigi’s location, simply show your rewards card any day of your birthday month to get your free birthday cupcake.
Portillo’s: This Italian restaurant chain gives members of Portillo’s Birthday Club a slice of their famous chocolate cake as a free birthday treat. Vouchers are emailed seven days prior to your birthday and expire seven days after your birthday. Expect to show photo ID at the restaurant.
Sprinkles Cupcakes: Get a free birthday cupcake when you sign up for the Sprinkles Perks rewards program and, depending on how many cupcake purchases you make during the year, you could qualify for a free dozen cupcakes, as well.
11. Birthday Movie Deals
Whether you’re celebrating birthday festivities with your family or on a date with a special friend, a birthday movie deal can only make it better.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: If movie and a beer sound more like your scene, join the Alamo Victory mailing list and receive a free birthday movie ticket on your birthday each year.
Cinemark: Subscribe to the Cinemark weekly email list and get a birthday coupon emailed to you for a free gift during your birthday week.
Showcase Cinemas: The Showcase Starpass Rewards Program offers a voucher for free popcorn as long as you earn points within 30 days of your birthday. And for families with kids, pay $10 for a Showcase Popcorn Club membership and receive $27 in free birthday deals, including a movie ticket, popcorn, candy, a backpack and another free movie ticket to redeem on your child’s birthday.
12. Birthday Entertainment Deals
Some people prefer to celebrate a birthday quietly at home with a DVD while others want to go out on the town. Either way, there’s a birthday freebie for you.
Disneyland: Receive a free magical birthday button on your special day inside City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park or at Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park. Valid theme park admission is required.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: How about a birthday celebration that includes a medieval feast and a valuable freebie? Join the Birthday Fellowship email list and get one free admission during your birthday month with the purchase of one full-price adult admission. Must be at least 13 years old.
Redbox: If you’d rather stay in for your birthday, get a free one-night DVD rental when you sign up for the Redbox Play Pass.
13. Free Froyo on Your Birthday
Salute another great year with these deals on free birthday frozen yogurt.
Menchies: Sign up for the mySmileage rewards program and receive a $5 credit to use the month of your birthday.
Orange Leaf Yogurt: Sign up for Orange Leaf Yogurt's Ounce Back loyalty card and receive a coupon for $3 off on your birthday.
Pinkberry: As a Pinkberry loyalty rewards member you can enjoy a free frozen yogurt on your birthday.
Yogurt Mountain (YOMO): Sign up for YOMO Club by texting "YOMOclub" plus your birthday month to “81018” to get special offers, promos and a free yogurt on your birthday. For example, text "YOMOclub01" if your birthday is in January, "YOMOclub12" if it's in December and so on.
14. Retail Discounts for Your Birthday
Get a gift to use in your home or office, or collect extra rewards points on your birthday.
Anthropologie: Join loyalty rewards program Anthro to receive a free birthday discount redeemable on any one purchase in-store or online during your birthday month. You must sign up at least 30 days prior to your birthday to be eligible.
Kohl’s: Whether you’re shopping for kitchen supplies or something special for your apartment, Kohl’s offers a free birthday gift to members of their Yes2You Rewards membership program.
Office Depot: Join their free online rewards program to collect points for purchases and get a special birthday bonus reward on your birthday.
15. Free Chocolate for Your Birthday
Who could say no to free birthday chocolate or a cookie? Here are some of the best sweet treats for your birthday needs.
Edible Arrangements: Sign up for Edible Rewards online and get a free 12-count chocolate Dipped Fruit box during your birthday month.
Godiva Chocolates: Sign up for Godiva Chocolate’s Rewards Club and receive a free birthday offer when you show your card in-store. The reward can change from month-to-month, but — hey — chocolate is chocolate.
Great American Cookies: Join the Great American Cookies email list and get a free treat on your birthday.
16. Birthday Shoe Deals
Step out in style with a birthday discount on that pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on.
Aerosoles: Joining Aerosoles VIP Rewards program entitles you to 15 percent off your purchase. Sign up online or in-store.
DSW Shoe Warehouse: Sign up for a free DSW Rewards membership and get free birthday offers sent to you.
Famous Footwear: Achieve a Gold level membership in Famous Footwear’s online rewards program by spending $200 in 12 months and earn a $10 coupon on your birthday.
17. Clothing Deals for Your Birthday
“Don't be shy when you're asked for your date of birth when signing up for your favorite retailer's rewards cards programs,” said Linda Condrillo of Frugalinda.com. “They often come with the added bonus of a special gift for your birthday month. Bob's Stores and Victoria's Secret are two that come to mind.”
American Eagle Outfitters: Save 15 percent off your clothing purchases during your birthday month when you share your email in-store at checkout or online.
Bob’s Stores: This family clothing and footwear store sends you a Birthday Bonus Reward via email when you join The Best of Bob’s Rewards Program.
J. Crew: Join Factory First mailing list an receive 20 percent off and free shipping on your birthday.
Victoria’s Secret: Apply for a Victoria’s Secret Angel credit card and get a $10 gift for your birthday.
18. Birthday Makeup Freebies
Get your glamour on with free birthday makeup from these beauty stores.
Lancome: Join the Lancome Paris online rewards program and enjoy 15 percent off during your birthday month.
Sephora: Join Sephora’s free Beauty Insider Program by signing up in-store or online and get a free gift during your birthday month. For 2016 the gift is your choice of a mini set from Fresh or a mini set from Marc Jacobs Beauty.
Ulta Beauty: Sign up for Ultamate Rewards and get two gifts during your birthday month: Double rewards points and a free birthday gift, subject to change each quarter.
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19. Skincare and Hair Care Gifts
Look your best for free with birthday deals on skincare and hair care products.
Aveda: Sign up for Aveda’s PurePriviledge reward program and get a free gift for your birthday valued at $23. However take note of the $10 signup charge. Though this is an ongoing deal the gift changes monthly. From July 1 through July 31, 2016, you can choose a 1-ounce aromatic oil for body, bath and scalp.
Body Shop: Become a Love Your Body club member online and get a $10 reward on your birthday month.
Fresh: A membership with Fresh Family Rewards comes with a free birthday gift redeemable either online in-store. No purchase is necessary. As of July 2016, the Fresh Family Rewards free birthday gift includes a Mini Sugar Lip Treatment and a Mini Soy Face Cleaner.
20. Miscellaneous Birthday Freebies
And lastly, here are a few retailers offering a birthday surprise, freebie or other great deal for your birthday.
Beach Bum Tanning: If you like the idea of looking tan without hanging out on the beach, head to your local Beach Bum Tanning salon during your birthday month for $20 off any regularly priced package/membership. And don’t forget to bring your photo ID.
Cost Plus World Market: Sign up for World Market Explorer Rewards and receive a free birthday surprise.
Mr. Clean Car Wash: Join the V.I.P. Club and get a free Gold Exterior Wash on the day of your birthday with valid ID.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Birthday Freebies: How to Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday