Starbucks and 83 Other Places That Give Away Birthday Freebies
Here's where to score free things on your birthday.
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You don’t have to spend a bundle to have a memorable birthday celebration. Instead of emptying your bank account on a big party or birthday dinner with pals, strive to eat, drink, shop and enjoy yourself for less on your special day.
Birthday boys and girls of all ages can take advantage of the many special offers available from businesses around the U.S. While some gifts can only be collected on your actual birthday, others are available the whole month — and some places give you even longer to redeem your freebies. Here are 84 ways to score freebies, deals and discounts on your special day.
Birthday Coffee and Tea Deals
Coffee is key if you plan to celebrate late into the night on your birthday. And while Starbucks offers solid deals year-round, it’s not the only place you can spend the morning and get a deal on your special day.
Argo Tea: LoyalTea club members can enjoy a free drink worth up to $5 on their birthdays after reaching PrioriTea status, which requires five visits.
DavidsTea: Membership in the DavidsTea Frequent Steeper loyalty program gets you a free cup of tea on your special day.
Peet’s Coffee: Join Peetnik Rewards to get any size of your favorite beverage as an on-the-house birthday treat.
Starbucks: Enjoy a free tea, coffee or other Starbucks item for your birthday when you sign up for Starbucks Rewards online or through the app.
Birthday Breakfast Deals
What better way to start your birthday than with a free meal? Head to one of these chains to get breakfast on the house.
Denny’s: Get a free Grand Slam birthday breakfast at this popular restaurant chain.
IHOP: Subscribe to IHOP’s Pancake Revolution email list and get a free, full stack of pancakes for every birthday. Members must be at least 13.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Join My Perkins, the email list for this nationwide family restaurant, and get a special gift on your birthday.
Birthday Dinner Deals
The free meals don’t have to stop at breakfast. Here’s where to go for free steaks and more.
Benihana: During their birthday months, members of the Benihana Chef’s Table list get a $30 email certificate for use toward a meal.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Get a free steak dinner on your birthday in your first year as a Prime Club member.
Don Pablo’s: Join the Habeneros Club to receive a $10 coupon, redeemable for 30 days following the Sunday before your special day.
Hooters: Download the free Hooters app to become a member of the HootClub, and you’ll get free food on your birthday.
P.F. Chang’s: Sign up for P.F. Chang’s Rewards to get a birthday reward.
Red Lobster: The birthday offer you get will be a surprise when you sign up to get Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch News emails.
Birthday Burger Deals
Are you a meat lover? Then you don’t want to miss out on these beefy birthday freebies.
Red Robin: Join the Red Robin Royalty program to get a free birthday burger. You can choose from over 24 gourmet burgers, and claim your freebie any time during your birthday month.
Ruby Tuesday: Enjoy a free burger (or garden bar entree) on your birthday when you join the So Connected email list.
Birthday Sandwich Deals
For some reason, everything tastes better between two slices of bread. Make the most of your birthday by enjoying sandwich deals at these spots.
Arby’s: Sign up to “Get Deals” on Arbys.com, and you’ll get special deals on your birthday. You must be over the age of 13 to join.
Jersey Mike’s: Subscribe to the Jersey Mike’s Subs Email Club and you’ll get a coupon emailed to you for your birthday that can be redeemed for a free regular sub and a 22-ounce drink. Best of all, you have a full year to make use of this deal.
Zaxby’s: The chicken chain goes the old-fashioned route with its birthday freebie. Sign up for the Zax Mail Club to get a snail mail postcard that can be redeemed for a free Nibbler chicken slider sandwich on your birthday.
Birthday Taco and Burrito Deals
Taco ’bout a good deal. Here’s how you can get free tacos on your birthday.
Baja Fresh: Join the Club Baja email list to get a free special treat on your birthday.
El Pollo Loco: Loco Rewards members get a free birthday reward each year.
Jack in the Box: Sign up with your email address or mobile number to unlock this deal for two free birthday tacos with a purchase.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Download the Moe’s app to get a free burrito on your birthday every year.
Qdoba: Register for Qdoba’s rewards program and you’ll get a surprise treat on your birthday.
Birthday Ice Cream Deals
Ice cream goes with birthday cake like peanut butter goes with jelly. Score ice cream at these chains on your big day.
Baskin-Robbins: Join the Baskin-Robbins birthday club and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
The Cheesecake Factory: Although you’ll have to pay for cheesecake — even on your birthday — you can get a complimentary birthday sundae when you dine in at this popular chain. Just tell your server you’re celebrating.
Cold Stone Creamery: Join the My Cold Stone Club and get a “buy one, get one free” ice cream deal for your birthday.
Del Taco: Become a member of the Raving Fan Eclub to get a free regular-sized premium shake on your birthday in your choice of flavor: vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.
Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream: Joining the Dot Crazy! Email Club is free, and you’ll get free Dippin’ Dots on your birthday when you sign up.
Friendly’s: If you love ice cream cake, be sure to sign up for the Friendly’s BFF Club. You’ll get $3 off ice cream cakes for your birthday as a member.
Marble Slab Creamery: Membership in the Slab Happy Rewards loyalty program will get you sweet treats and rewards on your birthday.
Rita’s: Sign up for Rita’s Birthday Club and you’ll get a free birthday treat.
Steak ‘n Shake: Want a free specialty milkshake on your birthday? All you have to do to score one is join Steak ‘n Shake’s eClub.
Birthday Smoothie Deals
Start off your new year of life on a healthy foot with a free smoothie.
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 for the Planet Smoothie Club.
Birthday Bagel Deals
These chains think of your birthday as a true hole-y day, which is why you can score bagel deals here.
Bruegger’s Bagels: You’ll get a free bagel with cream cheese when you sign up for the Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle Rewards Program, and you’ll also get a special offer on your birthday.
Einstein Bros Bagels: Join the Schmear Society Rewards Program to get an egg sandwich with purchase on your birthday.
Birthday Frozen Yogurt Deals
There’s no such thing as too many sweet treats on your special day. Here’s where you can go for free fro-yo.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Sign up for the mySmileage rewards program and receive a $5 credit to use during your birthday month.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: Sign up for the Ounce Back rewards card and receive a coupon for $3 off on your birthday.
Pinkberry: As a Pinkcard member, you can enjoy a free frozen yogurt on your birthday.
TCBY: Once you reach “Silver Spoon” status with the TCBY Insiders rewards program, you’ll earn a free birthday treat.
Yogurtland: Get 3 ounces worth of frozen yogurt and toppings for free on your birthday when you become a Real Rewards member. When you reach Platinum status, you’ll get a whopping 16-ounce birthday treat.
Yogurt Mountain (YOMO): Sign up for the YOMO Club by texting “YOMOclub” plus your birthday month to “81018” for special offers and a free yogurt on your birthday. For example, text “YOMOclub01” if your birthday is in January.
Birthday Chocolate Deals
Birthdays are the ideal time to indulge. Snag these chocolate-dipped delights and other desserts.
Edible Arrangements: Sign up for Edible Rewards online and get a free, 12-count chocolate dipped fruit box during your birthday month.
Godiva: Sign up for the Godiva Rewards Club to get an exclusive birthday gift.
Birthday Dessert Deals and Freebies
“If you’re ever paying for food on your birthday, you’re doing it wrong,” said personal finance blogger Matt Spillar from Spills Spot. “Desserts are the most common freebie offered.” So, loosen your belt and get ready to chow down.
A&W All American Food: Join the A&W Mug Club to get a free root beer float on your birthday.
Bojangles’: What’s sweeter than a Bo-Berry Biscuit? A free Bo-Berry Biscuit — and it’s yours with any purchase on your birthday when you join the chicken and biscuit chain’s E-Club.
California Pizza Kitchen: All CPK Rewards members get a free dessert on their birthday. Once you reach VIP status, you get upgraded to a free birthday entree.
Cantina Laredo: Get a free birthday dessert at this Mexican chain when you sign up for its e-Club.
Chili’s: My Chili’s Rewards members get a free dessert on their birthday.
Cinnabon: Join Club Cinnabon to get a special present on your birthday.
El Chico Cafe: Enjoy a complimentary dessert on your birthday with membership in the El Chico E-Club.
Gigi’s Cupcakes: Sign up for the Gigi’s Cupcakes rewards program and get a free cupcake for your birthday.
La Madeleine Country French Cafe: Download the La Madeleine app and receive a bakery treat on your birthday.
Portillo’s: This hot dog chain gives each member of its Birthday Club a slice of chocolate cake as a free birthday treat.
RAM Restaurant & Brewery: Sign up for the RAM Restaurant & Brewery MVP Club and enjoy a free birthday mud pie with the purchase of an entree.
Shari’s: Join Shari’s Rewards and receive a free slice of pie on your birthday.
Sprinkles Cupcakes: Get a free birthday cupcake when you sign up for the Sprinkles Perks rewards program. Frequent buyers could qualify for a free dozen cupcakes.
TGI Fridays: Sign up for Fridays Rewards and you’ll get a free dessert with the purchase of an entree for your birthday.
Birthday Pizza Deals
It’s hard to say no to pizza, especially when it’s free birthday food. Get a free pizza on your birthday and other deals at one of these establishments.
Bertucci’s: Sign up to become a member of Bertucci’s Dough Nation and get a free birthday gift every year.
Imo’s Pizza: Join Imo’s Beyond Compare Rewards program to get a free 10-inch one-topping pizza for your birthday. You have 30 days to use this birthday coupon.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar: Enjoy a free, small, one-topping deep dish pizza on your birthday when you sign up for the Green Mill Rewards club.
Pizza Hut: Sign up to be a Hut Rewards member, and you’ll get a birthday reward to help you celebrate your day.
Pizza Ranch: Join the Ranch Rewards email program to get $5 loaded on your card as a birthday bonus.
Sbarro: Sign up to be a part of the Slice Society and you’ll get a surprise offer on your birthday.
Birthday Freebies for Kids
Sign your kids up for these rewards programs so they can get free birthday treats too.
The Mattel Toy Store: Fill out an online application and bring it to your local Mattel Toy Store to redeem it for a birthday button, balloon and a crown or tiara during your child’s birthday month. You’ll also receive a special offer via email.
Nick Jr. Birthday Club: If you know a child who would love to get a birthday call from his or her favorite Nickelodeon character, you’re in luck. Sign up for the Nick Jr. Birthday Club for free.
Birthday Movie Deals
Whether you’re celebrating your birthday with family or planning a budget-friendly date, you might be able to score some free or discounted entertainment.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: If you want to spend your birthday enjoying beer and a good flick, join the Alamo Victory mailing list. You’ll get a free birthday movie ticket each year.
Redbox: If you’d rather stay in for your birthday, get a free, one-night DVD rental when you sign up for Redbox Perks.
Showcase Cinemas: You can pay $10 for the family-friendly Showcase Popcorn Club membership and get popcorn, candy and a backpack, plus, you’ll get a free movie ticket to redeem on your child’s birthday.
Birthday Entertainment Deals
Don’t miss out on these free perks at popular entertainment venues.
Disneyland: At Disneyland’s City Hall or Guest Services, you can get a free birthday button to let other guests know it is your big day.
Medieval Times: Interested in a birthday celebration that includes a medieval feast and show? Join the Birthday Fellowship email list and get one free admission with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket during your birthday month.
Universal Studios: Stop by the Guest Relations office to receive a free birthday button when you celebrate at the park.
Birthday Clothing Discounts and Deals
Get exclusive discounts and surprise gifts from these retailers.
American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie: Get a 15% off coupon for your birthday when you join the AEO Connected rewards program.
Anthropologie: Join Anthro Perks to get a special treat during your birthday month.
Victoria’s Secret: Apply for a Victoria’s Secret Angel credit card and get a gift for your birthday after you spend $10.
Birthday Shoe Deals
Put some extra pep in your birthday step with a discounted pair of new shoes.
DSW: Sign up for a free DSW VIP rewards membership and get a $5 to $10 coupon for your birthday, depending on your status level.
Famous Footwear: Join the Famously You Rewards program to get $5 in Rewards Cash for your birthday. Plus, you’ll earn double points for every purchase made during your birthday month.
Birthday Shopping Deals
Spend your birthday shopping ’til you drop — and you won’t even have to feel bad about it with these birthday deals.
Office Depot and Office Max: Become a VIP with the Office Depot/Office Max Rewards program to collect points for purchases and get a special birthday offer.
World Market: Explorer Rewards members get a free birthday surprise each year.
Birthday Makeup, Skincare and Beauty Deals
Want to get your glamour on with free beauty products, makeup and skin care deals? Check out these deals you can get on your birthday.
Aveda: Sign up for Aveda’s Pure Privilege rewards program and get a free gift for your birthday valued at $23. There is a $10 charge to sign up.
The Body Shop: Become a Love Your Body club member online and get a $10 reward during your birthday month.
Fresh: A membership with Fresh Family Rewards comes with a free birthday gift.
Lancome: Join the Lancome Paris Elite Rewards program and get a free birthday gift.
Sephora: Join Sephora’s free Beauty Insider program by signing up in a store or online, and get a free gift during your birthday month.
Ulta Beauty: Sign up for Ultamate Rewards and get two benefits during your birthday month: double rewards points and a free birthday gift.
More on Saving Money
- How To Save Money on All Your Monthly Expenses and Bills
- I Save $100 on Food Every Month by Doing a ‘Freezer Week’ — Here’s How I Plan for It
- 4 Ways To Save More, Regardless of Your Income Level
Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.
About the Author
Andrew Lisa
Andrew Lisa has been writing professionally since 2001. An award-winning writer, Andrew was formerly one of the youngest nationally distributed columnists for the largest newspaper syndicate in the country, the Gannett News Service. He worked as the business section editor for amNewYork, the most widely distributed newspaper in Manhattan, and worked as a copy editor for TheStreet.com, a financial publication in the heart of Wall Street’s investment community in New York City.
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