Free Birthday Stuff

If there’s one day of the year I love to celebrate, it’s my birthday. Why? Because not only am I another year wiser and slightly more ruggedly handsome, but I can eat my weight in birthday treats . . . for free. And I’m not just talking about birthday cupcakes at the office. I mean loaded burritos, burgers and breakfasts. Yeah. So, if you want a list of where to get free birthday stuff, get ready . . . here are 51 places you can score fun and tasty birthday freebies—just for being born! (Well, you have to sign up for rewards programs and email promos in most cases . . . Let’s not forget the fine print.) How’s that for a good deal on your birthday?

Keep reading to see which restaurants, businesses and retailers want to give you free stuff on your birthday. (And make sure you sign up for these programs before your birthday month so you can score as many freebies as possible!)

P.S. Here’s a life hack: Create a separate email address just for marketing and rewards programs. That way you don’t have to say, “RIP, inbox,” after you sign up for all of these rewards programs.

Free Birthday Breakfasts

Start the day off right with a stack of celebratory pancakes, waffles, a breakfast bagel . . . Who says you have to choose just one? Not me. Go on, indulge. You’re not buying, and legend has it that calories don’t count on your birthday.

1. IHOP

Become an International Bank of Pancakes member and get a free stack of pancakes from IHOP when you come in on your birthday.

2. Denny’s

Still jonesing for some birthday breakfast? Join Denny’s Rewards and get a Build Your Own Grand Slam on the house with a valid ID on your birthday.

3. Waffle House

Maybe pancakes aren’t your thing. That’s fine. Maybe you’re into its crispier cousin, the waffle. When you’re part of the Regulars Club, you can stop by your nearest Waffle House for a free birthday waffle.

4. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Looking for a more substantial birthday breakfast? Einstein Bros. will give you a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich (with separate purchase) on your birthday when you’re part of the Shmear Society. I’m here for the shmear!

5. Free Birthday Snacks

Maybe you’re working up an appetite while you drive around to all these restaurants claiming your free birthday breakfasts. Tide yourself (or your friends, if you possess superhuman kindness) over with these free snacks.

6. Chipotle

Earn points when you sign up for the Chipotle Rewards app. You’ll get free chips and guac when you sign up and a special surprise on your birthday.

7. Auntie Anne’s

Download the Pretzel Perks app to get an extra special birthday reward. I have it on good authority that your Pretzel Perks birthday gift will be a . . . drumroll, please . . . pretzel.

8. Jack in the Box

When you download the Jack in the Box app, you’ll get a freebie on your birthday with any purchase. You may have room for one more app, but do you have room for any more food? Goodness gracious.

Free Birthday Drinks

Try that crazy iced coffee you’ve also wanted or stick to a familiar favorite with these free birthday beverages. Simply join the rewards app or email list, start collecting points, and redeem for a refreshing treat.

9. Starbucks

To get your free birthday drink, food item or bottled beverage, simply sign up for the Starbucks Rewards program at least a week before your birthday and make at least one purchase to get points. Then you’ll get a friendly reminder email from Starbucks to get your free treat. Now’s the time to get that venti extra-whip white chocolate mocha with five pumps and an extra blonde ristretto shot, made with soy. You know what? Scratch that. Coconut milk. You’re going full keto.

10. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

When you sign up for The Coffee Bean Rewards app, you’ll get a tasty birthday treat or drink for free. Just make a qualifying purchase four months before your birthday and you’ll have three days to redeem the birthday offer.

11. Dutch Bros. Coffee

The Dutch Bros. app will give you points for each order, and you’ll get a free “any size” drink on your birthday (aka get the largest size and split it with someone you love). You’ll have 30 days to redeem the offer, so don’t forget to use it!

12. Jamba Juice

Celebrate your birthday with a free smoothie. You just have to earn 15 points with the Jamba rewards app first to redeem this offer.

13. A&W

Join the A&W Mug Club and celebrate your birthday with a complimentary root beer float.

14. Del Taco

If you join Del Taco’s free Del Yeah! Rewards program, you’ll be able to redeem a free shake or dessert on your birthday. Also, props to the marketing team for a fantastically named rewards program.

15. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One members get a birthday treat based on their Chick-fil-A One membership tier. Treats range from a cookie or brownie all the way up to an entrée. You’ll receive your birthday reward on your birthday, and you have 30 days to use it.

Free Birthday Dinners

If you’re not totally stuffed from free short stacks, snacks and drinks, continue your birthday bonanza by adding these free dinners and entrées to your list of birthday freebies.

16. Firehouse Subs

Sign up for Firehouse Rewards and get a free sub for your birthday. You’ll have to use this offer within six days after your birthday. Why not three days? Seven days? The world will never know.

17. Jersey Mike’s

Celebrate your birthday with a free sub when you join the MyMike’s email club. You don’t even have to be named Mike or come from New Jersey to enjoy this perk. But I’d give you bonus points if you’re a guy named Mike in Jersey.

18. Chicken Salad Chick

If you’re using the Chicken Salad Chick Craving Credits reward app (don’t worry, this isn’t a store credit card), you’ll get a free Original Chick meal for your birthday.

19. Red Robin

When you sign up for Red Robin Royalty, you’ll get a free birthday burger—plus other perks throughout the year. Go ahead, birthday king (or queen), it’s your day.

20. Ruby Tuesday

You’ll get $5 off any purchase when you sign up for Ruby Tuesday’s SoConnected membership, and a free burger or Garden Bar entrée on your birthday.

21. Famous Dave’s

Celebrate with a delectable gift on your birthday when you join Famous Dave’s reward program, Famous Nation.

22. Buffalo Wild Wings

When you sign up for the Blazin’ Rewards program, you’ll get six free wings during your birthday month plus other personalized offers.

Free Birthday Desserts

Ah, dessert. It’s the crème de la crème of birthday celebrations. Honestly, isn’t the whole point of turning 29 for the third time to celebrate with cake? Hit up these restaurants and bakeries to have your cake and eat it too (on the house).

23. Krispy Kreme

This is a sweet deal—after you join Krispy Kreme Rewards, your birthday reward can be redeemed once from the first day of your birthday month to the last day of your birthday month.

24. Steak ‘n Shake

Joining the Steak ‘n Shake Rewards Club gives you exclusive deals and rewards, including a special birthday surprise. Is it a steak? Is it a shake? Only one way to find out.

25. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sign up for the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday. Pro tip: Pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds for bonus joy.

26. Baskin Robbins

Get a free 2.5-ounce scoop on your birthday when you opt in to the Birthday Club.

27. Pinkberry

When you sign up for a Pinkcard rewards account, you can get a free frozen yogurt on your birthday.

28. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

If you have a mySmileage account, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt will give you a yearly $5 coupon to use in the week before or after your birthday.

29. The Fresh Market

Party any day of your birthday month with a free slice of Fresh Market’s Ultimate Birthday Cake (when you join the Ultimate Loyalty Experience).

30. Crumbl Cookies

Download the Crumbl app and sign up for the birthday club, then Crumbl will send you a free cookie voucher on your birthday.

31. Olive Garden

Sign up for the Olive Garden eClub to receive coupons—including a special offer for your birthday.

32. Friendly’s

Get a free medium sundae during your birthday month when you sign up for Friendly’s Sweet Rewards Club.

33. Chili’s

Join the My Chili’s Rewards program and you’ll get free chips and salsa (or a nonalcoholic beverage) every time you visit. What? Plus, you can enjoy a free dessert on your birthday.

34. Cinnabon

The new Cinnabon app comes with plenty of sweet perks, including a 16-ounce cold brew on your birthday.

35. Culver’s

Get a free birthday treat when you sign up for MyCulver’s rewards. It’s free, and you’ll get other mouthwatering offers too.

36. Bakers Square

Join the Bakers Square eClub to get deals, coupons and even a free slice of birthday pie on your big day.

37. BJ’s Brewhouse

Sign up for the BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus program to get a free Pizookie when you join and on your birthday. If you’ve never had a cookie-meets-sundae-meets-pizza dessert, now’s your chance. I highly recommend.

38. Sprinkles Cupcakes

Join Sprinkles Perks to earn points and get a free birthday cupcake (or two, or a baker’s dozen, depending on how many points you’ve earned).

39. Edible Arrangements

Sign up for Edible Rewards to get a free box of chocolate-dipped fruit on your birthday. (You do have to make a $29 purchase during the calendar year though, so read the fine print.)

Free Birthday Beauty Services and Products

Okay, you’re full of birthday cake and cookies and pie and Pizookies, and the party hasn’t even started. Good news! You can visit these beauty and fashion retailers for some free birthday giveaways to get swanky before partying the night away.

40. Sephora

If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider member, you can choose a mini cosmetics set from one of Sephora’s top brands or get 250 bonus points to put toward something else.

41. Ulta Beauty

Have an Ultamate Rewards account? You’ll get double bonus points on all purchases in your birthday calendar month—plus an extra gift. (Just make sure you’re signing up for their free rewards program, not their credit card.)

42. bareMinerals

If you sign up for the Good Rewards program, you’re eligible for a free birthday gift when you make an online purchase or visit a bareMinerals boutique during your birthday month.

43. Aveda

At participating Aveda salon locations, you can get a free 30 ml. aromatic oil for bath, body and scalp—or get your gift with an online order when you sign up for the birthday program.

44. DSW

I don’t know if you know this, but I love a snazzy pair of shoes. And I’ve bought my fair share of shoes at the ol’ Designer Shoe Warehouse. If you join DSW VIP, you’ll get $5 to spend during your birthday month.

45. Benefit Boutique

Call me old fashioned, but I prefer my natural eyebrow arch. But if you’re so inclined, go get a free Brow Arch signature service for your birthday at a Benefit BrowBar.

46. Anthropologie

Sign up for AnthroPerks and receive a special something to celebrate your birthday—plus other offers.

Free Birthday Coupons and Offers

For the free birthday giveaways that take a little more effort, there are coupons or BOGO deals. Sign up for these rewards programs to score an extra treat when you make a purchase or sign up for a new rewards account.

47. Cold Stone Creamery

Join Cold Stone’s My Cold Stone Club Rewards program to get a Buy One, Get One Free Creation coupon added to your account for your birthday.

48. Panda Express

Get an exclusive offer on your birthday when you sign up to get promotional emails for Panda Express. I’m pretty sure you won’t get a free baby panda, but an orange chicken entrée is a safe bet.

49. Target

When you join the Target Circle loyalty app, you’ll be eligible for 5% off a single purchase for your birthday. Just make sure to redeem the offer within 30 days.  

50. Dunkin’

When you join Dunkin’ Rewards, you earn points with every purchase—which you can cash in for donuts or coffee. And on your birthday, plus the day before and the day after, you’ll get three times the points on any purchase you make.

51. Redbox

Get a $2-off reward code for the kiosk or on-demand movies when you sign up for Redbox Perks.

52. Panera Bread

Join MyPanera to get rewards with your Panera purchases . . . including a birthday surprise (usually a free pastry or sweet).

Budget for Birthdays With EveryDollar

Birthdays are the best. You get can get a free treat almost every day of your birthday month when you activate these rewards and sign up for email lists. That’s a sweet deal! But if you want to celebrate your birthday—or someone else’s—by buying actual stuff, like a confetti ice cream cake or a nice dinner or some sparkly decorations, don’t forget to add those things to your budget. I use EveryDollar to plan every purchase I’m going to make so it’s easy to track my spending each month. Try it out!