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Best Holidays for Freebies and Deals
7 min read
What would you like to see when you wake up on your birthday? Well-wishes and birthday GIFs from social media feeds? Is it cards and flowers from your loved ones? You can have both, and to put the icing on the cake, you can have one of your favorite brands tell you, "It's on the house!"
You don't have to pay for anything on your big day and still celebrate it with gusto. In this article, we'll take you through all the birthday freebies you can get. From makeup products, clothes, entertainment, food, drinks, and other birthday deals that might suit your fancy.
Some retailers require a prior subscription to their newsletters or enrollment in their rewards program. You can just do this once and check your emails around your birthday to check out available freebies. Just don't sign up on the actual date or that week because most places won't send you a birthday offer.
If you're going to a physical store or restaurant, remember to carry your ID. It'd be a shame to go expecting birthday freebies only to leave empty-handed. As we go through this list, it's also worth pointing out that birthday offers are subject to change.
Now let's look at the brands that will celebrate you with a birthday freebie when your special day rolls in.
If you love skincare, makeup, and jewelry, you can get them for free on your birthday. Even though some companies will send you samples, some go the extra mile and offer full-sized products.
Let's get started on the gifts to expect as well as the requirements needed to get free beauty products and jewelry.
Benefit Cosmetics was founded in 1976 and has grown to become one of the companies that manufacture and retail beauty products both in-store and online. It sells makeup products, fragrances, beauty accessories, and skincare products.
What's great about Benefit Cosmetics is that you don't have to sign up for any reward program to get a birthday gift. Instead of offering a discount on your purchase or a freebie, Benefit offers a free brow arch service.
All you have to do is go to their store during any of the weekends of your birthday month. Be sure to carry your ID for verification, and that's it. It's worth mentioning that this free service isn't available at Benefit Brow Bars inside Ulta and Macy's stores.
The BareMinerals Friends and Benefits loyalty program gives members a special promo code. You can redeem this code online or in-store with no minimum purchase needed. You can also get other rewards such as 15% off your first purchase after signing up, $10 off purchases worth $150, and exclusive sales access.
Kendra Scott is a jewelry line launched in 2002 with just $500. Today it’s a multi-billion dollar company that provides exquisite classic and custom pieces that have been donned by celebrities and fans across the world.
You can find Kendra Scott pieces in Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and other high-end establishments. The company has 75 retail stores, or you can shop on the Kendra Scott website. Kendra Scott also offers a line of nail lacquer.
If you prefer fashion jewelry, Kendra Scott offers a 50% discount on a jewelry item for your birthday. You can also get a 25% discount on fine jewelry, sterling silver, and a home collection item.
Note that this birthday discount only takes place in-store, and it’s redeemable with a valid photo ID as well as the Kendra Scott email showing the deal details. You can’t combine this birthday discount with another, and it’s not eligible for returns or exchanges.
Sephora is one of the premier beauty stores in the world. The French multinational retailer offers makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, nail color, body lotion, and beauty tools. It features over 340 brands, including classic and emerging brands and its own private label.
To get birthday freebies from Sephora, you'll have to sign up for the free Beauty Insider Program. You can redeem one birthday gift per year across multiple Sephora stores. You'll be required to submit your Beauty Insider email address when you redeem. Also, you don't have to buy anything in-store, but a purchase is required for online redemption.
Sephora allows you to redeem two weeks before or after your birthday, provided it's within your birthday month. It's also worth noting that Sephora's birthday gifts change annually, and the offer is only valid while supplies last. Here's what you can expect from this year's birthday gift calendar.
Ulta Beauty was founded in Illinois in 1990. It boasts a chain of beauty stores with a beauty salon where you can get groomed eyebrows and hair care services. Ulta Beauty sells cosmetic products, skincare, hair care products, and fragrance for both men and women.
Ulta Beauty gives its ‘Ultamate’ members a free surprise gift on their birthday month. You have to opt-in for their emails to receive the coupon for your gift. You can redeem the scannable coupon either online or in-store. Note that the gift coupon is only valid for 30 days. You'll also get 2x points on top of your gift.
Platinum and Diamond members get 2x points that month, a gift, and a $10 coupon. Just like Sephora, Ulta's gift options usually change. If you want to get Ulta's birthday freebies, try to sign up at least one month before your birthday.
If makeup and skincare products aren't really your thing, you can still style up for free on your birthday. Here are clothing and shoe stores that offer discounts and birthday freebies.
American Eagle Outfitters first opened in Michigan in 1977 and has over 1,000 retail locations today and an online presence at AE.com. It specializes in lifestyle clothing for young adults between 15 and 25 years old. So you can expect T-shirts, hoodies, and jeans. American Eagle Outfitters has a sister line called Aerie that specializes in swimwear and undergarments for women.
American Eagle offers a Real Rewards program where members get a special coupon every year on their birthday. As a rewards member, you'll earn points on purchases toward discount codes at both American Eagle and Aerie. Depending on your tier level in the rewards program, you can get a coupon from 15% to 25% off a purchase you make in the future.
Anthropologie was founded in the early 1990s in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Its main aim was to provide women’s fashion for creative and sophisticated women in their 30s and 40s. Its first brick-and-mortar store was opened in Pennsylvania. Today, the company has extended its offerings to clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products, home goods, garden, and decor products.
You can earn a special birthday offer when you join the free AnthroPerks rewards club. You'll be able to get members-only promotions and first dibs on new arrivals at Anthropologie.
Banana Republic was founded in 1978, but it’s now owned by Gap Inc. It specializes in low-end luxury clothing and accessories.
You can get access to a birthday gift from Banana Republic when you sign up to receive their emails.
Columbia started in 1938 as a hat company, but it began to expand and launch its own lines of apparel, outdoor gear, and footwear.
Columbia has a Greater Rewards program where members get a birthday gift, a welcome gift, and free shipping on all orders.
The Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) is a shoe store that sells designer and name-brand shoes and fashion accessories. The company was founded in 1969 as a shoe licensee and opened its first store in Ohio in 1991.
Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) has a free DSW VIP club where members get a $5 reward on their birthdays to be used in-store or online. If you spend $200 yearly, you become a VIP Gold member, and you'll receive $5 on your birthday. On the other hand, if you spend $500 in a year, you become a VIP Elite member, and you'll receive a $10 reward on your birthday.
Famous Footwear was founded in 1960 in Winsconsin and has since expanded into a nationwide chain of retail stores that deal in branded footwear at surprisingly low prices.
To get a birthday freebie from Famous Footwear, you'll have to join the Famously You rewards program and get a $5 birthday cash reward.
JCPenney was founded in Wyoming in 1920. It has served over a century as one of the top department stores in the U.S. The store offers a wide clothing catalog for men, women, and children.
You have to be a JCPenney Rewards member to receive a special gift on your birthday. Once you're a member, you'll get $10 for every 200 points you earn. If you become a JCPenney credit cardholder, you earn twice the points.
Kohl’s started out as a grocery store in Wisconsin in 1927. It then opened as a department store in 1962. Today it sells clothing, sporting goods, fashion accessories, toys, jewelry, and furniture in every state except Hawaii.
When you enroll in Kohl's rewards program, you'll receive a birthday gift and personalized offers to help you save. The program doesn't disclose what you should expect, so prepare to be surprised.
If movies and more adventure-packed activities are more your thing, we've got you covered with these entertainment freebies on your birthday.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema started in 1997 in Texas, and it’s famous for serving food and drinks during a movie.
When you join the Victory program at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, you'll receive a free movie ticket on your birthday each year. What's even more appealing is that you'll get two free tickets if you visit it more than 60 times a year.
AMC Theatres is the largest movie theatre chain in the world, founded in 1920. It’s headquartered in Kansas.
To get a birthday freebie from AMC, you have to become an AMC Stubs Insider. It's free to join, and you'll receive a large popcorn box during your birthday month. The AMC Stubs Premiere membership costs $15 a year, and you'll receive a large fountain drink to go with the popcorn.
Hard Rock Cafe includes themed restaurants with rock and roll memorabilia. It serves classic American cooking with a southern flair.
If you've been eyeing their merch and other music-inspired souvenirs, you can browse their online exclusives and even get 15% off on your first order. The restaurants offer a free entree on your birthday.
If you’ve ever wished that you’d go back in time and witness sword-fighting or jousting, that’s what Medieval Times is all about. It has nine North American castles in Orlando, Dallas, and Chicago.
If you're looking for an action-packed and fun-filled night that involves sword fighting, jousting, horses, and falconry, Medieval Times is the place to be for your birthday. You can sign up for email updates and get free admission on your birthday.
Redbox started as a movie rental service where you’d pick up rented DVDs in a physical location. Since it launched its streaming service, Redbox removed the need for having to go to a physical location to rent movies. Its Redbox on Demand works like Netflix, but the difference is that you don’t need to subscribe to its services. You pay for what you want to stream only.
Redbox offers a birthday rental when you sign up for Redbox Perks. However, it must be used within 60 days. If you make 50 rentals or purchases, you'll receive two free birthday rentals as well as a free night rental just for signing up that lasts two weeks.
Another great thing about birthdays is you can eat day and night without paying a cent. Let's look at all you can get, from fancy coffee and gourmet burgers to entire steak dinners and alcohol.
Here's how you can start your day with tasty breakfast options.
You'll get a free bagel with cream cheese from Bruegger’s Bagels on your birthday.
At Denny's, you'll get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on your birthday when you join Denny's Rewards. On top of this offer, you'll receive 20% off on your next visit when you sign up.
When you sign up for Dunkin Donuts DD Perks, you'll get a free beverage of your choice in any size. The beverage can be hot or iced coffee, latte, tea, or hot chocolate.
You'll receive a free stack of pancakes on your birthday when you join MyHop Pancake Perks at participating locations. You can also expect another stack for signing up and during your signup anniversary from IHOP.
Krispy Kreme offers a dozen glazed doughnuts for free during your birthday month.
As a Starbucks Rewards member, you'll get a complimentary food item, beverage, and ready-to-drink beverage.
When you sign up for the Regulars club, you'll get a free classic waffle to celebrate your birthday.
If you want to know what your favorite restaurants do for birthdays, here's the low-down on where to go.
You'll get a free burger on the spot when you sign up for Backyard Burger's Clubhouse.
You'll receive a special offer on your birthday when you sign up for Club Baja.
Once you register for the Chef's Table, you'll get a $30 gift certificate to redeem during your birthday month.
You'll get a free meal when you join bd's Rewards eClub and a $5 coupon for signing up.
If your kids are 12 years old and below, they'll get a free kid's meal once you sign up for the Bob Evans Kids' Times Birthday Club.
When you join the Black Angus Prime Club, you can expect a free steak dinner during your first year of membership.
At Buffalo Wild Wings, you'll receive snack-sized wings as a birthday freebie when you sign up for the Blazin' Rewards program.
El Pollo Loco offers free chips and guac on your birthday when you sign up for the chain's Rewards program.
You'll get a free medium sub on your birthday when you join the Firehouse rewards program.
As a HoneyBaked Rewards member, you'll receive a free ham classic sandwich on your birthday. You just have to choose your location to find the nearest store.
When you join the Hooters Hoot club, you'll receive 10 free boneless wings on your birthday at participating Hooters locations.
You'll get a free sub and drink when you join Jersey Mike's email club.
Your kids can get a free Happy Meal on their birthday when you sign up for McDonald's email newsletter. You'll get a free sandwich too.
When you download Moe's Southwest Grill mobile app, you'll get a free burrito on your birthday each year. You'll also receive a free order of nachos just for joining.
You'll receive a gift on your birthday and surprise offers when you join Red Lobster's Fresh Catch Club. Make sure to register seven days before your birthday to get the coupon.
You can expect a free burger of your choice at Red Robin during your birthday. However, the Free Birthday Burger reward is only available to members who provide their email and phone number and sign up for email or SMS promotions. You should also provide your date of birth so they'll send you a reminder during your birthday month.
You have to sign up in advance for the So Connected email list to enjoy a free birthday meal of your choice. This could be a free Garden Bar entree or a free burger at participating Ruby Tuesday locations.
When you sign up for Schlotzsky's email list, you'll get a free sandwich on your birthday.
When you sign up for Steak 'n Shake's email club, you'll get a double-steak burger with cheese fries on your birthday. You'll also receive a free shake just for signing up.
TGI Fridays sends you a birthday coupon for a free dessert up to a value of $8. The requirement is that you register for their rewards email list.
When you sign up for Qdoba Rewards, the restaurant sends you a free cookie coupon. This birthday offer can be redeemed during your birthday month.
You can also get discounted or free desserts on your birthday. Here are the places you can get ice cream, cookies, or pastries as birthday freebies.
You'll get a free birthday dessert once you sign up for Applebee's email club.
When you join Auntie Anne's Pretzel Perks, you'll receive a free pretzel after your first purchase and get free pretzel nuggets on your birthday.
To get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday, you'll have to create an account with Baskin Robbins and join their Birthday Club.
You'll receive a birthday offer when you join Ben & Jerry's Flavor Fanatics loyalty program. However, if you sign up within 24 hours of the first day of your birthday month, you won't be eligible to receive a birthday offer.
You have to be a Rotisserie Rewards member to get a birthday reward on or near your birthday. You must have registered for the program at least two weeks before to qualify for a birthday freebie. To collect your birthday reward, give your cell phone number to the cashier at participating Boston Market restaurants. It's worth mentioning that you won't get Market Points for redeeming your birthday reward.
When you join Carvel's Fudgie Fanatics, you'll enjoy a free birthday cone as well as a birthday cake coupon. Note that birthday gifts are valid for two weeks.
Sign up for the Cinnabon email list to get a birthday coupon for a free 16 oz. cold brew drink at any participating Cinnabon location. This deal is valid seven days before, on your birthday, or three days after.
Dairy Queen (DQ) offers a birthday freebie coupon for a buy-one-get-one-free blizzard or royal blizzard treat that's valid for 14 days.
When you register for the My Jamba Rewards program, the juice shop sends you a birthday coupon for a free smoothie or a 12 oz. Juice. This coupon is valid on your birthday plus 30 additional days, and no purchase is required. You can also get a coupon for $3 off your next order after signing up for Insider Rewards.
When you join Marie Callender's eClub, you'll receive 5% off an entree as well as a free slice of pie on your birthday.
When you sign up for Melting Pot's Club Fondue, you'll receive a free box of chocolate-covered strawberries with any menu purchase on your birthday. This deal is valid 30 days before and after your birthday.
Olive Garden sends you a coupon for a free dessert up to a value of $8.50 on your birthday when you join Olive Garden’s eClub. This offer is valid for 21 days, and no purchase is required.
Once you join Yogurtland Real Rewards, you can expect free yogurt ranging from 3 oz. to 16 oz. depending on the number of points you hold.
While you can simply tell a bartender it's your birthday and sometimes land a drink on the house, these businesses consistently offer free drinks for birthdays.
A&W is a fast-food chain known for its burgers and root beer floats. It was founded in 1919 in California.
You have to sign up for the Mug Club to receive a free root beer in a frosty mug on your birthday. The root beer consists of real cane sugar mixed with a blend of herbs, spices, berries, and bark.
The Cider Mill restaurant is located in Syracuse, New York. You'll get a fun mix of four free beers courtesy of the Cider Mill to celebrate your big day.
The Pioneers Bar opened in 2012 in New York. People love that it has indoor games such as billiards, giant Jenga, and a boxing game. You can enjoy free beer and wine all night at Pioneers on your birthday.
The Rogue pub has three locations in Oregon, including Portland, Astoria, and Newport.
Rogue offers free beer for Rogue Nation members on their birthdays at all of its locations.
You'll get free shelled nuts as well as a birthday boot of June Farms pilsner beer to celebrate your birthday at Wolff’s Biergarten. However, you'll be required to present your ID and a $40 deposit just in case you drop the glass boot.
For more birthday freebies, here are other options you can explore.
The Container Store was founded in Texas in 1978, and it operates over 90 stores in the U.S. You can get containers of all sizes for your car, kitchen, office, bedroom, storage, or bathroom.
When you join the POP! (Perfectly Organized Perks) program, you'll receive 15% off your purchase as well as a birthday gift at Container Store.
Ace Hardware was founded in 1924, and it’s operated by local entrepreneurs in Illinois. The hardware store provides a selection of paint, garden, and lawn tools. You can also expect a wide assortment of home repair tools.
As an Ace Rewards member, you get $5 off on your birthday. If you've spent $750 for the entire year, your birthday rewards increase to $10 off regardless of location.
Make sure you sign up at least one month before your birthday. This ensures you have plenty of time for your birthday freebie to get to your inbox during your birthday month. Be sure to check out CouponFollow for more deals from your favorite stores and restaurants.
