Consumers seeking complimentary products and services can find a variety of birthday freebies available across Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities area. These offers typically require enrollment in a company's rewards program or email club, with eligibility often dependent on membership duration prior to the birthday. The available freebies span multiple categories, including food and beverages, retail products, and entertainment credits. The following information details specific offers, eligibility requirements, and participating locations as documented in available consumer resources.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Many restaurants and food retailers provide complimentary items to customers who join their loyalty programs. Sign-up requirements and redemption processes vary by brand.
Desserts and Sweets
Several chains offer free desserts or treats for birthday celebrants who are program members. Baskin Robbins provides a free scoop of ice cream to members of its rewards program. Cold Stone Creamery offers a reward, and Crumbl Cookies gives a free cookie to Silver, Gold, and Pink status members. Culver's provides a free one-scoop dish with one topping. Famous Dave's, Häagen-Dazs, Krispy Kreme (free original glazed doughnut), and Nothing Bundt Cakes (free bundtlet for eClub members) also participate in birthday promotions. McDonald's offers a free McCafe dessert, while Panera Bread provides a free dessert or pastry. Red Lobster and Subway give free desserts and cookies, respectively, to their rewards members.
Full Meals and Entrées
For more substantial birthday meals, several establishments offer free entrées. Acapulco Resaurante Mexicano provides a free entrée. Buffalo Wild Wings, through its rewards program, typically offers a free six-wing order. Chipotle has been known to offer free beverages to Chipotle Rewards members on their half-birthdays. Denny's Rewards members receive a free Grand Slam breakfast on their birthday. Firehouse Subs gives a free medium sub to members of the Firehouse Rewards program, and parents can register children for the promotion as well. Houlihan's, at its Eagan and Chanhassen locations, provides a free entrée to email club members. Old Chicago Pizza offers a free pizza up to $17 for OC Rewards members who have visited once in the calendar year before their birthday. Red Robin Royalty members receive a free burger loaded to their account during their birthday month. Perkins provides a free breakfast for MyPerkins members, with a free children's breakfast for rewards members 12 and under.
Coffee and Drinks
Coffee shops and beverage retailers also participate. Caribou offers a free drink. Cinnabon provides a free 16oz Cold Brew. Dunn Brothers Coffee gives a $5 credit for a birthday treat to Dunn Brothers Rewards members. Starbucks Rewards members receive a free drink or food item on their birthday. Health Evolution offers a free regular-size drink to members. Jamba Juice provides a free small smoothie to My Jamba Rewards members who have spent at least $10 in the past year.
Specialty and Local Offers
Some local Minnesota establishments provide unique birthday deals. Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar offers a free appetizer upon registration and a free entrée on your birthday for e-club members, with locations in Baxter, Mankato, Plymouth, Waite Park, and Willmar. Hogan Brothers provides a free half hoagie and medium fountain beverage at its Northfield location (ID required). Lindey’s Restaurant in Arden Hills sends a birthday postcard in the mail worth $25 off dinner. Nadia Cakes offers a free cupcake coupon for its Maple Grove or Woodbury locations via email signup. Park Tavern provides a freebie (usually drink or dessert) at its St. Louis Park location for e-Club members. Red’s Savoy Pizza gives a $15 bonus on the birthday to Thank You Rewards program members. Skinner’s Pub offers four hours of free beer for the birthday person if three guests attend.
Retail and Shopping Credits
Retailers often provide birthday rewards that can be applied to future purchases, typically in the form of a discount or store credit.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Sephora offers a free Birthday Gift Set to Beauty Insider members. Ulta Beauty provides a free birthday gift product and a $10 birthday coupon to Ultamate Rewards members. Bath & Body Works offers a free full-size body care product with a purchase for its rewards members.
General Retail
American Eagle & Aerie give a $5 birthday reward to RealRewards members. Arc’s Value Village provides a $5 shopping credit to Village Rewards members. Build-A-Bear offers $10 off a $30 purchase to Bonus Club members. DSW gives a $5 birthday reward to DSW VIP members. Express provides a birthday reward ranging from $5 to $40 for Express Insider members. Finish Line offers up to $15 in birthday rewards to Status Program members. IKEA provides a $10 birthday credit (or gift card) to IKEA Family members. Kohl’s gives a $5 birthday reward to Kohl’s Rewards members. West Elm / Pottery Barn offer a $25 birthday reward to Key Rewards members. Target provides 5% off one purchase for Target Circle members. Yankee Candle gives a free gift to Fragrance Family Rewards members. LEGO Store at Mall of America offers a free build-your-own minifigure.
Entertainment and Casino Perks
Some entertainment venues and casinos offer birthday-related perks for their members or visitors.
Comedy and Music
ACME Comedy Club provides free show tickets for the birthday person plus three guests, requiring an online request. First Avenue offers a free concert ticket, even for sold-out shows.
Casinos
Grand Casino allows members to spin to win up to $125 in Grand Play. Mystic Lake Casino offers up to $1,000 in slot play. Treasure Island Casino provides free slot play, dining credit, and $20 off bingo.
Other Freebies and Activities
Additional birthday freebies include services and experiences. Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers free admission within 7 days of your birthday. Paradise Car Wash provides a free car wash on your birthday, requiring sign-up to their program. Redbox Perks members receive a free movie rental during their birthday month, and they can earn a free 1-night DVD rental upon signing up for the service.
General Eligibility and Requirements
A common thread across most offers is the necessity of enrolling in a company's loyalty program, email club, or app. Many programs require membership to be established at least 24 hours before the birthday to qualify. Some offers, such as those from Bath & Body Works, require a purchase to redeem the free item. Offers are subject to change without notice, and availability may vary by location. For example, specific locations are noted for brands like Houlihan’s (Eagan, Chanhassen), IKEA (Bloomington), and others. Consumers should verify current offers and terms directly with the participating brands, as promotions can be updated. It is also important to note that some deals, like the reader tip for Grizzly’s, may not be fully confirmed by the source.
Conclusion
Minnesota residents, particularly those in the Twin Cities area, have access to a wide array of birthday freebies from national chains and local establishments. These offers are primarily accessed through enrollment in loyalty programs or email clubs. The freebies range from food and beverages to retail discounts and entertainment credits. To take advantage of these offers, consumers should research their preferred brands, join the necessary programs well in advance of their birthday, and confirm the specific terms and participating locations for each offer. Always check the official brand websites or sign-up pages for the most current and accurate information, as details and availability are subject to change.