Leap Year Freebies and Deals in California for 2024

Leap Year 2024 offers a unique opportunity for consumers in California to access special promotions, discounts, and freebies. Occurring every four years, February 29 serves as a catalyst for brands and businesses to create time-sensitive offers. While many national promotions exist, specific deals targeting California residents and travelers highlight the state's hospitality and retail sectors. The following information outlines verified offers and anticipated promotions based on available data, with a focus on restaurant freebies, hotel discounts, and retail deals accessible during the 2024 Leap Year period.

Restaurant and Food Promotions

Several national food chains have historically offered promotions on Leap Day, though availability for 2024 varies by brand and location. Consumers should verify participation with local establishments before visiting.

Krispy Kreme: In previous Leap Years, such as 2020, Krispy Kreme delivered free doughnuts to hospital staff and new parents when a baby was delivered on February 29. While this specific 2024 activation has not been officially confirmed, the brand has also offered free dozen original glazed doughnuts to "Leaplings" (individuals born on February 29) in the past. This offer typically requires proof of birthday via a valid ID and is available without a purchase.
7-Eleven: During the 2020 Leap Year, 7-Eleven app users could utilize the code 29OFF50 to save $29 on orders of $50 or more. Additionally, a large pizza was available for $2.29. These specific 2024 offers have not been confirmed, but the brand frequently utilizes app-based promotions.
Chuck E. Cheese: The entertainment venue is offering free all-day jump passes on February 29, 2024, specifically for children under 52 inches tall.
Cowboy Chicken: Predictions suggest that Cowboy Chicken may offer a free wood-fire rotisserie chicken to guests with a Leap Day birthday. This would require presentation of a valid ID.
Home Run Inn: This pizza chain is anticipated to give away pizzas to the first 29 Leap Year babies (18 years or older) who present a valid ID on February 29, 2028. While this specific prediction is for the next cycle, similar generosity is often observed.
Insomnia Cookies: Expectations are that Insomnia Cookies will offer Leaplings four free cookies and a free in-store birthday party. Valid ID is required.
Jackson's Taziki's: Located in Tennessee, this restaurant is predicted to offer freebies such as packs of cookies, baklava, or baklava cheesecake to dine-in guests with a Leap Day birthday and valid ID.
Milk Bar: The bakery is expected to provide Leap Year babies with a free 6-inch birthday cake and discounted cereal milk soft serve (historically priced at $2.29).
Oh My Cupcakes: Locations in Sioux Falls are predicted to give free cupcakes to Leap Day babies in 2028.
Starbucks: Starbucks has historically offered select Starbucks Rewards accounts a Buy One Get One (BOGO) free deal on handcrafted drinks or a $3 handcrafted drink offer on Leap Day.

Hotel and Travel Deals in California

California hotels are actively participating in Leap Year celebrations with significant discounts and perks. These offers are specifically designed for the 2024 Leap Year period.

The Steward (Santa Barbara): This exclusive all-suite retreat is offering $29 off a two-night stay through April. The booking window for this promotion runs from January 10 to April 30, 2024. Guests must use the promo code LPR when booking at marriott.com. The hotel features 87 suites, the Terra restaurant, a pool with cabana loungers, and a gym.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa (Dana Point, CA): This historic landmark hotel is marking Leap Day with a 29% discount on retail rates. This promotion allows travelers to experience the scenic views and amenities of this Autograph Collection property at a reduced rate.
Traveler Implications: These California-specific hotel deals provide a financial incentive for travelers to plan trips during the extended February 29 weekend. The offers align with the broader trend of travel brands utilizing the extra day to boost occupancy and attract visitors to high-demand destinations like Santa Barbara and Dana Point.

Retail and Entertainment Offers

While the provided data focuses heavily on food and travel, there are notable retail and entertainment predictions for the 2028 Leap Year. However, consumers looking for 2024 retail deals should monitor specific brand announcements.

Build-a-Bear Workshop: This brand is known for offering Leaplings a Birthday Treat Bear at a discounted price (historically $4 compared to a regular price of $14). This offer requires visiting a location on February 29 and presenting valid ID.
Staples: Predictions indicate that Staples may again offer 29,000 passport photos for free via their app on Leap Day 2028. This is a significant value for those needing travel documentation.
The STRAT Hotel (Las Vegas): While located outside California, this offer is relevant to regional travelers. Guests born on February 29 can expect a free STRAT Skyjump (valued at $129.99 in 2024).
Wollman Rink (New York City): Predictions suggest the rink will offer free skating on Leap Day 2028.
Planet Fitness: Select locations (in select states) will offer free admission for non-members to work out on February 29, 2028.

Leap Day Babies (Leaplings) Exclusive Offers

A significant portion of Leap Year promotions are reserved for individuals born on February 29, often referred to as "Leaplings." These offers acknowledge the rarity of this birthday.

Eligibility Requirements: Almost all Leapling-specific offers require the presentation of a valid government-issued ID verifying the February 29 birthdate.
Common Offer Types:
- Free Food: Ranging from dozens of doughnuts (Krispy Kreme) to rotisserie chicken (Cowboy Chicken) and pizzas (Home Run Inn).
- Desserts and Treats: Free cookies (Insomnia Cookies, Jackson's Taziki's), cupcakes (Oh My Cupcakes), and birthday cakes (Milk Bar).
- Retail Discounts: Discounted plush bears (Build-a-Bear Workshop).
- Experiences: Free skyjumps (The STRAT) and in-store parties (Insomnia Cookies).

General Consumer Advice for 2024 Leap Year Deals

Navigating Leap Year promotions requires attention to detail and verification. Because Leap Year occurs only once every four years, offers are often highly specific to the date.

Verification is Key: While many offers are predicted based on past behavior (such as the 2020 cycle), not all brands repeat their promotions exactly. The source data indicates that offers like the 7-Eleven pizza deal and Krispy Kreme hospital deliveries are not confirmed for 2024. Always check the official brand website or app for the current year's terms.
ID Requirements: For any offer targeting Leaplings, a valid ID proving a February 29 birthdate is mandatory. Standard birthday freebies that occur on February 28 or March 1 are distinct from Leap Day exclusives.
App Utilization: Many deals, particularly those involving codes or specific free items like the Staples passport photo or 7-Eleven discounts, require the use of the brand's mobile app. Consumers should download and set up these apps in advance.
Geographic Variability: Hotel deals in California, such as those at The Steward and Laguna Cliffs Marriott, are specific to those properties. Restaurant deals may vary by franchise ownership; it is advisable to call ahead to confirm participation.
Timing: Most Leap Day deals are valid only on February 29. However, some hotel promotions, like the $29 off at The Steward, have extended booking windows or stay periods (through April).

Conclusion

Leap Year 2024 presents a variety of freebies and deals, particularly for California travelers and food enthusiasts. While specific 2024 retail and restaurant offers are limited in the provided data, the confirmed hotel discounts at The Steward and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa offer substantial savings. For Leaplings, the potential for free food and merchandise remains a recurring theme, though verification of specific brand participation for the current year is essential. Consumers are encouraged to leverage mobile apps and verify local participation to maximize savings during this quadrennial event.