The Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a premier shopping and entertainment destination. For consumers celebrating a birthday, the mall and its numerous retailers offer a variety of free gifts, discounts, and experiences. These offers typically require enrollment in a brand's rewards program, loyalty club, or email notification list. The following guide details the types of freebies available, the processes to obtain them, and specific offers reported by patrons and local deal experts. All information is sourced from published consumer reports and should be verified directly with individual establishments for current terms and conditions.
How Birthday Freebie Programs Work
Accessing birthday freebies at the Mall of America generally involves a standard set of steps. Consumers must sign up for a store's rewards program, often through a mobile application, website, or in-store kiosk. Enabling email notifications is a common requirement, as birthday offers are frequently delivered via digital coupons or messages. Some programs require profile information to be updated by a specific deadline, such as the 8th of the birth month, to qualify. It is important to note that many offers are subject to change without notice and may require a purchase to redeem.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Numerous food vendors at the Mall of America provide complimentary treats for birthdays. These range from desserts and pastries to full meals, often contingent on joining the brand's loyalty program.
- Auntie Anne’s: Patrons who spend more than $10 per year through the Auntie Anne's Rewards App receive a free soft pretzel on their birthday. A personal account notes that a visit to the mall for birthday freebies yielded a cinnamon roll from Auntie Anne’s, though it also mentioned a 4-hour wait time between using two coupons provided.
- Cinnabon: A free 16oz cold brew is available for birthday celebrants. A personal experience account also lists Cinnabon as a source for free pastries.
- Chick-fil-a: Customers can receive a free brownie or chocolate chunk cookie. Some locations also offer gifts on holidays. A personal account noted receiving a coupon for a birthday and one for a national giveaway.
- Panera Bread: A free dessert or pastry is available. According to a personal account, Panera provides a free pastry upon initial sign-up and another for the birthday.
- Dunkin Donuts: A personal experience account lists Dunkin Donuts as a source for free cookies during a birthday freebie collection.
- Baskin Robbins: A free 2.5-ounce ice cream scoop is offered to those who sign up for the Birthday Club. Another source specifies a free scoop for birthday members.
- Cold Stone Creamery: A reward is available for loyalty program members.
- Crumbl Cookies: Free cookies are offered, though only Silver, Gold, and Pink status members will receive birthday vouchers.
- Culver’s: A free one-scoop dish with one topping is provided.
- Famous Dave’s: A free dessert is available.
- Häagen-Dazs: A free scoop is offered.
- Krispy Kreme: A free original glazed doughnut is available.
- McDonald’s: A free McCafe dessert is offered.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes: A free Bundtlet is provided.
- Red Lobster: A free dessert is available.
- Subway: A free cookie is offered.
- 7-ELEVEN: A free Slurpee is available anytime during the birthday month.
- Applebee’s: A free birthday dessert is available with a minimum purchase of $15 or more.
- Arby’s: With the purchase of any sandwich, a free order of small curly fries and a small shake is provided.
- Bertucci’s: A free reward is available for those registered in their e-club.
- Benihana: A $30 complimentary birthday gift certificate is available for those registered in The Chef's Table.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Six free wings are available during the birthday month.
- Burger King: Members earn 2X the reward points throughout their birthday month.
- California Pizza Kitchen: A free birthday dessert is available for all rewards members, with a free entree for Diamond members.
- Carvel: A free cone is available for those signed up for the Fudgie Fanatic loyalty program.
- Chipotle: A "Surprise on us!" offer is noted.
- Acapulco Resaurante Mexicano: A free entree is available.
- Crooked Pint Ale House: A free Jucy Lucy is offered.
- Einstein Bros Bagels: A free egg sandwich is available with a purchase.
- Firehouse Subs: A free medium sub is provided.
- Green Mill: A free one-topping small deep-dish pizza is available.
- Texas Roadhouse: A free sidekick of ribs or a free appetizer is offered.
- Starbucks: A free drink, food item, or bottled beverage is available.
- Caribou: A free drink is available.
- Charleys Cheesesteaks: A free treat is offered.
- Cinnabon: A free 16oz cold brew is available.
Beauty and Personal Care Freebies
Several beauty retailers at the mall offer complimentary makeup, skincare, or body care products for birthdays. These are typically full-size or deluxe sample-size products and are often tied to the store's loyalty program.
- Sephora: A free birthday gift set is available to Beauty Insider members. Personal experience accounts confirm that Sephora gives out mini-sized makeup or skincare products.
- Ulta Beauty: A free birthday gift product is available to Ultamate Rewards members. Members can choose a free gift from a handful of products during their birthday month. A profile must be updated by the 8th of the birthday month to be eligible. A personal experience account lists Ulta as a source for mini-sized makeup/skincare products.
- Bare Minerals: A personal experience account lists Bare Minerals as a source for mini-sized makeup/skincare products.
- SMASHBOX: A free birthday gift is available during the birthday month for rewards members at any tier level.
- SOL DE JANEIRO: A free birthday gift is available for those who spend $75 per year.
- TARTE: Free birthday gifts are offered at any tier level.
- THE BODY SHOP: A $10 Birthday Reward is available for members of the Love Your Body Club, valid for the birthday month.
- URBAN DECAY: Members of UD Rewards tiers can receive a free birthday gift.
- YSL BEAUTY: A birthday gift is available for members of the YSL loyalty club.
- Bath & Body Works: A free full-size body care product is available with a purchase.
Retail and Clothing Freebies
Clothing and accessory brands also participate in birthday reward programs, often providing monetary discounts or coupons.
- AERIE: A $5 birthday reward is available.
- AMERICAN EAGLE: A $5 birthday reward is available.
- ATHLETA: Loyalty members of any tier receive a free "birthday bonus."
- BANANA REPUBLIC: A free gift is available through the reward program.
- DSW: A reward of up to $10 off the next purchase is available.
- GYMBOREE: My Place Rewards members receive a 20% coupon during the child's birthday month, and My Place Rewards Credit Cardholders receive a 25% off coupon.
- IKEA: A $10 gift card to buy anything and a free dessert are available.
Experiences and Entertainment Freebies
Beyond food and products, the Mall of America offers free or discounted experiences for birthdays, particularly for families and children.
- Crayola Experience — Mall of America: Free admission is available within 7 days of the birthday. A valid ID or birth certificate is required.
- ACME Comedy Co: The birthday person plus three guests can sign up for one free show during the birthday month, though special dates and times apply.
- First Avenue: The birthday person plus a guest can enjoy free admission to any show at First Avenue, 7th St Entry, Turf Club, or Fine Line on the actual birthdate. A valid legal ID is required, and private events are excluded.
- Treasure Island Resort & Casino: During the birthday month, there is a chance to win up to $1,000 in free slot play.
- LEGO Store: The LEGO store at the mall offers free play tables where children can build and play for free. There is also a free VIP program to sign up for deals.
- Toddler Tuesdays: On the second Tuesday of the month, toddlers and their caretakers can enjoy free entertainment. At Nickelodeon Universe, toddlers get discounted wristbands for $15.99+tax every Tuesday, valid for 5 hours.
- Escalators and Elevators: The Mall of America has an abundance of escalators and elevators for free use to navigate the mall.
Important Considerations and Limitations
Consumers should be aware of several key points when pursuing birthday freebies at the Mall of America:
- Program Enrollment: Nearly all businesses require signing up for their rewards program or app to be eligible for a birthday free gift or reward.
- Purchase Requirements: Some offers, such as the Bath & Body Works free body care product and the Einstein Bros Bagels free egg sandwich, require a purchase. Online orders for some brands may require a minimum spend (e.g., $25) to redeem free offers.
- Identification: Some experiences, like the Crayola Experience and First Avenue, require a valid ID or birth certificate for verification.
- Change of Terms: The free gift offered is subject to change without notice.
- Geographic Specificity: The lists provided are specific to the Twin Cities area and the Mall of America. Offers may vary by location.
- Verification: A personal experience account notes that while many stores were visited, not all may be checked off a list. It is advisable to confirm offer availability directly with each establishment before visiting.
Conclusion
The Mall of America presents a significant opportunity for consumers to access free birthday items and experiences. By enrolling in loyalty programs and email lists for favorite brands, patrons can receive complimentary food, beauty products, clothing discounts, and entertainment. The process is straightforward but requires advance planning and awareness of program terms. Key offers include free pretzels from Auntie Anne’s, mini makeup from Sephora and Ulta, and free admission to the Crayola Experience. However, consumers should note common requirements such as program enrollment, potential purchase minimums, and the need for valid identification for certain experiences. As offers are subject to change, direct verification with each brand is the most reliable method to ensure eligibility and current terms.