Birthday celebrations often extend beyond cake and candles, especially for consumers who have signed up for retail and restaurant loyalty programs. Many U.S. brands offer birthday freebies, rewards, and discounts to members of their rewards clubs. These perks range from complimentary food and beverages to free product minis and store credits. The availability of these offers typically requires prior enrollment in a brand’s loyalty or email program, often with a minimum sign-up period before one’s birthday to qualify. This article compiles information on birthday freebies available at various establishments, with a focus on in-store redemption at malls and retail locations.
Food and Beverage Birthday Freebies
Many fast-food and casual dining chains provide complimentary items or special discounts for loyalty program members during their birthday month. These offers often require a purchase for online redemption, but may be available without a purchase in-store.
- 7-ELEVEN: Suck down a free Slurpee anytime during your birthday month.
- AMC THEATRES: AMC Stubs Insider members get a free large popcorn, while Stubs Premiere and A-List members get a free large popcorn and a large fountain drink available during your birthday month.
- APPLEBEE'S: Get a free birthday dessert with a minimum purchase of $15 or more.
- ARBY'S: With the purchase of any sandwich receive a free order of small curly fries and a small shake.
- AUNTIE ANNE'S: Spend more than $10 a year through the Auntie Anne's Rewards App and receive a free soft pretzel on your birthday.
- BASKIN-ROBBINS: Score a free 2.5-ounce ice cream scoop when you sign up for the Birthday Club.
- BERTUCCI'S: Get a free reward when you're registered for their e-club.
- BENIHANA: Get a $30 complimentary birthday gift certificate if you're registered for The Chef's Table.
- BUFFALO WILD WINGS: Get six free wings during your birthday month.
- BURGER KING: Earn 2X the reward points all throughout your birthday month, which can go towards earning free food and drink deals.
- CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Enjoy a free birthday dessert at any rewards membership, plus a free entree if you are a Diamond member.
- CARVEL: Receive a free cone if you're signed up for the Fudgie Fanatic loyalty program.
- Friendly’s: Offers a free medium sundae for BFF Club members.
- Culver’s: Gives a free sundae to members of their MyCulver’s club.
Beauty and Cosmetics Retailers
Beauty retailers frequently offer free birthday gifts to loyalty members. These gifts often consist of mini or travel-size products from various brands. Redemption may be available in-store without a purchase, though online redemptions might require an order.
- Sephora: Free birthday gift set for all Beauty Insider members. No purchase is required in-store; if redeeming online, a $25 purchase is needed. Each year, Sephora offers a selection of mini sets from top brands, such as skincare duos, makeup samplers, or hair care minis.
- Ulta Beauty: Free birthday gift for Ultamate Rewards members. The gift changes quarterly and may include items like travel-size mascara, face palettes, or skincare mini sets. To be eligible, your birthday must be in your profile by the 8th of your birthday month.
- Aveda: The program often mails out a certificate for a free birthday gift (like a 1 oz aromatherapy oil or hand cream) which you can pick up at any Aveda store or salon. In some cases, an offer is loaded to your account that can be redeemed with a purchase, plus double loyalty points for any purchases during the birthday month.
- bareMinerals: Free birthday gift (usually a mini makeup item) for Fab Rewards members with a purchase during your birthday month. The free item, such as a mini lipstick or powder, is added to your order.
- Urban Decay: Free birthday gift for UD Beauty Junkies loyalty members. In past years, Urban Decay has given members a free full-size eyeshadow or eyeliner on their birthday. No purchase is needed if claimed in an Urban Decay store; if redeemed online, shipping may need to be paid.
- Lancôme: Birthday gift or discount for Lancôme Elite Rewards members. Lancôme offers a 20% off online coupon for your birthday (when you spend $100+), and higher-tier members also get bonus points. This is a discount rather than a free product.
- SMASHBOX: Score a free birthday gift during your birthday month no matter what level of a rewards member you are. Although free in-store, if you order online, you have to spend $25 to redeem.
- SOL DE JANEIRO: If you spend $75 per year, you're eligible for a free birthday gift.
- TARTE: Offers free birthday gifts at any tier level.
- THE BODY SHOP: Get a $10 Birthday Reward, valid for your birthday month, if you are part of the Love Your Body Club.
- YSL BEAUTY: Score a birthday gift if you're part of the YSL loyalty club.
Clothing and Apparel Retailers
Several clothing brands offer birthday rewards, typically in the form of a discount coupon or a small monetary credit.
- AERIE: Enjoy a $5 birthday reward.
- AMERICAN EAGLE: Enjoy a $5 birthday reward.
- ATHLETA: Loyalty members of any tier get a free "birthday bonus."
- BANANA REPUBLIC: Free gift available through the reward program.
- DSW: Get up to $10 off your next purchase.
- GYMBOREE: My Place Rewards members will get a 20% coupon during the month of their child's birthday and My Place Rewards Credit Cardholders will get 25% off coupon.
Other Retail and Service Birthday Perks
Beyond food and beauty, other mall-adjacent retailers and services offer birthday incentives, from home goods to pet supplies and bookstores.
- World Market: For World Market Rewards members, a $10 birthday coupon is issued at the start of the birthday month. This coupon lets members pick out something up to $10 for free, including items like international snacks, home décor, or a bottle of wine. The coupon is emailed at the start of the birthday month.
- IKEA: For IKEA Family members, a birthday email is sent with a coupon for a free frozen yogurt or ice cream cone from the IKEA Bistro, plus a $10 off coupon (typically $10 off a $50 purchase) to use in-store during the birthday month. Members must have joined at least 30 days before their birthday to get this perk.
- Petco: Petco Pals Rewards members can add their pet's birthday to their profile. Petco will email a 10% off coupon during the pet’s birthday month.
- PetSmart: PetSmart’s Treats program often gives out a free small bag of treats on your pet’s birthday if you’re subscribed.
- Barnes & Noble: Barnes & Noble Premium Members (paid membership) or those enrolled in the Kids’ Club will receive a birthday coupon. In the past, this has been a 20% off coupon for one item for adult members, and a free cupcake or cookie from the café for kids club members.
- Ace Hardware: Ace Rewards members get a free $5 off coupon on their birthday.
How to Get the Most Out of Birthday Freebies
To maximize birthday freebies, consumers should plan ahead. Many loyalty programs require members to sign up a few days or even a month before their birthday to qualify. It is advisable to check email and apps as the birthday approaches to avoid missing coupons, and setting reminders can be helpful. Bringing a photo ID on the actual birthday is recommended, as some locations may need to verify the date. Spacing out freebie redemptions across several days before or after the birthday can make the experience more manageable, especially for food offers. Some deals are dine-in only, making them a good opportunity for a birthday week of meals with friends or family. Even if a business doesn’t have a formal program, some restaurants may offer a small complimentary item, like a scoop of ice cream with a candle, if they are informed of the celebration.
Conclusion
Birthday freebies are a common marketing strategy used by U.S. brands to foster customer loyalty. The offers are typically tied to a brand’s rewards program and require prior enrollment. Perks vary widely, from complimentary food items and beauty product minis to store discounts and pet treats. The most reliable way to access these benefits is to join loyalty programs well in advance of one’s birthday and to carefully review the terms, which may include purchase requirements for online redemptions or specific deadlines for profile updates. By understanding the eligibility rules and redemption processes, consumers can effectively plan to enjoy these birthday perks.