Editor's Note: This article was reviewed and updated in March 2022. It was also expanded to now include 31 freebies!!
Happy birthday, Girlfriend! Waking up on your special day to well wishes from family, friends and Facebook is amazing. But what if you could get a few freebies as well? It’s a wonky year, so in addition to regular b-day, free-day in-store goodies, we added a few online options as well. Every location is different, so call first before you head anywhere and make sure you’re comfortable with their safety protocols. One thing that hasn’t changed is that most freebies come at a small price — your email address to sign up for rewards programs and promotional blasts. But hey, it’s your birthday. Treat yo’self now and unsubscribe later. (Note: Most links below take you to promotional small print so you know what you’re signing up for.)
APPLEBEE'S
Sign up for the birthday club and you'll get a free dessert on your birthday when you spend $15.
Au Bon Pain
Join the Eclub and enjoy a free coffee and pastry on your birthday.
AVEDA
If you bought anything online or in-store from Aveda in the past 12 months, you qualify for their Birthday Program. Opt into their free Pure Privilege rewards program and for your big day they’ll send you a free 30 ml aromatic nourishing composition oil for bath, body and scalp (value: $23).
BENEFIT
Here’s a beaut: Walk into any Benefit Boutique and present a legal document with your DOB for a free Benefit brow wax during your birthday week. No purchase required! (Anyone under the age of 17 must bring a parent or guardian.)
BAREMINERALS
Friends and Benefits program members can go online or to a store to receive a free birthday gift.
BASKIN-ROBBINS
Join their birthday club and receive special offers and coupons.
BERTUCCI’S
Get a free, small handcrafted pizza on your b-day when you sign up for their newsletter.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
“Join the herd, get the rewards.” That comes in the form of a free serving of wings during your birthday month.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
Sign up for their CPK Rewards and you get a free birthday dessert and possibly even a free entree.
CARVEL
Become a Fudgie Fanatic and a free cone on your birthday is all yours.
Chick-fil-A
Join Chick-fil-A One to get a birthday reward.
CHILI’S
Get a free dessert on your special day when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club.
DENNY’S
Sign up for Denny Rewards and receive a delicious birthday gift every year.
DUNKIN’ DONUTS
DD Perks members get a free birthday beverage — your choice of size.
GODIVA
The Godiva Rewards program treats you to free birthday chocolate.
JERSEY MIKE’S
Get a free sub of your choice that you can redeem in-store or online.
KRISPY KREME
Their Rewards program rewards you with a free donut and coffee. (Different locations have different offerings, so check first.)
IHOP
Sign up for IHOP Pancake Perks and enjoy free pancakes on your special day.
OLIVE GARDEN
Get a free dessert on your birthday. No signup necessary. Go ahead, stick a candle in it!
PANERA BREAD
As a MyPanera rewards member, you get a free special surprise on your birthday.
PEET’S
Join their Peetnik Program for a free baked good or beverage.
RUBY TUESDAY
Enjoy a free burger or a free Garden Bar entrée on your birthday when you become a member.
SEPHORA
Sign up for their Beauty Insider program (it’s free) and once a year you can pick from a selection of skin-care and makeup items. No need to visit the store, just add them to your cart when you check out online.
SPRINKLES
Join Sprinkle Perks for a free birthday cupcake.
STARBUCKS
Who says there’s no such thing as free … coffee. There is! Starbucks Rewards members who sign up at least seven days before their birthday (and buy at least one star-earning item before then) get a free handcrafted beverage or food item of choice on the actual date.
TARTE COSMETICS
Heads-up, gorgeous! TeamTarte members get a free beauty item on their big day.
TGI FRIDAYS
Become a Fridays Rewards member and get a free dessert with entrée purchase on your birthday.
THE MELTING POT
Sure, you may smell like oil for days, but sign up for Club Fondue and get some great birthday vouchers.
ULTA
Join their free Ultamate Rewards program and the beauty bazaar will send you a free birthday gift.
URBAN DECAY
If you’re a beauty junkie, then they have a goodie for you! UD Beauty Junkies members get a freebie — past products have included eye shadow.
WAFFLE HOUSE
Celebrate with a free classic waffle when you join their Regulars Club.
Karen Kurycki
