It would be nice if just being alive were enough to entitle you to free stuff. Usually, that kind of perk is reserved for A-listers and select reality superstars. But there is one time of year when everyone is treated like a VIP: your birthday! Tons of your favorite stores and restaurants offer deals and discounts to make your day extra special.
In order to take advantage of most of these freebies, you usually have to sign up for the store’s rewards program. They're usually free to join, and you can cancel at any time, so it can be worth it if you want to cash in that free latte. It can take up to a week to be fully enrolled on an email list, so if August is your birthday month, sign up soon to make sure you don’t miss out. You can’t have the best free birthday ever without a little prep work.
Ahead, we’ve pulled together a list of the best birthday deals, so you can spend the day collecting everything from free coffee to cosmetics. And if your birthday isn’t on the horizon, well, it can't hurt to plan ahead. Put your wallet away (except for a valid ID), and get ready to treat yo’ self without spending a dollar.
Starbucks
Your birthday just got off to a great start. Being a member of the Starbucks rewards program entitles you to a free drink of your choice. Since it’s free, why not try out something new?
Photo: courtesy of Starbucks.
Panera
Now that you have your coffee, head over to Panera and use your MyPanera rewards card for a free pastry.
Photo: courtesy of Panera.
Jamba Juice
Round out breakfast with a free smoothie if you’re a Jamba Juice Insider.
Photo: courtesy of Jamba Juice.
Au Bon Pain
Join the e-club and head into an Au Bon Pain for a free birthday lunch!
Photo: courtesy of Au Bon Pain.
Ben & Jerry’s
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Ben & Jerry’s store, grab a free ice cream after joining the Chunk Spelunker newsletter.
Photo: courtesy of Ben & Jerry's.
Baskin Robbins
No Ben & Jerry’s? You can still get your ice cream fix with a free scoop thanks to Baskin Robbins' Birthday Club.
Photo: courtesy of Baskin Robbins.
Cold Stone
Ice cream is better with friends. Grab a plus one and head to Cold Stone to use the BOGO coupon you get from joining their e-club.
Note: This ice cream isn't free, it's buy one, get one. We have strong opinions on who should "buy" and who should "get," but maybe that's just us.
Photo: courtesy of Cold Stone.
Pinkberry
Is there such a thing as too much ice cream? Yes? Good thing this is yogurt. Get a free fro-yo using your Pinkberry Rewards.
Photo: courtesy of Pinkberry.
Anthropologie
While riding your sugar high, join Anthro and hit up Anthropologie for a 15% birthday discount.
Photo: courtesy of Anthropologie.
Dunkin' Donuts
For your afternoon coffee, make sure you’re signed up for DD Perks, and your drink is on the house.
Photo: courtesy of Dunkin Donuts.
Benefit Cosmetics
Get a free brow arch at your nearest Benefit Beauty Counter.
Photo: courtesy of Benefit.
Sephora
If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider, you can pick out a free gift during your birthday month.
Photo: courtesy of Sephora.
Bare Cosmetics
Bare Cosmetics will also send you a free gift if you’re part of FAB, the Friends and Benefits club.
Photo: courtesy of Bare Minerals.
Noodles
For dinner, sign up for the Noodle Club to try a free noodle bowl.
Photo: courtesy of Noodles.
Sprinkles
Enroll in the Sprinkles Perks program and end your day of birthday freebies with a free cupcake. Candle optional.
Photo: courtesy of Sprinkles.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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