“Nobody likes you when you’re 23,” sings Blink-182 in their hit song “What’s My Age Again?” a perfect lyric for me to sing on my 24th birthday. Finally, I’m a Pisces who can be liked again and test out a bunch of these so-called birthday freebies promoted by some of America’s biggest franchises and chain restaurants.
For reference, I signed up for several of these restaurants’ rewards apps two weeks prior to my birthday and did not purchase anything from them ahead of time to gain any stars, points, etc. I wanted to test just how “free” their birthday offers were. So, for my birthday, I spent the day circling Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs to find as many birthday freebies as I could. Investigative journalism is super important to me, and I just love a deal… and free food… and everyone knowing it’s my birthday. Out of Spoon U’s list of 123 free birthday treat havens, here are the ones I tried.
Stop 1: Starbucks
Perhaps one of the most well-known birthday stops is Starbucks. You can get a birthday drink of your choosing on, and only on, your birthday. I am an avid Starbucks app user, but if you are not, you only need to download the app seven days ahead of your birthday and make a purchase before the big day. Starbucks will remind you via email that your birthday coupon is coming.
I made sure to get something simple since the day ahead looked promising for a sugar rush. I used my coupon to get a grande iced coffee with milk, and I also ordered a pup cup for my journalistic assistant Bobbie for the day. Everybody eats on my birthday. That’s the rule.
#SpoonTip: Not sure what to get at Starbucks? ChatGPT might be able to help you decide.
Stop 2: Crumbl
Yes, yes, yes, I know these viral cookies are divisive in nature, but a free cookie is a free cookie. Having never tried a Crumbl cookie ever, I just showed the baker at the front of the store my app birthday barcode, was given a box of one double chocolate chip cookie, and continued on with my day. I also bought my boyfriend a pink frosted sugar cookie for him to try as well because I am the very best girlfriend.
Admittedly, we liked the cookies a ton! I can’t say we would ever buy into the hype of trying their new flavor every single week. We can barely keep up with the Sunday night HBO show. But a cookie is a cookie, and free sugar is free sugar, and I have a sweet tooth on a budget.
Stop 3: Chick-fil-A
Right next door to Crumbl, I got to have another quick cookie adventure. On the Chick-fil-A app, I ordered a sandwich and cookie in the drive-thru and showed my barcode to the worker when I was paying.
Chick-fil-A has a great grasp of how to make chicken, but whoever is making their chocolate chip cookies, absolute props to you. I did not know this chain went so hard on a dessert. It was warm and everything. Highly recommend this being a stop on your birthday freebies journey.
#SpoonTip: If the worker you’re talking to is confused by the barcode or doesn’t know how to give you a birthday deal, just pay for your order. You never know how long someone has been working at a location or if different regions accept or deny birthday deals.
Stop 4: Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s is all about giving deals to its rewards members. You get a free pretzel on your first birthday when you sign up and after your first purchase. Plus, you get a free pretzel every time you spend $25 on the rewards app. I walked right up to my local mall Auntie Anne’s kiosk, and within seconds, I walked away with a warm original pretzel in hand. If you do want a birthday dip, you will have to shell out an extra dollar. Or, grab all six sauces for $5.50. For my next birthday, I might just buy a pretzel nugget bucket instead of a cake.
#SpoonTip: No Auntie Anne’s near you? Try this recipe at home!
Stop 5: Krispy Kreme
This place is giving its rewards members a free dozen original glazed donuts! You read that right… A DOZEN. I felt like an absolute queen walking out with 12 donuts and saving a whole $13. This would be quite the currency if I worked in an office setting.
These birthday freebies were more than my boyfriend and I could eat, so we gifted most of them to our apartment’s property managers and handymen. I’ll say it again — everybody gets a treat on my b-day. I don’t know how long this promotion will be going on, so either you or someone with a birthday coming up, better get your free dozen ASAP. Did I mention you can redeem this deal any day of your b-day month?
Stop 6: Chipotle
When I woke up on my birthday, I was actually quite scared that Chipotle had forgotten me when I didn’t see my reward in my account. I checked their FAQ and asked their virtual assistant if I didn’t qualify for free chips and guac. It turns out, the reward doesn’t show up in accounts until 2 p.m.
Thankfully, I did not want to eat guacamole for breakfast, so this timing actually worked out wonderfully. I grabbed my chicken burrito bowl, and the guac was not extra. This was the balance I absolutely needed after chowing down on coffee, cookies, and donuts.
#SpoonTip: There are so many ways to save at Chipotle, including this $4 meal hack.
Stop 7: Wingstop
Wingstop is always a not-so-guilty pleasure in my house. After a birthday full of treats, we saved my free fries birthday coupon for the next evening since the rewards code worked for exactly one week. If you’re anything like me, birthday treats are a month-long thing, so this lengthened code worked well when I was hankering for garlic parm and mild wings. I didn’t have to wash a single dish all weekend, and that in and of itself felt like another birthday gift.
Bonus Stop: Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s was close to my local Auntie Anne’s, so it only felt right to stop by.While I was checking out my mundane lineup of grocery necessities, the checkout clerk carded me for wine and exclaimed, “OMG, it’s your birthday, happy birthday!” She then gave me an Ohio-inspired TJ’s tote on the house. No exaggeration — this is the best gift I have ever received.
While I don’t know if birthday treats are standard practice at Trader Joe’s, top-tier service and fantastic chocolate croissants are definitely what they do best.
Missed Opportunity: Panera Bread
As we’ve already discussed, I am a chocolate croissant fiend. I am devastated that I missed the opportunity to cash in my “Free Birthday Pastry” coupon within a week of my birthday. Panera was out of the way on my birthday journey, and I decided I would reward myself with a next-day pastry as a breakfast treat. Life happens and plans to go out in the morning turn into preferring to rot in bed from dawn ‘til dusk. Though I never made it to the pastry haven, I will remember the coupon expires in one week next year. At least I have my TJ’s croissants.
Overall, this is your wake-up call to download a bunch of apps from the birthday list and make a schedule to pick up some birthday freebies. I had the very best birthday ever by just listening to my favorite Ashnikko songs, driving around with my dog, and picking up little treats to share with my boyfriend and friends. The places I picked were remarkably easy to get free codes from, and I didn’t have to spend any amount of money ahead of time (except for Starbucks). Have a stellar birthday, and share your b-day freebie adventures with Spoon University through our Instagram or TikTok.
FAQs
I Tried Getting As Many Birthday Freebies As I Could — Here’s What Happened? ›
You have to join the DQ email club and on your birthday you'll receive a BOGO coupon–buy one Blizzard, get one free.
How do I get my DQ birthday reward? ›You have to join the DQ email club and on your birthday you'll receive a BOGO coupon–buy one Blizzard, get one free.
What do you get for free from mcdonalds when you say its your birthday? ›If you're craving a cheeseburger on your birthday, download the McDonald's app to pick up some free fries with your meal. In the app, enjoy double rewards points “on all eligible transactions” during your entire birth month. Points can then be redeemed for menu items.
What does Victoria Secret do for your birthday? ›Does Victoria Secret give birthday gifts? You can get a $10 birthday gift if you have a store credit card.
Does McDonald's do anything for birthdays? ›Birthday - free medium Fries
2.
Accounts opened during your half-birthday month or the previous month will receive the first offer the following calendar year if eligible. If you did not receive your 1/2 Birthday Treat, please call Customer Care at 1-800-568-4288 (8a-9p EST).
How do you get Ben and Jerry's birthday rewards? ›The Birthday Offer will be emailed to Participants on or about the first day of their birthday month at the email address provided upon Participant's enrollment. Ben & Jerry's recommends that you add this sender email address to your “contacts” to avoid the Birthday Offer being directed to your spam folder.
What does Taco Bell give you for your birthday? ›Taco Bell – Get a free Mountain Dew Baja Blast freeze on your birthday at Taco Bell when you use the Taco Bell mobile app. Taco Cabana – Free Flauta Plate when you enroll in the Taco Cabana eclub. TCBY – Download the TCBY app and get a free small cup of frozen yogurt when you reach silver spoon status.
Does Wendy's give birthday rewards? ›Wendy's. Customers who put their birthdate in their Wendy's Rewards account can get a free small Frosty or Frosty-ccino on their birthday (with purchase). You'll get the offer at the start of your birthday month, and it's good all month long.
Does Burger King give you anything for your birthday? ›Earn 2X Crowns through the full month of your birthday on all eligible transactions. Upsize an order of fries, drink, hash browns, or coffee (Hot, Iced) per order for free once per day. Earn extra Crowns and exclusive rewards by participating in challenges and completing steps and qualifying actions.
What does Bath and Body do for birthdays? ›
Rewards members get a birthday gift worth up to $7.50.
Choose from travel-size hand or body creams, lotions, or shower gels. The Bath & Body Works birthday freebie reward begins on your actual birthday and is valid for 30 days after. You must make a purchase in order to redeem the coupon.
That's why each year we send our DD Perks members a reward for a free birthday beverage!
What does the body shop give on your birthday? ›You're eligible to receive a $10 reward voucher (sent to you via email on your birthday) if you've provided us with your date of birth and shopped in the last 12 months. This can be spent in-store or online, on anything you'd like. Birthday reward vouchers will expire after 1 month from the date of issue if unspent.
What does Chipotle give you for your birthday? ›Chipotle: Sign up for their Rewards Program and earn points towards Free Chipotle. On your birthday you get free chips and Guacamole + $5 off your purchase!
How to get free Sonic on your birthday? ›Sonic. Sign up for My Sonic (Sonic's official fan club) and you'll receive a birthday coupon for either a regular order of tots, a medium fountain drink, or a regular cream slush.
How do I claim my McDonald's birthday treat? ›You can redeem it in the same way as any other McDonald's App deal. Your reward is valid for a limited time. Visit a participating store and click redeem and activate when you are ready to place your order. If you need assistance, you can reach out to our friendly crew.
What is Kohl's birthday gift? ›Enjoy $5 Kohl's Cash for your birthday when you sign up for Kohl's Rewards by Kohl's. For your birthday, take advantage of $5 Kohl's Cash at participating Kohl's locations.
Where is my coffee bean birthday reward? ›The Birthday Reward arrives on the day of your birthday. To qualify for the Birthday Reward, you must have completed a qualifying purchase four months before your birthday. The reward expires three days after posting to your Rewards Program Account.
Does Ulta give birthday gifts? ›ULTA swaps out birthday gifts at the beginning of every year for extra freshness. And for Platinum and Diamond members, the most loyal Ultamate Rewards tiers of all, you'll receive an extra gift, like a $10 coupon, in addition to your freebie gift during your birthday month.
Does Ben and Jerry give free birthday ice cream? ›Flavor Fanatic
Make every trip to your local Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop even sweeter! Join the Flavor Fanatics ice cream rewards program for an extra drizzle of euphoria on every cone, sundae, and shake, including free ice cream for your birthday!
How do I use my birthday rewards Hot Topic? ›
To redeem reward in stores, provide your Membership Identifier at the time of purchase. You may use as many rewards as you wish for in-store purchases, but online you may only use a maximum of 10 rewards per one transaction. Not valid towards prior purchases, gift card purchases, donations, taxes, or shipping.
Does Ben and Jerry's have senior discount? ›Ben & Jerry's: 10 percent off for customers 60 and older.
At most locations, a 10 percent senior discount is available for customers over 60.
It's Taco Bell's customer loyalty program. It's pretty simple – when you make eligible purchases through your Taco Bell account, you'll earn points to unlock free items and special offers. You'll also gain exclusive and early access to new products and other surprises along the way!
How many shirts does Taco Bell give you? ›Taco Bell provides uniform tee shirt, hat, and apron. They give you a Taco Bell tee shirt and a visor. You must buy your own nonslip shoes and black pants.
What is in Taco Bell $10 Craving meal for 2? ›The massive meal deal gets you two Chalupas, two Beefy 5-Layer Burritos, two Chips & Cheese, and two large fountain drinks. And while, sure, it's meant to be shared, that's not to say you can't share it with yourself. It's enough for a tequila-fueled tipsy meal and hangover leftovers the next day.
Does Domino's give free food on your birthday? ›Rules to Join Our Birthday Party
Select your favorite menu item(s) and proceed to cart. The FREE surprise gift will be automatically added to the cart. Make the payment for the original order, and get our surprise gift home delivered for free.
In addition to the $2 Program Reward received for every 2,500 points accrued, Champion Members receive for their birthday, one (1) free 20 ounce smoothie up to a $7.00 value (the “Birthday Reward”).
Does Chili's give you anything for your birthday? ›Free dessert on your birthday. 1-Tap reorder of your favorites in the Chili's mobile app. Use your Rewards when ordering To Go, Curbside or Delivery from chilis.com.
Do you get a free Whopper on your birthday? ›'Did you know that you can go to Hungry Jack's on your birthday and get a whopper for free?'
Does Burger King still give out toys? ›Order Kids Jr.™ Meal Now!
1 toy in every King Jr.™ Meal.
Did Burger King discontinue the crowns? ›
The BK Crown Program was an initiative launched by Burger King for kids' meals during late 2011, though it was discontinued during 2014.
What is the Bath and Body Works candle event? ›Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2022 sale is the single most exciting day of the year for many Bath & Body Works shoppers — and happened Dec. 2 – 3, 2022. Three-wick candles get their biggest price drop of the whole year, with prices falling lower than during Bath & Body Works Black Friday or even the Semi-Annual Sale.
What is candle day for bath and body? ›History of Candle Day
Every year since the day's 2013 inception, candle lovers across the nation gather on the first Saturday of December to take advantage of Bath & Body Works' annual candle sale. Three wick candles that usually retail for around $25 will only be $9.50.
My Bath & Body Works Rewards is a free loyalty program for customers. It provides enticing perks that keep shoppers coming back. These program perks include the ability to earn products, get special coupons, shop exclusive products and events and receive a birthday gift every year.
Does Starbucks still do free birthday drink? ›You can get your Starbucks birthday drink through Starbucks Rewards. By signing up and including your birth date on your profile, you're eligible for a free drink or another item every year your account is active.
What is DD perks? ›Join DD Perks® today to register your Dunkin' Card, get special deals, and earn points toward free beverage rewards.
Does Wawa give birthday rewards? ›Wawa: Members of Wawa Rewards get a birthday reward loaded to their account for a choice of a free hot coffee, fountain drink or ICEE.
Does Claire's do anything for birthdays? ›Add your birthday and we'll send you a special birthday offer! A faster way to earn points and reach your next reward! Be the very first to get the scoop on special offers, events and awards!
How to get freebies at Body Shop? ›- Visit Facebook Fan page of The Body Shop India.
- On Welcome page, you will have a order form , fill up the form with all the details like Name, Address etc.
- Soon after submitting the form, you will get one activation Email in your mail box, click on activation link.
Birthday set items can only be obtained in New Leaf on the player's birthday, where they will be given an item from the series by the villager hosting their birthday party. Which item they are given depends on their friendship level with the animal.
Can you get anything free from Chipotle? ›
Sign up for Chipotle Rewards on the app to earn points towards a free item. For every $1 you spend at Chipotle, you get 10 points. Plus, Chipotle will surprise you every so often with an extra freebie in your Chipotle Rewards account — anything from double points to a surprise free drink.
Does Chipotle give you a free entree on your birthday? ›For your birthday, enjoy a Free Chips & Guac with a $5 purchase at participating Chipotle locations.
How do you get a free year at Chipotle? ›“'Freepotle' makes Chipotle Rewards a must-join program for all Chipotle fans in 2023.” Chipotle Rewards members in the United States and Canada who make a $5 minimum purchase in the store, scanning their member ID, or online on the Chipotle app or website will be automatically entered to win free Chipotle for a year.
How do you get free stuff from Starbucks on your birthday? ›To qualify for your Birthday Reward, you must join Starbucks Rewards at least seven (7) days prior to your birthday, provide your birthday in your account information, and make at least one Star-earning transaction prior to your birthday each year.
What does McDonald's give you for your birthday on the app? ›If you're craving a cheeseburger on your birthday, download the McDonald's app to pick up some free fries with your meal. In the app, enjoy double rewards points “on all eligible transactions” during your entire birth month. Points can then be redeemed for menu items.
What games give you free stuff on your birthday? ›- 8 Pokemon Sword & Shield.
- 7 Death Stranding.
- 6 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.
- 5 Wii Fit/ Wii Fit Plus.
- 4 Fire Emblem (Series)
- 3 Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- 2 Tomodachi Life.
- 1 Genshin Impact.
- Open The App & Choose Your Reward. Tap 'Rewards & Offers' to see what you can redeem with your points! ...
- Use Your Code to Redeem. Redeem your FREE reward in one of 2 ways by selecting “Add to mobile order” or “Use at Restaurant.”
- Complete Your Order & Enjoy!
Usually, the host is expected to pay the bill when it comes to birthday dinners, and guests should bring gifts. Most of the time, the host is the person who is celebrated, but it is not all the time.
Do you get a free blizzard at Dairy Queen if they don t flip it? ›To this day, Dairy Queen still occasionally reminds folks that their Blizzard is free if the employee who serves it to you doesn't successfully complete the flip first. Of course, it's worth pointing out that an FAQ page indicates that the "flip or free" offer is up to the discretion of individual DQ franchisees.
Do you get anything for free on your birthday at Smoothie King? ›In addition to the $2 Program Reward received for every 2,500 points accrued, Champion Members receive for their birthday, one (1) free 20 ounce smoothie up to a $7.00 value (the “Birthday Reward”).
How to get free cone day at Dairy Queen? ›
So you'll need to check with your neighborhood DQ directly to see if they are participating in the event. Note: To make sure you get the free cone, your best bet is to go in person (or via drive thru). The fine print says this “may not be valid on delivery or mobile orders”.
How long can you keep Dairy Queen ice cream in the freezer? ›According to StillTasty.com, an opened container of ice cream can keep in the freezer for two to four months if it's kept frozen.
Why does Dairy Queen turn ice cream upside down? ›DQ's Blizzard, a milkshake-esque concoction made by blending soft serve with mix-ins like Oreos and Reese's, is said to be so thick that it stays in place even when turned upside down. The chain restaurant apparently believes in the product so much that they pledged to serve every Blizzard bottom up.
What does DQ do if your blizzard falls out of the cup? ›Obviously they would make another one. But it's not possible for it to 'fall out' due to, you know, physics. It's just ice cream in a cup. If the employee flips it over and it falls out, then they will make a new one and it will be free.