If there’s one day a year when you deserve to be spoiled, it’s your birthday—and luckily, a bunch of your favorite restaurants and stores agree. From free coffee, full-on meals to free cakes, and even surprise goodies, there are tons of places to get free stuff on your birthday. You just need to know where to look. In this post, I’ve listed 18 of the best places to get free birthday gifts and free stuff in your area.
Most of these places offering free stuff on your birthday require signing up for a rewards program at least 7 days before your birthday, and many of the coupons are valid for the entire month of your birthday.
What kinda of free stuff can you get on your birthday?
There are many places to get free stuff on your birthday if you know where to look. But what types of things and gifts should you expect to get for free, and where can you find them? Most places offering free birthday gifts include retail stores, entertainment, restaurants, and sweet shops. Here is a breakdown of the different categories of free items you can receive on your birthday.
- Free food and drinks. Places like Starbucks and Red Robin offer free birthday drinks and burgers to their customers.
- Desserts. Places like Baskin-Robbins and Dairy Queen often hand out free ice cream or treats.
- Retail goodies. Stores like Ulta Beauty and Sephora offer birthday beauty gifts when you’re part of their rewards programs.
- Entertainment perks. AMC Theatres gives free popcorn to members on their birthdays.
- Surprise discounts or coupons. Many brands offer exclusive birthday discounts via email, making it perfect for guilt-free shopping.
18 Best places to get free stuff on your birthday
There are many restaurants, sweet shops, and retail stores that offer free items to their members on their birthdays. These places might also require you to enter your birthday into your member account. You may also need to have an email address, as some coupons are sent to you in advance via email. Before discussing the details of each place to receive free stuff on your birthday and what you can expect to receive, here is a breakdown of each location and the free items they offer.
| Place to get free stuff | What you can get | Value estimate | When it is valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Free drink or treat | Up to $10 | On your birthday only |
| Dunkin’ | Free drink | ~$5 | On your birthday |
| Ulta Beauty | Free beauty gift + 2x points | $10–$15 | Birthday month |
| Panera Bread | Free pastry or sweet | ~$3–$5 | Birthday week |
| Baskin-Robbins | Free scoop of ice cream | ~$3 | Birthday week |
| Auntie Anne’s | Free pretzel | ~$4 | Birthday week |
| AMC Theatres | Free large popcorn | ~$8 | Birthday month |
| Applebee’s | Free dessert (with $15 purchase) | ~$6–$8 | Birthday day |
| Kohl’s | Birthday coupon | $5–$10 | Birthday month |
| Red Robin | Free birthday burger | ~$12 | Birthday month |
| IHOP | Free full stack of pancakes | ~$6 | Birthday week |
| Jersey Mike’s | Free regular sub | ~$10 | Birthday day |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Free snack-size wings | ~$7 | Birthday week |
| Barnes & Noble | Free birthday coupon | ~$3 | Birthday month |
| Sprinkles Cupcakes | Free cupcake | ~$4 | Birthday day |
| Del Taco | Free premium shake | ~$4 | Birthday week |
| Noodles & Company | Free dessert or entrée | $5–$10 | Birthday month |
| Nothing Bundt Cakes | Free Bundtlet | ~$5 | Birthday week |
Let’s dive into each company on this list of the 18 best places to get free stuff on your birthday in more detail.
1. Starbucks
Starbucks is known for its rewards program, where members accumulate stars that can be redeemed for a variety of items, including drinks and food. If you are a Starbucks member, you can also get free stuff on your birthday through the Birthday Reward program. This is a reward you can redeem once a year for your birthday. Here are a few things to know about getting free stuff on your birthday at Starbucks.
- You must be a rewards member to get free stuff at Starbucks
- You must provide your birthday information in your reward account to get free stuff on your birthday
- Starbucks says in its terms that you will receive” (1) complimentary handcrafted beverage OR one (1) complimentary food item OR one (1) complimentary ready-to-drink bottled beverage (“Birthday Reward”).
- Your Birthday Reward can only be redeemed at a participating store.
- Multi-serve food and beverage items are excluded from the program
- You must join the Starbucks Rewards program at least 7 days before your birthday to qualify for free stuff on your birthday.
- Your Birthday Reward is added to your reward account and is only valid on your birthday.
For more information about receiving free items on your birthday, such as drinks, food, and other Starbucks products, click this link to learn more.
To get started with the Starbucks Rewards program, sign up in your Starbucks app or online, register your birthday, and check your account regularly to redeem your Birthday Reward on your birthday. You can redeem your Birthday Reward by scanning the member barcode in the app or by presenting your registered Starbucks Card at the store.
2. Dunkin’
Similar to Starbucks, Dunkin’ has a reward program where members earn points that can be redeemed for free drinks or food. You typically earn 15 points for every $1 spent on qualifying in-store or app purchases. Once you have gathered at least 150 points, you can redeem them for free items, including donuts, tea, coffee, and cold brew.
In addition to the regular reward program, Dunkin’ has a birthday bonus for its reward program members. At Dunkin’, you can earn a free treat on your birthday and receive exclusive offers, including a free dessert, drinks, and food. Dunkin’ considers this a birthday bonus. To qualify for free rewards at Dunkin’, you must be a member of the Dunkin’ Rewards program and have your birthday registered in your account. You can activate this bonus before your birthday, on your birthday, or the day after your birthday.
Learn more about how you can earn free stuff on your birthday from Dunkin’ and details on maximizing your earning potential through the Dunkin’ reward program.
3. Ulta Beauty
If you like beauty products, Ulta Beauty is one of the best places to find free stuff on your birthday. That is right. You can get a lot of birthday perks at Ulta Beauty as a way to celebrate your birthday. Here is what you can get for free from Ulta Beauty on your birthday. Ulta Beauty offers a selection of complimentary birthday gifts that you can choose from, accessible through your Ulta Beauty member account. You will also get an email notification in your inbox about free birthday gifts available for that month.
- You earn twice the points on all purchases made on your birthday.
- You get to pick a free birthday gift.
- Ulta Beauty also offers an additional $10 off in-store or online purchases, excluding diamond and platinum memberships.
Before you can enjoy all the free items, double points, and discounts, there are specific requirements you must meet. Here’s what you need to do to be eligible for free birthday products from Ulta Beauty.
- You must have a member’s profile with Ulta Beauty.
- Your birth date must be in your member profile by the 8th of your birthday month to be eligible for this benefit.
To redeem the free birthday gift from Ulta Beauty, select a gift from the available list, then use the coupon code included in your birthday email notification or in your app’s profile at checkout to claim the gift.
4. Panera Bread
If you are a big fan of Panera Bread, you will be surprised by how much free stuff you can get from the restaurant. Panera Bread offers free birthday rewards to members of its reward program known as MyPanera.
Before you can receive free stuff on your birthday at Panera, you must be a member of its reward program. You also need to have your birthday included in the account at least 7 days before your birthday.
What kind of free stuff can you get from Panera Bread on your birthday? There are usually numerous options available. However, most free birthday gifts you receive typically include a free pastry, sweets, or a free bagel. You can also get birthday rewards, which can be redeemed to make purchases. You can redeem your birthday gift during the entire month of your birthday.
5. Baskin-Robbins
If you are craving ice cream on your birthday, then you are in for a treat. Baskin-Robbins offers a free birthday gift to its members. At Basking-Robbins, you get a free scoop of ice cream with your Birthday Club membership.
You don’t need to be a rewards member to qualify for the Birthday Club membership. However, you must be a Birthday Club member, which is easy to sign up for by just creating an account. You can see free birthday gifts and rewards in your app profile or online on the website.
6. Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s is known for Pretzels, and if you are a big fan, you get free pretzels on your birthday with My Pretzel Perks. Members receive special offers, deals, and insider access to all Auntie Anne’s products.
Plus, you earn points for every purchase you make, which you can redeem later for more purchases. For every dollar you spend at Auntie Anne’s, you earn 10 points. To qualify for free pretzels on your birthday from Auntie Anne’s, you must make at least one purchase annually.
7. AMC Theatres
Are you planning to go to the movies on your birthday? If you do, then taking advantage of AMC Theaters’ birthday perks can make your day even more enjoyable.
AMC Theatres typically offers free popcorn and a selection of drinks, which are loaded into your account on the first day of your birthday month. Your birthday reward can be redeemed at the concession stand, inside your AMC app, or by scanning your card.
AMC offers different membership levels, and the amount of free perks you can receive on your birthday depends on the type of membership you have. Here are the various membership options, along with the free things you can expect to receive on your birthday.
- AMC Stubs Insider. This is a non-paid membership level, and you’ll receive a free large popcorn on your birthday.
- AMC Stubs Premiere. This is a paid membership, which includes a free large popcorn and a free large fountain drink.
- AMC Stubs A-list. This is also a paid membership that comes with a free large fountain drink and a free large popcorn on your birthday.
Besides birthday gifts, AMC also offers other discounts that you can take advantage of, such as Discount Tuesdays Ticket Savings, a free large popcorn refill, and a $5 Reward for every 5,000 Points. If you are an AMC Stubs Insider, you can also get access to exclusive offers, events, and more.
8. Applebee’s
Are you looking for free tasty food on your birthday? If you do, look no further than Applebee’s. Yes, Applebee’s is one of the best places to get free stuff on your birthday. Since this is a restaurant, you can expect to receive complimentary food, specifically free dessert.
Before you can get a free dessert on your birthday from Applebee’s, you must be a member of their Club Applebee’s email list.
Here is how to get started to receive a free dessert from Applebee’s on your birthday.
- Sign up for Applebee’s email club
- Provide your birthday information in your member’s account
- Check your email regularly close to your birthday. This is because you will receive an email notification with a coupon for your complimentary dessert and instructions on how to redeem it.
- Visit your nearest Applebee’s restaurant and use your free dessert coupon before it expires.
While most Applebee’s locations offer dessert for free to their members, some may also provide an appetizer or an entree for free on your birthday.
9. Kohl’s
Kohl’s is one of the many stores that rewards its members on their birthday. Before you get free stuff on your birthday from Kohl’s, you first have to become a Kohl’s rewards member. Being a member allows you to earn 5% on your purchases and receive a special birthday gift when you purchase before your birthday month.
If you want to take it one step further, consider becoming a Kohl’s Rewards member with a Kohl’s card. This will enable you to earn 7.5% on purchases made both in-store and online. The free items you receive on your birthday from Kohl’s are usually small or a discount coupon, which can be redeemed online or in-store.
To get started and become a Kohl’s rewards member, follow these few steps.
- Go to Kohl’s website or download the app
- Enroll in the reward program for free by clicking the “Join Now” tab.
- Start earning 5% on any purchase or 7.5% when you pay with a Kohl’s card.
- Your rewards will then be converted into Kohl’s cash in $5 increments.
- To receive a free gift on your birthday from Kohl’s, make a purchase of at least $50 in the month leading up to your birthday.
10. Red Robin
If you’re a fast food lover, you might want to consider getting free food from Red Robin on your birthday. Every member of the Red Robin loyalty program receives a free burger on their birthday month. To qualify for a free burger from Red Robin for your birthday, you need to register as a member, meet the minimum purchase requirement in the month prior, and register your birthday in your member profile.
As a member of Red Robin, you also gain access to its rewards program, which allows you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for additional in-store or online purchases. For example, you can earn 1 point for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases, or receive $10 for accumulating 100 points. You also get a free appetizer when you sign up. Please note that certain conditions apply to freebies and discounts, and a minimum spending requirement may be required to qualify for these perks.
11. IHOP
If you like dining at IHOP, you might be in luck for free stuff at this restaurant. IHOP gives free birthday rewards to its international Bank of Panchakes rewards program. Yes, as a member of the IHOP reward program, you will enjoy freebies on your birthday at the restaurant. Typically, you get a free full stack of original buttermilk pancakes.
Here are a few key points to note, along with the eligibility requirements for the free birthday food at IHOP.
- You can redeem your free pancake stack offer at any IHOP location.
- You will receive 5 PanCoins in your account on the first day of your birthday month.
- To qualify for this free birthday gift, you must be a member before the 1st of your birthday month.
When you join the IHOP rewards program, you also gain access to exclusive discounts, perks, points, and offers. There is no cost to sign up for the IHOP rewards program. You need to sign up and start enjoying the benefits catered to its members.
12. Jersey Mike’s
Are you a big fan of sandwiches? If you do, how does it feel to get free subs and a free drink on your birthday? Jersey Mike’s is one of the best places to get free stuff on your birthday. That is right. The restaurant helps you celebrate your birthday with a free sub.
To qualify for a free sub on your birthday at Jersey Mike’s, you must be a member of their email club and must have made a purchase of a regular sub in the previous year. You can also earn points with your purchases and redeem them to buy more subs at any of their locations. For example, 48 points earns you a Free MINI, 72 points earns you a Free regular Sub, while 144 points earns you a FREE GIANT!
To get a free birthday sub and a drink at Jesey Mike’s, follow these simple steps.
- Join MyMike’s by signing up for the Jersey Mike’s email club
- Ensure your birthday is registered in your account
- Opt in to emails to receive communications about your free subscription on your birthday
- Make at least one purchase of a regular sub in the year before. For example, to qualify for a free sub in 2026, you must purchase at least one regular sub in 2025.
- Redeem your coupon for a free sub and drink, which is typically sent to your email during the week leading up to your birthday.
13. Buffalo Wild Wings
You can get free snack-size wings on your birthday from Buffalo Wild Wings. To qualify for free stuff on your birthday from Buffalo Wild Wings, you must be a Blazin’ Rewards member. Additionally, you need to include your birthday in your profile. It is recommended to enter your birthday date in the month preceding your actual birthday. Typically, you get six free wings on your birthday. As a rewards member, you receive exclusive offers and discounts, plus Buy One Get One(BOGO) Free Wings on Tuesdays.
To get started, download the Buffalo Wild Wings app and sign up for the Rewards program. You can also complete this process online on the company’s website. Even if it is not your birthday, being a reward member allows you to start accumulating rewards. You typically earn 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases. When you have spent $250, you unlock the elite tier, where you’ll earn 12 POINTS PER $1 SPENT. You can redeem your points for free food and drinks.
14. Barnes & Noble
If you are a member of Barnes & Noble, you can get free stuff on your birthday from the company. You typically get a free birthday coupon, which represents a dollar amount off your purchases. Here are the instructions to qualify for this Barnes & Noble birthday coupon.
- Download the Barnes & Noble app and join its premium membership. You can also sign up on the company’s website.
- Provide your birthday and email in your member’s profile
- Link your membership to your bn.com account
- Receive the coupon in your email
- Redeem your coupon by making a purchase either in-store or online.
15. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Getting free items on your birthday, such as free cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, is a great way to make your day more enjoyable. With this in mind, there is one company that specializes in giving free stuff to its royal members. I am talking about Sprinkles Cupcakes.
Sprinkles Cupcakes offers a free cupcake on your birthday to members of its rewards program. Besides a free cupcake on your birthday, you also benefit from its points program. For every dollar you spend, you earn 5 points. Once you have reached 300 points, you will receive a free item, such as a cupcake, brownie, or cookie.
16. Del Taco
Members of Del Taco earn points on qualifying purchases, enabling them to redeem various rewards based on the number of points accumulated. As a member of Del Taco, you can get a birthday reward on your birthday, which includes a free regular-sized shake, dessert, or both, depending on the level of your membership.
The membership also comes with additional perks, including iced tea or coffee on qualifying purchases, extra rewards, and bonus offers.
17. Noodles & Company
If you’re a big fan of noodles, you won’t be disappointed on your birthday if you sign up for Noodles & Company’s rewards program. You can get a free dessert, a small entrée, or a regular entrée on your birthday, depending on the level of your membership on the company’s Tasty Tiers.
Noodles & Company’s Tasty Tiers is the upgraded version of their Noodles Rewards program, offering more perks the more you spend. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three tiers:
- Classic (0–1,600 points): Earn 8 points per $1 spent. Perks include a free dessert on your birthday.
- Signature (1,601–6,600 points): Earn 10 points per $1. You’ll receive a free small entrée on your birthday and enjoy enhanced daily rewards.
- Premier (6,601+ points): Earn 12 points per $1. Enjoy a free regular entrée on your birthday, along with exclusive offers and perks.
Points can be redeemed for free items starting at just 150 points. The higher your tier, the faster you earn and the better the benefits and free stuff you can get on your birthday.
18. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Birthday cakes are among the items you must have at your birthday celebration. Having a free birthday cake is even better. While many companies offer free cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the best option for getting a free cake on your birthday. To qualify for a free cake, also known as a free Bundt, you must be a member of the company’s Bundtastic Rewards Program or its eClub.
Besides getting a free cake on your birthday, being a Bundtastic member earns you other benefits, such as Member Happy Hours and Member Appreciation Days.
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