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Your birthday should be all about fun, not expenses. Luckily, dozens of restaurants, retailers, beauty brands, and even entertainment companies across the U.S. are ready to spoil you with free birthday offers. From free meals and desserts to bonus points and exclusive retail discounts, you can treat yourself without opening your wallet.
The best part? Most of these free things on your birthday only require you to sign up for a rewards program or app. With a little planning, you can turn your birthday week—or even the whole month—into a celebration of freebies.
This ultimate guide by Moneywise Maven covers 100+ places that give you free stuff for your birthday in 2025, complete with tips on how to claim them.
How to Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday
If you want to take full advantage of free birthday stuff, follow these strategies:
Sign up at least 7 days before – Most birthday programs require early enrollment to activate your freebie.
Download the app – Many birthday rewards are sent directly to mobile apps.
Know the rules – Some rewards require a purchase, others don’t. Also, check expiration dates since some freebies last all month whereas others expire on the day itself.
Plan your birthday week – Stretch out the fun by scheduling your free meals and offers across multiple days.
Use family birthdays – Add your kids’ or spouse’s birthday to double (or triple) the freebies.
Food & Drink Freebies
Restaurants and cafes are among the most generous when it comes to free stuff on your birthday. Whether you’re craving pizza, burgers, coffee, or dessert, there’s a birthday deal for you.
A&W – Free root beer float with Mug Club.
Abuelo’s – Birthday reward via Mi Abuelo’s Rewards.
Applebee’s – Free dessert with $15 purchase.
Arby’s – Free milkshake on your birthday.
Auntie Anne’s – Free pretzel for Pretzel Perks members.
Baja Fresh – Free burrito for Club Baja members.
Baskin-Robbins – Free scoop of ice cream.
Benihana – $30 birthday certificate.
Ben & Jerry’s – Free birthday ice cream.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Free Pizookie dessert.
Black Angus Steakhouse – Free steak dinner with purchase (email club).
Bruegger’s Bagels – Free bagel with cream cheese.
Buffalo Wild Wings – Free snack-size wings.
California Pizza Kitchen – Free dessert or entrée (rewards members).
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Free birthday dessert.
The Cheesecake Factory – Free cheesecake slice.
Chick-fil-A – Free cookie or treat.
Chili’s – Free dessert with purchase.
Chipotle – Birthday surprise (free guac is common).
Cinnabon – Free iced coffee on your birthday.
Cold Stone Creamery – Free ice cream treat.
Crumbl Cookies – Free birthday cookie.
Culver’s – Free birthday custard.
Dairy Queen – Birthday reward via DQ Rewards.
Del Taco – Free shake or dessert.
Dennys – Free Grand Slam breakfast (no sign-up required).
Dunkin’ – Birthday reward for Rewards members.
Dutch Bros – Free drink of any size.
Einstein Bros. Bagels – Free egg sandwich.
Firehouse Subs – Free medium sub.
Friendly’s – Free ice cream treat.
Golden Corral – Free birthday drink.
Grimaldi’s – Free pizza reward.
Hooters – 10 free wings with purchase.
IHOP – Free pancakes.
Insomnia Cookies – Free cookie.
Jack in the Box – Free dessert.
Jamba – Free smoothie.
Jersey Mike’s – Free regular sub and drink.
Krispy Kreme – Free donut.
LongHorn Steakhouse – Free birthday dessert.
McDonald’s – Free menu items (app rewards).
Moe’s Southwest Grill – Free burrito.
Noodles & Company – Free birthday treat.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Free Bundtlet cake.
Olive Garden – Free dessert.
Outback Steakhouse – Free dessert.
Panera Bread – Free birthday pastry.
Papa John’s – Free dessert.
P.F. Chang’s – Free appetizer or dessert.
Pizza Hut – Free cinnamon sticks.
Red Lobster – Birthday reward.
Red Robin – Free birthday burger.
Rita’s Italian Ice – Free Italian ice.
Ruby Tuesday – Free dessert.
Shake Shack – Free shake.
Smoothie King – Free smoothie.
Sonic – Free birthday drink.
Sprinkles Cupcakes – Free cupcake.
Starbucks – Free drink or food.
Steak ‘n Shake – Free birthday milkshake.
Subway – Free cookie or sandwich (varies).
Taco Bell – Free taco.
Texas Roadhouse – Free appetizer.
TGI Fridays – Free dessert.
Waffle House – Free waffle.
Wingstop – Free fries or dessert.
Pro Tip: Sign up for multiple restaurant rewards apps and create a “birthday freebie tour.” You could eat out for days without spending much!
Retail & Lifestyle Freebies
Birthday perks aren’t just for foodies. Many major retailers offer free stuff for your birthday in the form of discounts, gift cards, and special rewards.
Sephora – Free makeup/skincare gift.
Ulta Beauty – Free birthday gift + double points.
DSW – $5–$10 birthday reward.
Victoria’s Secret – $10–$15 coupon.
Kohl’s – Birthday discount code.
Barnes & Noble (Premium) – Free birthday reward.
Build-A-Bear Workshop – Birthday discounts for kids.
World Market – Free birthday reward.
Yankee Candle – Free candle or coupon.
Old Navy – Birthday discount for Rewards members.
Express – Birthday coupon.
Nike – Exclusive birthday coupon.
Adidas – Birthday discount + free shipping.
Anthropologie – 15% off birthday coupon.
American Eagle – Birthday discount.
Gap – Birthday coupon.
Hot Topic – Birthday discount.
H&M – 25% off one item during birthday month.
JCPenney – Birthday reward for Rewards members.
Kendra Scott – 50% off one item during birthday month.
L.L. Bean – Birthday coupon.
Macy’s – Birthday surprise for cardholders.
Madewell – Birthday coupon.
Nordstrom Rack – Birthday coupon.
Petco – Birthday treat for your pet.
PetSmart – Free pet treat or toy.
Swarovski – Birthday gift for loyalty members.
Torrid – Birthday coupon.
UNIQLO – Birthday coupon (select regions).
Pro Tip: Stack your birthday coupons with seasonal sales for maximum savings.
Beauty & Wellness Freebies
Self-care is a must on your big day. Thankfully, salons, spas, and beauty retailers offer plenty of free birthday stuff to pamper you.
Aveda – Free sample-size product.
Bluemercury – Free deluxe samples.
Massage Envy – Birthday discounts.
Origins – Free birthday skincare gift.
The Body Shop – $10 coupon.
Benefit Cosmetics – Free brow wax.
Kiehl’s – Birthday gift.
bareMinerals – Free birthday gift.
Urban Decay – Free makeup gift.
MAC Cosmetics – Free lipstick with sign-up.
Clinique – Birthday samples with purchase.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t usually buy high-end products, your birthday is the perfect time to try them—without spending a dime.
Entertainment & Activities Freebies
Looking for experiences instead of just food or shopping? Plenty of companies offer free things on your birthday to help you celebrate.
AMC Theatres – Free popcorn.
Regal Cinemas – Free birthday reward for Crown Club members.
Dave & Buster’s – Free $10 gameplay.
Main Event – Free $10 birthday game card.
Medieval Times – Free admission with paid ticket.
Chuck E. Cheese – Free tokens or coupons.
Sky Zone – Free jump pass.
Round1 Arcade – Free gameplay credits.
Bowlero – Free bowling game.
Topgolf – Free game play coupon.
Pro Tip: Plan a fun-filled day of activities using these offers to make your birthday extra memorable.
Travel & Hotel Birthday Freebies
If you’re traveling around your birthday, you can take advantage of free birthday offers from hotels and travel programs.
Marriott Bonvoy – Free bonus points.
Hilton Honors – Extra points or perks.
IHG Rewards – Free birthday reward.
Hyatt (World of Hyatt) – Bonus points gift.
Southwest Airlines – Extra points.
Delta SkyMiles – Birthday deals and perks.
Frontier Airlines – Birthday discounts (loyalty members).
Caesars Rewards – Free slot play or dining credit.
MGM Rewards – Birthday freeplay and perks.
Pro tip: Combine hotel birthday points with flight discounts, and you might score a nearly free birthday getaway.
Final Thoughts
Your birthday is the one day you should be treated like royalty—and thanks to hundreds of brands, you can enjoy free birthday stuff without spending big. From free meals and desserts to beauty gifts and even hotel perks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy free things on your birthday in 2025.
So go ahead—sign up for rewards programs, plan your birthday freebie tour, and make your special day unforgettable. After all, the best gifts are the ones you don’t pay for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I get the best free birthday stuff in 2025?
The best free birthday stuff in 2025 comes from restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, and beauty brands that reward loyalty members with complimentary gifts. Popular choices include free desserts at The Cheesecake Factory, a free drink at Starbucks, free pancakes at IHOP, and free makeup gifts at Sephora and Ulta. Many hotels and airlines also give out bonus points or discounts, making it easy to enjoy free things on your birthday whether you’re dining out, shopping, or traveling.
Do I need to sign up in advance to claim free birthday freebies?
Yes, most free birthday freebies require signing up for a rewards program or app at least a week before your birthday. Restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings or Dunkin’ send birthday coupons through their apps, while beauty brands like Sephora and MAC require loyalty enrollment before your birthday month. Planning ahead ensures you receive your offers on time and don’t miss out on free things on your birthday.
Can I get free birthday stuff without making a purchase?
Many birthday freebies do not require a purchase, such as free pancakes at IHOP or a free donut at Krispy Kreme. However, some restaurants and retailers require a minimum spend, such as a free dessert at Applebee’s with a purchase. To maximize your savings, focus on rewards that are truly free and then decide if the purchase-based rewards fit into your birthday plans.
How many places give free things on your birthday in 2025?
As of 2025, over 100 national chains across the U.S. offer free birthday freebies. These include restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, beauty brands, entertainment venues, and even hotels. The number keeps growing as brands compete for customer loyalty, so it’s worth checking updated lists every year. Signing up for multiple programs can easily give you a week’s worth of free meals, treats, and gifts.
Do birthday freebies expire quickly?
Expiration dates for birthday freebies vary by brand. Some offers, like Starbucks or Dunkin’, are only valid on your actual birthday, while others, like Ulta Beauty or Chili’s, remain valid for your entire birthday month. Always check the fine print in the app or email notification so you can plan your birthday freebie tour without missing any rewards.
Can I get free birthday rewards for my kids or pets?
Yes, many companies extend birthday freebies to kids and even pets. Build-A-Bear offers birthday discounts for children, while Petco and PetSmart give pets free treats or toys. Adding family birthdays to your household rewards accounts is a smart way to multiply your birthday freebies and enjoy even more free things during the year.
Are travel and hotel birthday freebies worth it?
Travel and hotel birthday freebies are definitely worth it, especially if you’re part of loyalty programs. Brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer bonus points or perks, while airlines such as Southwest and Delta provide extra miles. Casino resorts like Caesars and MGM even offer free slot play or dining credits. Combining these travel rewards with restaurant and retail freebies can turn your birthday into a cost-saving getaway.
How do I maximize free birthday stuff throughout the month?
To maximize your free birthday stuff, sign up for rewards programs early, download brand apps, and create a schedule for redeeming your offers. Start with restaurants that give birthday meals, spread out dessert freebies across different days, and save retail coupons for when sales are running. Since many offers are valid for the entire month, you can enjoy birthday freebies long after the actual day has passed.
Can I get free birthday freebies if I don’t live in the U.S.?
While the majority of free birthday stuff is available in the U.S., some international brands like Starbucks, H&M, and Sephora also offer birthday rewards in select countries. Availability varies by region, so it’s best to check the local version of a brand’s app or website to see if the birthday program applies to your area.
Is it possible to celebrate an entire birthday without spending money?
Yes, with the right planning, it’s possible to celebrate your birthday without spending a dime. Between free birthday meals, desserts, beauty gifts, entertainment credits, and even hotel perks, you can enjoy a full day—or even a week—of celebrations at no cost. Many people plan what’s known as a “birthday freebie tour,” hopping between different restaurants and stores to enjoy free things on their birthday all day long.
Featured image credit: Freepik (Freepik)


