Freebies

CARIBOU COFFEE: Create an online account to cash in on a free coffee drink.
STARBUCKS: Ask an employee for a Starbucks card on your next visit, then register it online. Not only will you receive the beverage of your choice once a year, you also will accrue “stars” with every visit. Accumulate enough stars and get free goods.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS: Enroll in “Dunkin’ Perks” on dunkindonuts.com and you'll get exclusive offers, including a free medium beverage (plus another on your birthday).
GODIVA: Free chocolate! Join the Rewards Club at godiva.com and you can stop by a Godiva store once a month for a gratis piece of chocolate.
PRETZELMAKER: Join this eatery’s mailing list at pretzelmaker.com for a “buy one pretzel, get one free” coupon.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY: If you decide to celebrate a birthday at this restaurant, let your server know. At the end of the meal, you’ll be treated to ice cream with a candle and a birthday serenade.

FRIENDLY’S: Sign up for Friendly's Birthday Club for a free three-scoop sundae with the purchase of any adult entrée and also receive birthday offers for you and your family.

BASKIN-ROBBINS: Join the Birthday Club to receive a coupon for a free scoop along with a discount on an ice cream cake, as well as other dollars-off deals throughout the year.

COLD STONE CREAMERY: At coldstonecreamery.com, join the Birthday Club to indulge in a free sweet.

HOLLYWOOD VIDEO: Enjoy a complimentary rental on your birthday—and on that of everyone else listed on your account.

OUTBACK: Sign up for My Outback Rewards and receive a free Aussie-Tizer.

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S: Register at tgifridays.com for a Give Me More Stripes card to be eligible for a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert, plus a one-time pass to move to the front of the line at the restaurant—saving you both money and time!

QDOBA: Request a free Qdoba card at one of these Mexican restaurants; after you register at qdoba.com, you’ll get a free order of chips and salsa on your next visit. (You’ll also rack up points toward an entrée.)

OLD COUNTRY BUFFET: Visit oldcountrybuffet.com/eclub to learn how to get a “buy one, get one free” buffet meal.

FUDDRUCKERS: Sign up for the Fudds Club at fuddruckers.com for a birthday burger.

RED ROBIN: Join the Red Robin e-club online to enjoy a free burger.

CALIFORNIA TORTILLA: Love Mexican food? Sign up at californiatortilla.com for this restaurant chain’s newsletter, Taco Talk, and you’ll instantly receive a coupon for a free taco, plus many other discounts.

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL: Score a birthday burrito on the house when you sign up for Moe’s e-World at moes.fbmta.com.

TACO BELL: Some locations will serve you a complimentary combo meal on your birthday (you need to show ID). Check with yours to see if it participates.

SEPHORA: Sign up for Beauty Insider at sephora.com and stop in on your birthday for a pampering present. Sephora has also been known to offer a free lip gloss or lotion sample. There’s no guarantee, but it’s worth a shot to inquire.

Free for Kids

On their birthdays, bring your children to Baskin-Robbins for ice cream, Boston Market for free food or Sonic for a kid’s meal. They also can receive a free meal if you enroll them in the CPKids Birthday Club at California Pizza Kitchen and the Kids’ Birthday Club at your local Denny’s (check first—it varies by location).