Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
The Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies and Rewards (2024)
Want to make your birthday extra special without spending a dime? You're in luck! Many popular restaurants, retailers, and brands offer amazing birthday freebies and rewards to help you celebrate. We've researched and compiled the most valuable birthday offers available in 2024, organized by category to help you maximize your birthday benefits.
Quick Tips for Birthday Rewards Success
- Sign up at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday
- Download relevant store apps in advance
- Ensure your birth date is correctly listed in your profile
- Check email regularly during your birthday month
- Most rewards are valid only during your birthday month
- Some programs require a purchase within the past year to qualify
Restaurant Birthday Freebies
Looking for free birthday food? These restaurant rewards programs offer everything from free desserts to complete meals.
Fast-Casual Restaurant Rewards
- Chipotle Rewards
- Free guacamole on your birthday
- Points for every purchase
- Must join Chipotle Rewards program
- Panera Bread
- Free pastry or sweet treat
- Valid during birthday month
- Requires MyPanera membership
Popular Restaurant Chains
- Baskin-Robbins
- Free 4-oz. scoop of ice cream
- Must download mobile app
- Join Baskin Robbins Birthday Club
- Valid during birthday month
- Boston Market
- Special birthday reward (varies)
- Requires Rotisserie Rewards membership
- Redeem with phone number at checkout
- Available at participating locations
Casual Dining Restaurants
- Chili's
- Free dessert
- My Chili's Rewards® enrollment required
- Additional perks: Free chips and salsa
- Minimum $5 purchase required
- Chipotle
- Free guacamole
- Chipotle Rewards membership needed
- Points earned on every purchase
- Valid during birthday month
Family Restaurants
- Friendly's
- Free ice cream sundae
- Friendly's Fan® Club membership required
- Valid on birthday only
- No purchase necessary
- Houlihan's
- Free entrée
- Email Club subscription required
- Additional $10 off signup bonus
- Birthday month redemption
Asian Cuisine Restaurants
- Pei Wei
- Free small shareable
- My Wei Rewards enrollment needed
- Options include crab wontons, edamame, spring rolls
- Requires soft drink or small plate purchase
- P.F. Chang's
- Free dessert or appetizer
- P.F. Chang's Rewards membership required
- Points earned on purchases
- Birthday month validity
Premium Beauty Brands
- Aveda
- Free birthday gift
- Newsletter subscription required
- Purchase required within last 12 months
- 28-day redemption window
- Bath & Body Works
- Free gift (product varies)
- My Bath and Body Works® Rewards required
- Valid during birthday month
- No purchase necessary
Luxury Cosmetics
- Clinique
- Tiered rewards system
- Smart Rewards program required
- "Brilliant" and "Genius" tiers: Gift with any order
- "Smart" tier: Gift with $45+ orders
- Elf Cosmetics
- Free birthday gift
- Beauty Squad membership required
- Bonus points for Pro/Icon members
- Valid during birthday month
Beauty Retailers
- Sephora
- Free birthday gift
- Beauty Insider membership required
- Gift varies by membership tier
- Valid during birthday month
- Ulta
- Free gift + double points
- Ultamate Rewards® membership needed
- Platinum/Diamond: Extra gift + $10 coupon
- Birthday month validity
Activewear & Sportswear
- Adidas
- Birthday surprise (varies)
- AdiClub level 2+ required
- Benefits vary by tier
- Valid during birthday month
- American Eagle
- Birthday coupon
- Real Rewards membership required
- Free shipping benefit
- Points on every purchase
Fashion Retailers
- H&M
- Birthday treat (value varies)
- H&M membership required
- Additional 10% off first purchase
- Exclusive discounts included
- J.Crew
- Annual birthday gift
- J.Crew Passport membership needed
- Early sale access included
- Free shipping benefit
Department Stores
- Macy's
- Birthday surprise
- Star Rewards membership required
- Purchase required within 12 months
- Valid address needed
- Target
- 5% off birthday coupon
- Target Circle membership required
- 30-day validity
- Single-use only
Movie Theaters
- Barnes & Noble
- Special birthday offer
- B&N Rewards membership required
- Value varies by year
- Must add birthday to profile
- AMC Theatres
- Free large popcorn
- AMC Stubs membership required
- Valid during birthday month
- Multiple tier options available
Making the Most of Your Rewards
Want to maximize your savings beyond birthday rewards? Consider using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you earn the most from your credit card rewards every time you shop online. Currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase with code "GET20".
Tips for Birthday Reward Success
- Sign up for rewards programs at least 30 days before your birthday
- Keep track of expiration dates
- Read terms and conditions carefully
- Stack rewards with regular promotions when possible
- Consider using a dedicated email for rewards programs
- Download store apps for easy access
- Set calendar reminders for time-sensitive offers
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sign up for birthday rewards programs?
Most programs require registration at least 30 days before your birthday to be eligible for rewards. Sign up early to ensure you don't miss out.
How long do birthday rewards typically last?
Duration varies by retailer. Most offers are valid during your birthday month, while some may be limited to a specific week or extend 30 days from your birthday.
Do I need to make a purchase to get birthday rewards?
Some programs require a purchase history within the past year to qualify for birthday rewards. Check individual program terms for specific requirements.
Can I combine birthday rewards with other offers?
Policies vary by retailer. Many allow combining birthday rewards with other promotions, but some may have restrictions. Check the terms and conditions.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
