Where to Get Free Food & Gifts on Your Birthday

Download Article

Birthday freebies that don’t require rewards programs or memberships

Co-authored by Breanne Benson and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Restaurants

|

Attractions

|

Stores

|

Video

We hear it’s your special day, and what better way to celebrate than with free goodies? We’ve compiled a list of the best freebies you can get on your birthday without signing up for a membership or rewards program. All you have to do is visit one or more of these places on your big day and show them your ID. So, where can you go on your birthday for a free treat? Keep reading to find out.

Section 1 of 3:

Restaurants

Download Article

1
Applebee’s If you order a meal at Applebee’s, you can get a free hot fudge sundae on your birthday. This creamy and oh-so-delicious treat is usually $2.50 but can be free for you on your special day.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Applebee’s claims they only provide this perk to reward members, but many customers claim they’ve received it without being a member.
At Bob Evans, kids can get a free kid’s meal on their birthday if they dine in. Simply tell the wait staff it’s your child’s birthday, and watch the magic happen.

Advertisement
At CPK, you can get a free dessert on your birthday. Choose from a slice of butter, red velvet, or Belgian chocolate cake, or keep it classy with a creamy slice of key lime pie.
At Chompie’s, you can get a free Eggciting Breakfast on your birthday. This tasty meal comes with 2 eggs, crispy home fries, and your choice of a bagel, toast, or English muffin and is sure to leave you stuffed.
If you dine in at Chili’s on your birthday, you can get a free molten lava cake.^{[2]
X
Research source} This warm, gooey, chocolatey dessert is usually $9, but it can be yours for $0 to celebrate your big day.
If you dine in at Cracker Barrel, you can get a free dessert and musical serenade.^{[3]
X
Research source} Tell your server it’s your special day, and as long as you order a meal, you can get a free ice cream or cup of cobbler.
7
Denny’s If you dine in at Denny’s on your birthday, you can get a free Original Grand Slam breakfast. A plate piled high with crispy bacon, eggs, sausage links, and pancakes? What more could you ask for?
- Some Denny’s locations may require you to sign up for their rewards program to receive this deal.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Breanne Benson
  Personal Finance and Savings Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
8
Dunkin’ Donuts At Dunkin’ Donuts, you can get a free drink on your special day.^{[5]
X
Research source} Choose a frozen Coolatta or opt for a classic cold brew—the choice is up to you!
- Some DD locations will ask you to show a rewards member card or account to redeem this freebie; however, some may only ask for a valid ID.
At Dutch Bros, you can enjoy a free cup of Joe for your big day. Simply roll up to the drive-thru, tell them it’s your birthday (showing a valid ID if asked), and get your free hot or cold coffee to start your day.
10
Firehouse Subs At Firehouse Subs, you can get a medium-sized sub for free on your birthday.^{[6]
X
Research source} Get anything from a meatball sub to a classic ham and cheese sandwich—you have the whole menu at your disposal!
- Firehouse Subs claims you need to be a rewards member to earn this freebie, but many customers say they’ve gotten their birthday sub by just showing their ID.
At Iguana Mia, snag a free fried ice cream on your special day. Make sure to dine in so you can finish the festivities with a free, deliciously gooey scoop of decadent dessert.
At Joe’s Farm Grill in Arizona, you can get a free adult-sized meal if it’s your birthday. Simply show up on your special day and hand them your ID. Then, eat a burger or rack of ribs for free!^{[7]
X
Research source}
If your birthday lands on a Wednesday, you can score a free slice of pie at O’Charley’s. This complimentary birthday treat is only available when you dine in.
If it’s your birthday and you go to Outback Steakhouse, you can get anything from a free Bloomin’ Onion to a decadent brownie.^{[8]
X
Research source} Tell the wait staff it’s your special day and see what their location offers.
If you tell the server it’s your birthday at TGI Fridays, they may return with a complimentary ice cream. In some cases, your free treat may even come with a celebratory song sung by all the wait staff!
If you order a meal at The Capital Grille, you can get a free chocolate espresso cake for your birthday. This decadent dessert usually costs $12 but can be yours for free (as long as you dine in on your exact birthday).
At The Cheesecake Factory, you can receive a complimentary sundae piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles on your birthday. Who knows? You may even get a candle, too!
18
The Dead Poet (New York, NY) At The Dead Poet (New York’s famous literary-themed pub), you can get a free beer on your special day as long as you share a birthday with a famous dead author. Just head to the bar, show your ID, and announce it’s your birthday.
- Make sure to Google your special day beforehand to see if you qualify for this deal.

Section 2 of 3:

Attractions

Download Article

1
AMC Movies At AMC movie theaters, you can get a free large popcorn on your birthday. All you have to do is buy a regular movie ticket and show them your ID.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Some locations may require you to be an AMC Stubs member to receive this freebie.
2
AMF Bowling At AMF Bowling locations, you can get a free game on your big day. Head to the bowling alley and show your ID to the teller for a discount (just make sure to go on your birthday).
- AMF claims they only offer this deal to members; however, some customers say they’ve gotten a discount without a membership.
3
Dave & Buster’s If you play at Dave & Buster’s on your birthday, you can get $10 off your game card. Show your ID when you purchase your points to get $10 of extra playtime.
- Some argue that D&B’s no longer offers this discount; however, some customers still have luck with it. Check with your location to see if the offer still stands.
4
Denver Zoo (Denver, CO) On your special day, you can visit the Denver Zoo for free. Simply register online on the zoo's website in advance to receive your free birthday ticket.
- If you need help getting your free ticket online, call the zoo at (720) 337-1400 for assistance.
In Salt Lake City, you can enjoy the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum for free on your birthday. Prove that it’s your birthday when you arrive, and you’ll be good to go.
In California, you can get a free game of mini golf at Mulligan Family Fun Center. All you have to do is show up on your special day, show a valid ID, and start playing!

Section 3 of 3:

Stores

Download Article

1
Aveda At Aveda locations, you can get a free gift on your birthday. Shop in stores and show a valid ID at check out to prove it’s your special day.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Know that the gift is usually a sample- or tester-sized product or cosmetic.
2
Benefit Cosmetics At Benefit Cosmetics locations, you can claim a free gift on your birthday without signing up. Show them your ID and get a free gift or Brow Arch with any purchase.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that these gifts are usually sample- or tester-sized cosmetics.
At Changing Hands Bookstore, you can receive $10 off your purchase during your birth month. Simply show the shop clerk your ID at checkout and enjoy your discounted books.
At Driscoll’s Berries, you could win free berries for a whole month. All you have to do is put your name into Driscoll’s Berry Birthday Sweepstakes. You could win free berries or a $100 Visa gift card if you enter by the end of your birthday month.^{[12]
X
Research source}
5
DSW At DSW, you can receive $5 off your purchase during your birthday month. All you have to do is shop in stores and show an employee your ID at checkout. If it’s your birthday month, you’ll likely get $5 off your purchase.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- A DSW VIP membership may be required at some locations to receive this discount.
6
Estee Lauder At Estee Lauder, you can get a free gift on your special day. Shop in stores and tell the cashier it’s your birthday when you check out (showing a valid ID if they ask).^{[14]
X
Research source}
- The free gift is unknown and varies depending on availability and season. More often than not, it’s a sample- or tester-sized product.
At NARS, you can get a free mini duo during your birthday month. Depending on availability, your mini duo could include a lip gloss, eye shadow, blush, and/or setting powder. All you have to do is purchase any other item and prove it’s your birth month at checkout.
At Sally Beauty locations, you can get $5 off during your whole birthday month.^{[15]
X
Research source} Simply shop until you drop at your local Sally’s. Then, show your ID at checkout to prove it’s your birth month.
9
SmashBox Cosmetics At SmashBox, you can get a free gift with any purchase on your birthday. Head to a SmashBox location near you, do a bit of shopping and show a valid ID at checkout (while claiming it’s your birthday).^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Remember that free gifts are typically sample- or tester-sized products.
At Winky Lux, you can receive a free birthday cake lip gloss on your special day. Order online at the Winky Lux website and apply a birthday discount at check out to get this freebie.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Know that every restaurant, store, or business location won’t always accommodate these birthday freebies. Some locations may require a membership or have other stipulations.^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Breanne Benson
Personal Finance and Savings Expert

Expert Interview} Even so, it never hurts to try!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0