Happy birthday to you! You can take advantage of more than 100 of the best freebies by scrolling below. If you know of a freebie that isn’t listed, please let me know by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
I shared some of these freebies on KSTP-TV’s Minnesota Live.
Advice on cashing in
Before you head out to get these free items, note that for many of them, you will need to register an account in advance. Some businesses require an active profile weeks, and in a few cases, a month, before your birthday hits. For most of these, you won’t be able to walk in and say, “it’s my birthday, give me free stuff!” However, as you’ll see, creating free profiles can be well worth it.
People have suggested to me that you could spread the wealth and make multiple birthdays. Most businesses won’t check your ID, so you could do some of these for your actual birthday and others for your half birthday or another date. You’ll want to make sure it is a date you’ll remember so you don’t forget to cash in.
I created a list on the Notes app on my phone with all the businesses I have accounts. I included on the note when my “birthday” is so I remember to get the freebie. The list on the Notes app is also a good reminder to sign in when I’m at those establishments so I keep my accounts active.
Do all of these have some sort of catch?
No! I have sorted and labeled deals into categories:
NO CATCH: These are going to be the easiest to get. You should be able to walk in and get the freebie. You won’t have to submit your email and receive marketing messages.
EMAIL: You’ll need to submit your email or join a EClub of some sort, but you shouldn’t have to buy anything in advance to claiming your birthday gift.
PRIOR SPEND: You will have need to have purchased something before your birthday in order to receive the freebie.
WITH PURCHASE: You will receive a freebie, but you will need to buy something when you stop in.
PHONE APP: These are deals that will require you to download the company’s phone app in order to cash in. I have downloaded the app myself and verified that it works.
Have fun… and happy birthday!
I would love to see your photos when you collect freebies! They might end up on my Facebook, Instagram, or here on my website. You can also email me here.
NEW: Download these deals on a checklist!
Click here to download and print off a checklist of these deals so you can get the most out of your birthday!
All deals, in alphabetical order
NO CATCH: Free birthday bubbles or small chocolate cake at 6 Smith
(verified February 2026)
6 Smith is located in Wayzata, Minnesota.
You can stop by on your birthday and get a free glass of bubbles or a small chocolate cake. Plus, you’ll get a birthday card. Best of all, there’s no email club to join! You can either note it on your reservation or tell staff when you arrive.
EMAIL: Free entrée at Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano
(verified June 2025)
Acapulco has seven Minnesota locations.
You must be a member of their Email Club. A week before your birthday, you will receive an email with a coupon for a free entrée. It’s valid for 10 days from the date the email is sent.
NO CATCH: Free comedy show tickets for four at ACME Comedy Company
(verified February 2026)
ACME Comedy Company is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
You and three guests can select to attend one 8:00 p.m. show on Wednesday or Thursday or a 9:30 p.m. show on Friday or Saturday for free during your birthday month. You must submit your request online no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior you would like to attend. The inbox is checked Tuesdays – Fridays from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Check your email for a confirmation after you submit the request.
EMAIL: 15% off at Adidas
(verified February 2026)
You must sign up for their adiClub. A week before your birthday, you’ll receive an email with a voucher good for 15% off. That voucher was good for 10 days after my birthday.
BONUS: Upon signing up and completing my profile, I received another 15% off voucher and was able to get a pair of Sambas for $46!
NO CATCH: $5 off at Alary’s Bar and Barbeque
(verified August 2025)
Alary’s Bar and Barbeque is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
You must sign up for their Rewards program. On your birthday, you will receive an email good for $5 off your next visit. It is valid for purchases in person and online. My credit was good for my entire birthday month.
EMAIL: Free large popcorn at AMC Theatres
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an AMC Theatres near you.
You must be an AMC Stubs Insider. On the first day of your birthday month, AMC Stubs Insider members will have a free large popcorn uploaded to their account. AMC Stubs A-List, Premier, and Premiers GO! members receive a free large popcorn and a free large fountain drink. You must have your birthday listed on your account at least 30 days prior of your birth month in order to get the deal added.
EMAIL: $5 at American Eagle and Aerie
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an American Eagle and Aerie near you.
You must be a RealRewards member. I received a $5 birthday coupon by email one week before my birthday. It was good for one month. The deal can be used in-store and online.
BONUS: After signing up, you will receive an email for 10% off your next purchase. My certificate was good for six weeks after I received it.
Thanks Michelle for the tip!
EMAIL: 20% off at Anthropologie
(verified August 2025)
Click here to find an Anthropologie location near you.
You must sign up for their AnthroPerks program at least 16 days before your birthday. Look for an email on your birthday. It is good until the end of your birthday month.
BONUS: You receive $20 off your next full price purchase upon registering.
WITH PURCHASE: Free dessert with $15 purchase at Applebee’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an Applebee’s location near you.
You must join Club Applebee’s program. A week before your birthday, you will receive an email with a code good for a free dessert with a $15 purchase. My offer was good for 23 days after my birthday. You can use the offer online or through the Applebee’s mobile app.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Arby’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an Arby’s location near you.
You must be a member of Arby’s Rewards. Two weeks before my birthday, I received an email saying a free dessert was loaded on my account. It is good for a Jamocha shake or turnover and is valid for a month after the email is sent. Note taxes are extra.
EMAIL: $5 at Arc’s Value Village
(verified January 2025)
Arc’s Value Village locations are in Bloomington, New Hope, and Richfield, Minnesota.
You must be a member of the Village Rewards program. You must spend at least $5 and present your Village Rewards card. $5 (1250 points) will be loaded to your card. It must be used within 30 days of your birthday.
Also on Give Me The Mike… Where Minnesotans can donate clothing and household goods
EMAIL: 15% off at At Home
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find an At Home location near you.
You must sign up to receive At Home’s Insider Perks emails. On your birthday, you will receive an email with a promo code that is good for 15% off your entire purchase in-store or online. My discount expired three weeks after it was sent.
PRIOR SPEND: Free pretzel at Auntie Anne’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an Auntie Anne’s location near you.
You must register for their Rewards program. You have 14 days to redeem your reward once it is loaded on your account. In order to receive the free pretzel, you must spend at least $10 in the past year.
BONUS: Upon registering, you will receive an email good for a free original, cinnamon sugar, or sweet almond pretzel with the purchase of another item. That offer expired 45 days after I received the email.
WITH PURCHASE: Free slice of ice cream cake and $15 off future visit at Baldamar
(verified July 2025)
Baldamar is located in Roseville, Minnesota.
When you make a reservation through their website, note that you are celebrating a birthday. When you arrive, a certificate for $15 off a future visit will be waiting for you at your table (it was for me at least!) I checked with their staff — the celebrant also receives a free slice of ice cream cake.
WITH PURCHASE: Free item of your choice at Bath & Body Works
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Bath & Body Works near you.
You must sign up for my Bath & Body Works Rewards. Make sure your account has your birth date included. You will have to edit your account once you sign up! For this freebie, you will be able to pick out an item of your choice, up to $9.95, with any purchase. My reward expired 30 days after I received it. You can use it in-store or on their website.
EMAIL: Free scoop of ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Ben & Jerry’s location near you.
You must be a member of their Flavor Fanatics email list. The week leading up to my birthday, I received an email noting that a free scoop was added to my account. It was valid for my entire birthday month.
WITH PURCHASE: $50 at Benihana
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Benihana location near you.
UPDATE: Benihana retired The Chef’s Table Rewards and started a new, less complicated program!
You must join the Friends with Benefits Program, which is also used at Kona Grill. I was a part of Benihana’s prior rewards program, and I automatically had a profile in Friends with Benefits.
When I logged in on my birthday, I had a $50 birthday reward. It expired 18 days after my birthday. Unlike the previous birthday reward at Benihana, I didn’t see any restrictions with this reward.
TIP: I did not get an email from Benihana about this birthday credit.
BONUS: Benihana’s Kabuki Kids Program is open to those 12 and younger. On their birthday, kids registered in the program receive a free souvenir mug with the purchase of a meal.
EMAIL: Free loaf of bread at Breadsmith
(verified February 2025)
Click here to find a Breadsmith location near you.
You must sign up for Breadsmith Rewards. On your birthday, you will receive an email with a notification that a free loaf of bread was added to your account. That credit is good for 30 days.
BONUS: Upon registering, you will receive an email noting that a credit for a free loaf of bread was added to your account. That credit is good for 30 days.
NEED TO CONFIRM: Broadway Pizza
(updated February 2026)
NEED TO CONFIRM: Broadway Pizza has 12 Minnesota locations.
I signed up for the Broadway Pizza E Club, but randomly stopped getting emails from them. My birthday on file came and went without a birthday freebie, so I have an ask in to see what deals are still going.
WITH PURCHASE: Free bagel with cream cheese at Bruegger’s Bagels
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Bruegger’s Bagels location near you.
You must join their Rewards program. About a week before my birthday, I received an email for a free bagel with cream cheese with any purchase. The freebie was good for one week after my birthday.
BONUS: Members of the Inner Circle program receive a free bagel and cream cheese upon registering. That deal is good for two weeks after you sign up. Inner Circle members also get a free coffee, hot or iced, of any size, with a purchase.
PHONE APP: Six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Buffalo Wild Wings location near you.
You must be a member of Blazin’ Rewards. On your birthday, you will receive an email good for six free wings. When you go to the restaurant to redeem, you will need to open the B-Dubs phone app and activate the deal.
Thanks Andrea for the tip!
EMAIL: $15 at Bullvino’s Churrascaria
(verified February 2026)
Bullvino’s has locations in Bloomington and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
You must be a member of their Rewards Program. The day before your birthday, you’ll receive an email with a code for a $15 credit. That discount is good during your entire birthday month.
WITH PURCHASE: $10 off $40 purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Build-A-Bear Workshop location near you.
You must be a member of the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club. About two weeks before the start of your birthday month, you will receive an email good for $10 off a $40 purchase. My certificate was good for four weeks after it was sent.
TIP: You can add birthdays for up to seven people to your account!
WITH PURCHASE: Free Tres Chocolate Brownie dessert at Cantina Laredo
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Cantina Laredo location near you.
You must be a member of their e-Club. About a week before your birthday, you will receive an email good for a free Tres Chocolate Brownie dessert with purchase of an adult entree. My certificate expired two weeks after I received it, meaning it was good one week after my birthday.
BONUS: After signing up for the e-Club, you will receive an offer for a free order of Top Shelf Guacamole. Tax and gratuity is not included. That offer expires two weeks after joining.
WITH PURCHASE: Free piercing jewelry at Captive Elements
(verified February 2026)
Captive Elements is located in Blaine, Minnesota.
There’s no catch here. You must show up on your birthday. According to their website, if you show up on your birthday to get a piercing, your piercing jewelry is free. There is a limit of one piece of jewelry per person.
Thanks Ashley for the tip!
EMAIL: $15 to Kieran’s Irish Pub, The Local Minneapolis, or The Local West End
(verified June 2025)
The Local and Kieran’s Irish Pub are in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Local West End is in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.
You must sign up for Cara Irish Pubs’ Rewards Program. Right before your birthday, you will receive an email with a promo code with the $15 credit. Mine was good for my entire birthday month.
BONUS: You receive a $10 credit upon activating your account.
Thanks Jessica for the tip!
PRIOR PURCHASE: Free beverage at Caribou Coffee
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find a Caribou Coffee location near you.
You must be an active Caribou Perks member.
WITH PURCHASE: Free eight ounce sirloin dinner at Casper’s Cherokee of Eagan
(verified February 2026)
Casper’s Cherokee is located in Eagan, Minnesota.
You need to stop by the Thursday night the week of your birthday. You must show proof of your birthday with a valid ID upon arrival. Someone at your table must order a Casper Classic entrée in order for you to get the free dinner. In addition to the sirloin, you will receive a salad and baked potato.
Thanks Deanna for the tip!
WITH PURCHASE: Free dessert with $5 purchase at Chili’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Chili’s location near you.
You must be a member of Chili’s Rewards. A couple days before your birthday, you will receive an email stating that a free dessert was added to your account. A minimum $5 purchase is required and alcohol does not count towards the minimum. My certificate expired one week after my birthday.
BONUS: Upon registering, you receive a reward for free chips and salsa or a free non-alcoholic beverage. That expires 45 days after you sign up.
WITH PURCHASE: Free guacamole with $5 purchase at Chipotle
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Chipotle location near you.
You must be a member of Chipotle Rewards. On your birthday, you will receive an email linking to your rewards account with a credit for a free topping or regular side of guacamole with a $5 purchase. You can order in-store on through the Chipotle app. The credit is good for 30 days after it is added to your account.
BONUS: For your half birthday, you receive a free beverage with a minimum $5 purchase. It expires 14 days after it arrives in your inbox.
BONUS: You receive a free guacamole with a $5 purchase upon creating an account. That is good for seven days.
EMAIL: Free small cold brew at Cinnabon
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Cinnabon location near you.
You must sign up for Cinnabon Rewards. Around your birthday, a free small cold brew will be added to your account. My credit expired one week after my birthday.
TIP: I did not receive an email about this freebie. I had to log in to see it was there.
BONUS: When you sign up, you receive an email good for a four-piece BonBites. That deal expires two weeks after you sign up.
WITH PURCHASE: Free slice of pie or ice cream sundae at Nelson Bros. Restaurant & Bakery
(verified February 2026)
Nelson Bros. Restaurant and Bakery is at the Clearwater Travel Plaza in Clearwater, Minnesota.
On your birthday, you can enjoy a free slice of pie or an ice cream sundae free when you purchase of a meal at Nelson Bros.
Thanks Nicole for the tip!
EMAIL: $5 at Cold Stone Creamery
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Cold Store Creamery location near you.
You must be a member of the My Stone Cold Club. Around your birthday, you’ll receive $5 off your next purchase. Mine was good “14 days after earned”, but when you log in to your account, you can’t see when it was earned.
TIP: I did not get an email alerting me about this credit. It was automatically uploaded to my account.
BONUS: Upon registering, you’ll receive a reward for buy one, get one free ice cream. Valid for Like It, Love It, or Gotta Have It sizes. My offer expired two and a half weeks after I received it.
NO CATCH: Free admission at Crayola Experience
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find the Crayola Experience location near you. In Minnesota, Crayola Experience is located in Mall of America.
Any guest receives free admission within seven days of their birthday with proof of birth date, like a driver’s license or birth certificate. A photo on a smartphone is not accepted. You must redeem the freebie in person.
Thanks Dani for the tip!
EMAIL: Free Juicy Lucy at Crooked Pint Ale House
(verified February 2026)
Crooked Pint Ale House has Minnesota locations in Apple Valley, Chaska, Duluth, Faribault, Mankato, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Rochester, Savage, and Waite Park.
You must be a member of their Crooked Rewards program. The week of your birthday, you will receive an email notifying you that a free Juicy Lucy has been added to your account. The deal is valid for 10 days after the email is sent. Mine expired six days after my birthday.
BONUS: You receive 60 bonus points upon registering. Every dollar spent equals one point. 200 points gets you a $10 certificate.
BONUS: On your anniversary, you will receive an email good for two free glasses of wine or a chocolate chip lucy. It was sent six days before my anniversary and was good for 10 days.
BONUS: Around your half-birthday, you will receive an email stating that a credit for a free Chocolate Chip Lucy dessert was added to your account with any non-beverage purchase. It is valid 10 days from when the email is sent.
EMAIL: Free frozen custard with one topping at Culver’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Culver’s location near you.
You must be a member of MyCulver’s. On your birthday, you will receive an email good for a single scoop of frozen custard with one topping. My certificate expired 14 days after it was sent. You don’t need to log in to your account to get the deal. You can just print the email or show it on your phone to get the free dessert.
BONUS: Upon registering, you receive an email good for a buy one, get one free value basket. That certificate is valid for 14 days after being sent.
Thanks Cheryl for the tip!
EMAIL: Free breakfast at Denny’s
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Denny’s location near you.
You must be a Denny’s Rewards member. Right before my birthday, I received an email with a certificate good for an Everyday Value Slam, which is two buttermilk pancakes, one slice of French toast or a biscuit and gravy. It is served with eggs, plus two bacon strips or two sausage links. The certificate was good for 30 days and can only be used in the restaurant.
BONUS: Upon signing up, you receive a coupon for 20% off your next purchase.
EMAIL: $5 at DSW
(verified February 2025)
Click here to find a DSW location near you.
You must be a DSW VIP. On your birthday, you will receive an email good for $5 off your next purchase in-store or online. It is valid during your birthday month.
EMAIL: Three times points at Dunkin’
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Dunkin’ location near you.
You must be a member of Dunkin’ Rewards. You can get three times the points on any purchases made the day before, the day of, or the day after your birthday. Unless you go to Dunkin’ regularly, this reward is not worth it.
PHONE APP: $5 at Dunn Brothers Coffee
(verified June 2025)
Click here to find a Dunn Brothers Coffee location near you.
You must have the Dunn Brothers Coffee Rewards app. About a week before my birthday, I received an email saying a $5 credit was added to my account. The email said is was valid for 14 days instead of seven days their website states. That means the credit was good from a week before my birthday until a week after. Learn more.
BONUS: I also received $3 off a $5 purchase for downloading the app. That deal was good for seven days.
EMAIL: $10 at Edina Grill, Groveland Tap, or The Freehouse
(verified July 2025)
Edina Grill is located in Edina, Minnesota. Groveland Tap is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Freehouse is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These restaurants are part of the Blue Plate Group, which includes Highland Grill, Longfellow Grill, and The Lowry.
You must be a member of Blue Plate Rewards. On your birthday, you will receive an email with a $10 credit. That can be used in the restaurant, for online orders, or through the Toast app. My certificate expired at the end of my birthday month.
TIP: You’ll make one profile for all of Blue Plate Grill’s restaurants and you can earn points at all restaurants. However, you will only get one $10 birthday credit.
WITH PURCHASE: Free egg sandwich at Einstein Bros. Bagels
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an Einstein Bros. Bagels location near you. In Minnesota, they have locations in Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis.
You must sign up for the Einstein Bros. Bagels Rewards Program. About a week before your birthday, you will receive an email stating that a credit for a free egg sandwich with any purchase is in your account. It expires about 10 days after your birthday.
BONUS: Upon creating an account, you will receive an email valid for a free bagel and shmear with purchase. I had two weeks to redeem this offer. You also receive unlimited hot or iced coffee for up to a month with purchase. I was able to use this deal for 27 days.
EMAIL: $5 – 40 at Express
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find an Express location near you.
You must be an Express Insider member. Rewards are either $5, $10, or $40, depending on how much you spend during the year. The reward expires at the end of your birthday month.
BONUS: I also received a $10 coupon via email on my half birthday! It expired at the end of the month.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Famous Dave’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Famous Dave’s location near you.
You must be a member of Famous Dave’s Rewards. The week of your birthday, you will receive a certificate good for a free dessert, up to $9. It expired 14 days after the email was sent. My certificate was good for a week past my birthday. It is valid for dine-in and to-go orders. It cannot be used for online orders.
BONUS: When you register, you will get $5 off your next purchase. You must download their mobile app in order to redeem.
EMAIL: $10 at Finish Line
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Finish Line location near you.
You must be a member of Finish Line Status. On your birthday, you will receive an email notifying you that a credit was added to your account. For me, it was $10. It was valid for 30 days.
EMAIL: Free sandwich at Firehouse Subs
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find a Firehouse Subs location near you.
You must download the Firehouse Rewards phone app before or on your birthday. You will receive a coupon for a free medium sub.
Thanks to Richard and Danielle for the tip!
NO CATCH: Free concert tickets for two at First Avenue
(verified February 2026)
First Avenue is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Even if a show is sold out, you and a guest will get in to a show at the First Avenue Mainroom or 7th Street Entry for free on your birthday. This deal also applies to First Avenue’s other venues, Fine Line and Turf Club. Don’t forget your ID. It is not valid at venues First Avenue manages, including Palace Theater, The Fitzgerald Theater, or Surly Brewing Festival Field. You must attend on your actual birthday. Learn more.
Also on Give Me The Mike: What you need to know before visiting Minneapolis
EMAIL: $5 at Fleet Farm
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Fleet Farm location near you.
You must sign up to be a member of the Fleet Rewards Program.
When I logged into my account on my birthday, I had a $5 reward without having spent anything at the store since setting up my account. I couldn’t click on the reward to see how I received it, but I’m confident it is a birthday reward. It expired 30 days after my birthday. It can be used in-store or online.
TIP: I did not get an email about this freebie.
EMAIL: $25 at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Fogo de Chão location near you.
You must sign up for FOGO Rewards. My certificate arrived about one week before my birthday and was valid 16 days after my birthday. It cannot be used on big holidays, like Valentine’s Day, and does not work during Restaurant Week.
BONUS: If you go on your birthday, you also receive a free dessert.
EMAIL: Free mini one-topping pizza at Frankie’s Chicago Style Pizza
(verified March 2025)
Frankie’s Chicago Style Pizza is located in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
You must sign up for their E-Club. A certificate for a mini one-topping pizza will arrive in your inbox. It is valid for two weeks.
Thanks Roxanne for the tip!
NO CATCH: Free drinks and $20 bingo pack at Hoggsbreath Bar & Grill
(verified January 2026)
Hoggbreath Bar is located in Little Canada, Minnesota.
On the week of your birthday, stop by with three friends Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. The birthday person receives free rail and bar pour drinks and a free bingo pack, worth $20, for their Thursday night birthday bingo session. There’s no catch here! Just show up with three friends.
Thanks Jordan for the tip!
WITH PURCHASE: Free buffet at Golden Corral
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Golden Corral location near you.
You must be a member of Golden Corral Rewards. About 10 days before your birthday, you will receive a coupon valid for a free buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet. The birthday buffet does not include a beverage. My certificate expired one week after my birthday.
TIP: The deal is only valid at the location you select when you register for an account.
NOTE: The email you receive has a link to a coupon you will need to show to get the free buffet. According to the email, you can only click the coupon link three times.
EMAIL: 100 points at Gotta Go Gotta Throw
(verified February 2026)
Gotta Go Gotta Throw is a disc golf store with locations in Golden Valley and Little Canada, Minnesota.
You must sign up for their Disc Golf Rewards Program. On your birthday, you will receive an email stating that 100 points were added to your account. Every 200 points is worth a $5 credit.
BONUS: You receive 50 points for creating an account.
NO CATCH: Up to $50 in Grand Play at Grand Casino
(verified February 2026)
Grand Casino has locations in Onamia and Hinckley, Minnesota.
On any day during the month of your birthday, head to Grand Casino Mille Lacs or Grand Casino Hinckley. Depending on the location, you could win up to $125 in Grand Play. Learn more.
EMAIL: Free deep dish pizza at Green Mill
(verified February 2026)
Green Mill has 15 Minnesota locations plus Husdson, Wisconsin.
You must be a member of the Green Mill Rewards Club. The week of your birthday, you will receive an email notifying you that a free small one-topping deep dish pizza was added to your account. It is valid for 10 days from when the email was sent. My certificate expired six days after my birthday. It is valid for dine-in and carry-out orders.
BONUS: You will receive 60 bonus points upon registering. Every dollar spent equals one point. 200 points gets you a $10 certificate.
BONUS: Approaching your anniversary, you will receive an email good for a free bottle of wine or a dessert to share! That certificate is good for 10 days after it is sent and is valid dine-in only.
BONUS: Around your half-birthday, you will receive an email good for a free order of garlic cheese bread with the purchase of any non-beverage item. The deal is good for 10 days from when the email is sent. The deal is valid for dine-in and call-in takeout orders.
NEED TO CONFIRM: Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar
(February 2026)
Grizzly’s Wood-Fired locations are in Baxter, Waite Park, and Willmar, Minnesota along with Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
I signed up for their emails and stopped receiving updates from them. I also did not get a birthday freebie, although one is still listed on their website.
WITH PURCHASE: Free Frisco breakfast or Angus burger at Hardee’s
(verified August 2025)
Click here to find a Hardee’s location near you.
You must be a member of Hardee’s My Rewards. On your birthday, you will receive an email stating that a reward was added to your account. My was for a free Frisco breakfast sandwich or Angus burger with any purchase of $1 or more. My certificate arrived on my birthday and was valid for two weeks.
BONUS: After creating an account, you will receive a credit for one Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Biscuit ‘N Gravy, Frisco Breakfast Sandwich, Sausage & Egg Biscuit, Super Bacon Biscuit, Super Sausage Biscuit, Big Hot Ham & Cheese, Famous Star, Frisco Angus Burger, Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich, 5 piece Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders or Mushroom & Swiss Angus Burger with minimum $1 purchase. That is valid for 30 days after registering.
NO CATCH: Free half hoagie and beverage at Hogan Brothers
(verified February 2026)
Hogan Brothers is located in Northfield, Minnesota.
You can stop in on your birthday and get a half hoagie sandwich and a medium fountain beverage. It is valid on your birthday only. Just show up with your ID! Learn more.
EMAIL: Free entrée at Houlihan’s
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Houlihan’s location near you.
You must be a member of the Houlihan’s email program.
BONUS: You also get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more when signing up. This offer arrived via email and expired one month after I received it.
EMAIL: Free full stack of pancakes at IHOP
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an IHOP location near you.
You must join the International Bank of Pancakes rewards program. On the first day of your birthday month, you’ll receive five PanCoins which can be redeemed for a full stack of pancakes.
TIP: You must be a member of the program before the first day of your birthday month. Learn more.
TIP: I did not receive an email about this birthday freebie. The credit was added into my account.
EMAIL: $10 credit at IKEA
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find an IKEA location near you.
You must be a member of IKEA Family. A coupon is emailed on your birthday and is valid for your birthday month. You must be a member of IKEA Family for 30 days prior to your birthday and opt-in to receive emails 30 days prior to your birthday.
EMAIL: Free deluxe cookie at Insomnia Cookies
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find an Insomnia Cookies near you.
You must be a member of Insomnia Cookies’ Rewards program. When I registered, I opted in to receive emails, but after my birthday, realized that I was not receiving them in my inbox. I logged into my account and noticed there was a credit for a free deluxe cookie. The credit expired 10 days after my birthday.
PRIOR SPEND: Free small smoothie at Jamba Juice
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find a Jamba Juice location near you.
You must be a member of the My Jamba Rewards program. You must spend $10 in Jamba products over the previous 12 months to receive the reward. Learn more.
PRIOR SPEND: Free sandwich and beverage at Jersey Mike’s
(verified January 2026)
Click here to find a Jersey Mike’s location near you.
You must be a member of their myMikes program and download their app. Make sure to submit your birthday and pick your favorite location once you register for an account. On your birthday, you will receive a coupon for a regular sub sandwich in the app. You must purchase as least one regular or giant sub per year to receive the perk.
EMAIL: 50% off one piece of fashion jewelry and 25% off one fine, demi-fine, home or watch item at Kendra Scott
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Kendra Scott location near you.
You must sign up to receive emails from Kendra Scott. When you register, you will select your birthday month. I signed up during my birthday month, and the credit immediately appeared on my profile so I was able to use it online. It is definitely one of the easiest freebies to claim. The credit was good for about 45 days.
BONUS: After registering for their Insider program, I received an email with 15% off my purchase.
EMAIL: $50 at Kona Grill
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Kona Grill location near you. In Minnesota, there is a Kona Grill in Eden Prairie.
UPDATE: Kona Grill ended their previous loyalty program.
You must sign up for Friends with Benefits, the same program Benihana uses. Now, from what I am seeing, you can only pick one restaurant from the Friends with Benefits group to get the $50 credit at (you can choose a favorite restaurant in your profile). So in Minnesota, you will need to choose between Kona Grill and Benihana.
WITH PURCHASE: Free entrée or dessert at La Casita
(verified February 2026)
La Casita is located in Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Roseville and Waite Park, Minnesota.
At the Columbia Heights location, you get a free entrée if another food item of equal or lesser value is purchased.
In Waite Park, you will receive a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée.
For all of these, the deal must be redeemed on your actual birthday and an ID is required.
Thanks Kimberly for the tip!
Also on Give Me The Mike… 20 Mexican restaurants in Minnesota worth the trip
WITH PURCHASE: $25 credit at Landry’s Select Club properties
(verified May 2025)
This one is tricky. Read carefully.
Landry’s Group runs mostly upscale seafood restaurants. You have heard of some of these: Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Joe’s Crab Shack, Kincaid’s, Morton’s, The Oceanaire, along with the Rainforest Cafe.
Their Landry’s Select Club will upload $25 to your account for your birthday month, which can be used at any of their 600+ properties, however there is a catch. You have to purchase a card for $25. Basically it comes out as a wash, but the Club comes with other perks, including 10% off at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, priority seating at restaurants (which would be great at Rainforest Cafe!), and rewards for every dollar you spend.
I didn’t buy a card, but I’ll leave it here if you’re interested. Thanks Jamie for the tip!
EMAIL: $5 at Legacy Toys
(verified May 2025)
Legacy Toys has locations in Duluth, Edina, Minnetonka, and Roseville, Minnesota along with Fargo, North Dakota.
You must be a member of Legacy Rewards. If you fill out your profile, you will receive an email stating that 300 points were loaded to your account for your birthday, which is equivalent to a $5 credit. I also received $5 after signing up, so I quickly had $10 off my next purchase.
Taylor emailed me saying that in-store, staff will let your kids pick out a free toy from their birthday box! They also get a sticker.
NEED TO CONFIRM: Free minifigure at LEGO
Click here to find a LEGO Store location near you.
According to Reddit and an anonymous person who emailed me, if you stop by the LEGO Store and tell them it is your birthday, they will let you build your own minifigure for free.
EMAIL: $25 at Lindey’s Prime Steak House
(verified February 2026)
Lindey’s Prime Steak House is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
They moved away from mailing out postcards and started a digital Birthday Club program. Click here to sign up. Same day sign-ups are not eligible for the credit.
WITH PURCHASE: Free baby birthday cake with purchase at Lunds & Byerlys
(verified January 2026)
Lundsy & Byerlys has 29 Minnesota locations.
You can get a free cake for your child’s first birthday when you purchase a 7-inch or larger double-layer decorated cake. To place your order, mention that it is your baby’s first birthday. Give a minimum of three days before you want to pick up the cake. Learn more.
TIP: Lunds & Byerlys offers free knife sharpening, and it does not need to be on your birthday! Bring them to the meat counter and they will be ready within 24 hours. There is a limit of three blades per visit, and only non-serrated blades will be sharpened. Learn more.
EMAIL: $25 at Madewell
(verified September 2025)
Click here to find a Madewell location near you.
You must be a member of Madewell Insider. On your birthday, you will receive an email with a $25 credit off your next purchase. It is valid for your birthday month.
NO CATCH: Free five-inch birthday cake at Mancini’s Char House
(verified January 2025)
Mancini’s is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
You receive a 5-inch white cake for your birthday. No need to sign up for an email club. Just let your server know that it is your birthday.
PHONE APP: Free food at McDonald’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a McDonald’s location near you.
You must have the MyMcDonald’s Rewards app. Make sure to add your birthday in your profile. On your birthday, you will receive a credit for a six-piece Chicken McNuggets, apple pie, cheeseburger, decaf coffee, French fries, hash browns, hot tea, iced coffee, McChicken, regular coffee, sausage biscuit, sausage burrito, or sausage McGriddle. No purchase is necessary. You have a week to use the credit.
WITH PURCHASE: Six signature dipped strawberries at Melting Pot
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Melting Pot location near you.
You must be a member of Club Fondue. About three weeks before your birthday, you will receive an email good for a box of six signature dipped strawberries with any purchase while dining in the restaurant. You will need to reserve your strawberries 24 hours in advance. The certificate expired more than two months after I received it.
EMAIL: Free blind box worth up to $25 at MINISO
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a MINISO location near you.
You must be a member of MINISO Rewards. Make sure you re-log in to your account to verify your email and phone and to add your birthday. On the first day of your birthday month, you will receive an email stating that a coupon for a birthday blind box, worth up to $25, was added to your account. You will have to present your ID at the register, so make sure to enter your actual birthdate. I registered during my birthday month and my certificate was good for 30 days, well into the next month.
PHONE APP: Free shake at My Burger
(verified January 2025)
My Burger has 10 Minnesota locations.
You must download the My Burger Loyalty app and create an account. You cannot sign up on their website. For your birthday, you receive a free shake.
Thanks John for the tip!
EMAIL: Up to $1,000 in slot play at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
(verified January 2025)
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is located in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
You must register to be a Club M member and visit guest services the month of your birthday. You will spin a virtual wheel to win prizes, including free bingo, blackjack play, or up to $1,000 in slot play.
EMAIL: Free cupcake at Nadia Cakes
(verified February 2026)
Nadia Cakes has locations in Maple Grove and Woodbury, Minnesota.
You must sign up for their mailing list. You will receive an email on your birthday with a certificate good for a cupcake worth up to $4.25. That certificate must be redeemed on your actual birthday only. Valid ID required.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Noodles & Company
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Noodles & Company location near you.
You must be a member of their Noodles Rewards program. Your birthday reward varies depending on the amount of points you accrue during the year, but at a minimum, starts with a free dessert on your birthday. Upper tiers receive small and regular entrées. My certificate expired 30 days after I received it.
Thanks Khloe for the tip!
EMAIL: $5 at Nordic Ware Factory Store
(verified July 2025)
The Nordic Ware Factory Store is located in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.
You must receive emails from the Nordic Ware Factory Store’s Bundts & More Rewards program. To join, you can sign up in the store or email your information. Click here to learn what they need to know. On my birthday, I received an email for $5 off a purchase in their store. It was good during my birthday month.
EMAIL: Free bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Nothing Bundt Cakes location near you.
You must be a member of their EClub. One week before your birthday, you will receive an email good for one bundtlet. The certificate is valid until week after your birthday. The email says you should be prepared to show your ID, so when you sign up for this one, make sure to use your actual birthday.
Andrea claimed this freebie and sent me a photo! I would love to see photos of you with your freebies, too! mike@givemethemike.com
PRIOR SPEND: Free pizza worth up to $17 at Old Chicago
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find an Old Chicago location near you.
You must download their OC Rewards program phone app. You must have made one visit in the 12 months prior to your birthday in order to get the credit. The $17 good towards a pizza is valid from seven days prior to the birthdate submitted to seven days after.
NO CATCH: Free dessert at Olive Garden
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find an Olive Garden location near you.
You receive a free dessert on your birthday when you dine in the restaurant. Servers will also sing happy birthday if you ask! Learn more.
WITH PURCHASE: $2 off a small beverage at Orange Julius
(verified January 2026)
Click here to find an Orange Julius location near you.
You must sign up to receive Orange Julius promotional emails. Two weeks before my birthday, I received an email encouraging me to click a coupon on my phone that I would “scratch off”. It was good for $2 off a small Orange Julius beverage. Although I filter out the many emails they send, this freebie is not worth the hassle.
EMAIL: Free pastry or sweet at Panera Bread
(verified January 2025)
Click here to find a Panera Bread location near you.
You must sign up for their MyPanera program. The certificate can be redeemed for muffins, cookies, pastries, sweets, and bagels. Breads and bulk pastries excluded. Maximum discount is $5. The offer will be automatically loaded to your MyPanera account.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Papa Johns
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Papa John’s location near you.
You must a Papa Rewards member. You receive a free birthday cookie with purchase. The reward is good for 14 days. You must have purchased from Papa Johns in the last year to receive the perk. I haven’t used my Papa Johns account since 2022, so no reward showed up for me in 2025.
PRIOR SPEND: Free cinnamon wheel dessert at Papa Murphy’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Papa Murphy’s location near you.
You must be a MySLICE Rewards member. My birthday came and went without a birthday freebie in my inbox, so I messaged their team. They clarified that you need to have made a purchase in the past 365 days in order to get the birthday freebie. However, they did add it, a free cinnamon wheel dessert, to my account. It was good for about 30 days.
NO CATCH: Free car wash at Paradise Car Wash
(verified February 2026)
Paradise Car Wash has eight Minnesota locations.
Stop by on the week of your birthday and get a free car wash! There is no email club to sign up for, either. Just bring an ID with you and show it to staff when you arrive.
EMAIL: Free drink or dessert at Park Tavern
(verified June 2025)
Park Tavern is located in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.
You must be a member of their E-Club. You will receive an email a few days prior to your birthday valid for a free drink or dessert. It is valid for two weeks from the date sent. The deal not valid on take out.
EMAIL: Free Magnificent Seven breakfast at Perkins American Food Co.
(verified June 2025)
Click here to find a Perkins location near you.
You must be a MyPerkins member. A week before your birthday, you will receive an email with a coupon valid for a free Magnificent Seven breakfast (two large eggs cooked to order with three made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes and choice of two bacon strips or sausage links) or a seven under $7 breakfast. The coupon is valid for 30 days after it was sent.
BONUS: Upon signing up, you will receive a coupon for 20% off your total bill. Mine was valid for 30 days. It cannot be used on the Seniors’ Menu, Kids’ Menu, and other select menu items.
WITH PURCHASE: Free dessert or appetizer at P.F. Chang’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a P.F. Chang’s location near you.
You must sign up for Chang’s Ca$h rewards. You get a free dessert or appetizer valid the month of your birthday. The credit is loaded on your account the first day of your birthday month and is good for 30 days.
EMAIL: $5 at Pizza Ranch
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Pizza Ranch location near you.
You must sign up for the Ranch Rewards program. On the Monday before your birthday, you will receive an email for $5 off your next visit. The reward lasts for 30 days.
BONUS: You can also sign up the other members of your family, who will each receive a free gift the week before their birthday.
TIP: Before you go, check to see which days kids eat free!
EMAIL: $10 off $20 or more at Pollo Campero
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Pollo Campero location near you. In Minnesota, Pollo Campero has locations in Brooklyn Center and West Saint Paul.
You must be a member of their Campero Rewards program. About a week before your birthday, you will receive an email notifying you that a reward for $10 off a $20 or more purchase was added to your account. The discount is good for in-store and online orders. The offer is valid your birthday month.
EMAIL: Free slice of chocolate cake at Portillo’s
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Portillo’s location near you.
You must be a member of their Birthday Club. On the first day of my birthday month, I received an email good for a free slice of chocolate cake. It was valid for the month.
TIP: Upon registering, you can enter the birthdays for up to three children so they can get freebies, too! I registered our kids and they received an email for a free slice of cake. It came a week before their birthday and expired a week after.
BONUS: After signing up, you will receive an email good for a free slice of chocolate cake with a $10 purchase. It expired 30 days after being sent.
EMAIL: Free cookie or Dream Bar at Potbelly Sandwich Works
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Potbelly location near you.
You must be a member of Potbelly Perks. Birthday perks increase for those who go to Potbelly more often, including free shakes and entrées. I received an email good for a free cookie or bar. It was valid for a month.
EMAIL: Free round of mini golf at Puttshack
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Puttshack location near you. In Minnesota, locations are in Edina and Minneapolis.
You must be a member of Puttshack Perks. On your birthday, you will receive an email stating that a free round of nine hole mini golf was added to your account. To redeem, you will need to book with the phone number you used to create the account. My certificate expired six weeks after my birthday.
EMAIL: Free chips and queso at Qdoba Mexican Eats
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Qdoba location near you.
You must be a member of Qdoba Rewards. Birthday perks increase for those who go to Qdoba more often, including free entrées. I received an email stating a credit for free queso and chips was added to my account. The certificate expired at the end of my birthday month.
WITH PURCHASE: Free regular sub at Quiznos
(verified August 2025)
Click here to find a Quiznos location near you.
You must be a member of their Toasty Points program. On my birthday, I received an email good for a buy one, get one free regular 8-inch sub. The deal was good for seven days.
NEED TO CONFIRM: Free drink at Raising Cane’s
Click here to find a Raising Cane’s location near you.
You must be a member of the Caniac Club. You need to start by going into a store to get a physical card. Then, you will need to register your card online. It sounds like a lot of work for a free drink, but once you register your card, I am told you receive a free box combo that includes four tenders, fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, and a drink.
Let me know if you claim this freebie! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Red Lobster
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Red Lobster location near you.
You must be a member of My Red Lobster Rewards. A week before my birthday, I received an email with a free dessert: Chocolate Wave, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake Bliss or Brownie Overboard. The maximum value of the freebie is $14.99. It can be used for dine-in and carryout orders.
BONUS: Upon registering, you receive a reward for 10% off your next visit.
PRIOR SPEND: Free burger at Red Robin
(verified January 2026)
Click here to find a Red Robin location near you.
You must be a member of the Red Robin Royalty program. A credit is loaded onto your account the first day of your birthday month. You must spend at least $10 on your account at least once per year and when you redeem your free burger, you must spend at least $4.99. Learn more.
BONUS: Upon joining, you receive a free appetizer with a minimum $10 purchase.
TIP: I did not go to Red Robin in the last year, but did appreciate the email reminder leading up to my birthday that I would need to spend $10 in order to receive the birthday perk.
TIP: Add your kids to your Red Robin account and they will also receive perks! Kids 12 and under receive a free kids meal. Kids 13 – 17 receive a free burger. Your child must be present to redeem.
PRIOR SPEND: $15 at Red’s Savoy Pizza
(verified February 2026)
Red’s Savoy has 13 Minnesota locations along with Fargo, North Dakota.
You must be an active member of their Rewards program, meaning you must have made a purchase within the past six months. The credit is added to your account on your birthday and is good for seven days. If you enroll on your birthday, you can receive $15 the next day if you enroll and spend $5. Learn more.
Thanks Richard and Kimberly for the tip!
EMAIL: Free gift at Sephora
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Sephora location near you.
You must be a Beauty Insider member. It is free to sign up. You can choose a mini set from one of of their top brands or 250 points. On my birthday, I received an email reminding me to choose my reward. When I logged in online, there were five gifts to choose from, and two of them were only available online. You have 30 days to redeem your gift. Learn more.
Thanks Megan for the tip!
NO CATCH: Four hours of free beer at Skinner’s Pub
(verified February 2026)
Skinner’s Pub is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Come in with three other guests and the birthday person will receive free tap (non-craft) beer from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. You will also get a free t-shirt and a free appetizer for your party. Your guests must each order at least one beverage. You must be 21 or older, show a valid ID and must not be driving.
PRIOR SPEND: Free beverage or food item at Starbucks
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Starbucks location near you.
You must a Starbucks Rewards member. You need to sign up for Starbucks Rewards at least seven days before your birthday and make at least one star earning purchase a year. The credit can be used for a handcrafted beverage, a food item or a ready-to-drink bottled beverage. The credit usually appears on your account one to three days before your birthday and is valid only on your birthday. Learn more.
NO CATCH: Free dinner and show ticket to Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret
(verified July 2025)
Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret is inside the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
During your birthday month, you can book one free dinner and show ticket to Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret. You must call their box office to claim your deal and book your ticket. (952) 934-1525
EMAIL: $5 at Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse
(verified February 2026)
Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse is located in South Saint Paul, Minnesota.
You must be a member of their Rewards program. I received an email with a $5 coupon good for my birthday month.
EMAIL: Free cookie at Subway
(verified February 2025)
Click here to find a Subway location near you.
You must be a Subway MVP Rewards member. On my birthday, I received an email that a credit for a free cookie was added to my account. It was valid for two weeks.
NO CATCH: Free cookie at T-Rex Cookie
(verified October 2025)
T-Rex Cookie is located in Eagan, Minnesota.
There’s no catch here. Just walk in on your birthday and you will get a free cookie. They tell me they will even give you a cookie if it is a day or two before or after your birthday.
PHONE APP: Free Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze at Taco Bell
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Taco Bell location near you.
You must have the Taco Bell Rewards phone app. I have a profile on their website and was signed up to receive emails, and did not get an email about this birthday freebie. It showed up in my app under rewards. The offer was good until the end of my birthday month.
WITH PURCHASE: 5% off at Target
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find a Target location near you.
You must be a member of Target Circle. Make sure to include your birthday when registering. I received an email and the deal showed up in my Target app on my birthday. It expired 30 days after my birthday. Learn more.
WITH PURCHASE: Free appetizer or side of ribs at Texas Roadhouse
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Texas Roadhouse near you.
You must sign up for their VIP Club. About 10 days before your birthday, you will receive an email for a free appetizer or sidekick with the purchase of an adult entrée. It can be used for dine-in or to-go orders. My certificate expired five days after my birthday, meaning you have two weeks to use it.
NEED TO CONFIRM: Free chocolate espresso cake at The Capital Grille
Click here to find The Capital Grille location near you.
This does not require being on an email list. Show up for dinner at The Capital Grille on your birthday and you will receive a free chocolate espresso cake for dessert.
If you claim this freebie, let me know by filling out the form at the bottom of this page!
WITH PURCHASE: Free slice of cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find The Cheesecake Factory location nearest you.
You must be a member of The Cheesecake Factory’s Cheesecake Rewards program. You receive a reward for a free slice of cheesecake or layer cake of choice with any purchase of food or beverage. You can also use the credit for pick-up orders and when you order on DoorDash. If you use DoorDash, make sure to link your account. I received an email on my birthday and it was valid for eight days.
BONUS: For your half birthday, you will receive an email for 50% off a slice a cheesecake. That deal is good for 30 days.
EMAIL: $9 credit at The Honey Baked Ham Company
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find The Honey Baked Ham location nearest you.
You must be a member of The Honey Baked Ham’s my Honey Baked Rewards program. On your birthday, you will receive an email with a $9 credit that can be used in-store or online. The credit is good for 30 days from when the email is sent. For every $1 spent at the store, you receive one piggy point. With 99 piggy points, you get a $9 credit. I checked: $9 doesn’t get you much of anything on the menu there, but they do have lunch sandwiches for $10.
EMAIL: $25 at The Tavern Grill
(verified June 2025)
The Tavern Grill has locations in Apple Valley, Arden Hills, Blaine, Edina, Minnetonka, and Woodbury, Minnesota.
You must be a member of their Rewards program. Right before your birthday, you will receive an email that has a $25 promo code. Mine was valid for my birthday month.
Thanks Elissa for the tip!
EMAIL: Up to $1,000 in slot play and dining credit at Treasure Island Resort and Casino
(verified February 2026)
Treasure Island is located in Welch, Minnesota, near Red Wing.
You must register to be a Island Passport Club member and visit a kiosk the month of your birthday. You can win up to $1,000 in free slot play. You will also receive a dining credit and $20 off bingo with the purchase of a special pack. Learn more.
Thanks Aaron for the tip!
Also on Give Me The Mike… The best places to play bingo in Minnesota
EMAIL: Free gift at Ulta Beauty
(verified July 2025)
Click here to find an Ulta Beauty location near you.
You must be a Beauty Rewards member. It is free to sign up. You can see current birthday rewards here. They include double points the month of your birthday and a free gift when you go in-store. For my birthday month, there were seven different free gifts, ranging from hair cremes to Kiehl’s face masks.
Thanks Megan and Lynn for the tip!
PRIOR SPEND: $10 at Victoria’s Secret
(verified February 2026)
Click here to find a Victoria’s Secret location near you.
You must be a PINK Rewards member. You must have made a purchase in the previous 12 months starting two month prior to your birthday in order to qualify. For instance, if your birthday is December 14 you would need to have made a purchase from October 14 of the year prior through October 14 of that year in order to get the credit. If you open an account within two months of your birthday and made a purchase, you will receive the freebie the following year.
PHONE APP: Free shake at Wahlburgers
(verified February 2025)
Click here to find a Wahlburgers location near you.
You must be a member of their WahlClub and download their mobile app. For your birthday, the inbox of your mobile app will have a credit for a non-alcoholic shake. It is good for 30 days after it is issued.
EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER: $5 at Wetzel’s Pretzels
(verified February 2026)
Click here for a Wetzel’s Pretzels location near you.
You can sign up for Wetzel’s Rewards online or by downloading their mobile app. My profile had a $5 credit that expired seven days after my birthday.
PRIOR SPEND: $15 or $20 at select Big Bowl locations, Twin City Grill, and Wildfire
(verified January 2025)
Participating Big Bowl locations include Edina and Minnetonka, Minnesota. Twin City Grill is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. Wildfire is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
You must become a member of Lettuce Entertain You’s Frequent Diner Rewards program. According to their website, you must have point accrual in the past 12 months. The credit is added the first day of the month of your birthday. Blue and silver level members get $15 off their meal; gold level members get $20 off their meal. To be a silver level member, you must spend at least $1,000 a year; gold members must spend $2,500. Birthday rewards expire 90 days from the first day of your birthday month.
EMAIL: Free gift at Yankee Candle
(verified February 2026)
Click here for a Yankee Candle location near you.
You must be a Fragrance Family Rewards member. Make sure to edit your profile and add your birthday. Around your birthday, you’ll receive a free gift via email that you can redeem in-store or online. The gift depends on your level in the Rewards program. You have 30 days to redeem your gift.
BONUS: When signing up, you’ll receive an email for 15% off your next purchase.
EMAIL: Free dessert at Yard House
(verified February 2026)
Click here for a Yard House location near you.
You will need to join their EClub. About 10 days before your birthday, you will receive an email with a code valid for a free dessert. That promotion is good for 30 days from when it is sent, so mine was good for three weeks after my birthday.
BONUS: You will also receive a free appetizer after signing up for an account. That is good for one month. No purchase is necessary.
You will need your phone for a few of these
Most deals will let you log in to your account on a computer or through their website, but there are a few freebies that require you to download an app. I have not verified these deals myself, so I separated them.
Baskin-Robbins: You must download the Baskin-Robbins app and create an account. You cannot sign up online. You receive a free scoop of ice cream for your birthday. Plus, you can add your family’s birthdays to your account so they can get freebies, too.
Dave & Busters: I have heard you receive $10 in free game play on your birthday if you download their app and join their Rewards program. Learn more.
Häagen-Dazs: You must download the Häagen-Dazs phone app in order to participate. You cannot sign up on their website. According to their website, you receive free ice cream on your birthday. Learn more.
Pizza Hut: It sounds like they have a birthday deal but people have had limited success getting it. You cannot create an account on their website. Let me know if you redeem it.
White Castle: It sounds like their birthday rewards is a dessert-on-a-stick, but it requires you to download their app.
Be cautious
I have eliminated the following deals from this list:
A&W: I did join their Mug Club and was receiving emails from them, but they stopped. My birthday came and went without a freebie. I logged into their mobile app and could not find rewards.
Casey’s: My birthday came and went without a freebie in my account or inbox.
Claire’s: Their website states they send out birthday credits, but my birthday on file came and went without a birthday freebie. I didn’t spend any money at the store, so that might have something to do with it. There’s no information on their website about a prior spend in order to get the base perk. Note: they send out a ton a marketing emails, so tread cautiously.
Country Kitchen: I joined their Club and stopped receiving emails from them. When I went to their Club’s signup page, it had a 404 error.
CVS: Some have reported a $3 birthday credit if you are an ExtraCare card member with a birthday on file. After my birthday, I checked my profile and didn’t have anything on my account. If you do set up an ExtraCare account, you’ll want to use your actual birthday, because they use your birthday to verify your identification and it could be tied to your MinuteClinic account.
Dairy Queen: Others have told me they receive birthday freebies from Dairy Queen, but I created an account and my birthday came and went without a freebie, so I cannot verify the deal. They send a lot of marketing emails.
Edible Arrangements: I created a profile and put my birthday in, but did not receive a birthday freebie. I did not see anything online about having to spend in the prior year in order to receive the perk.
Jimmy John’s: My birthday came and went without a freebie.
Kohl’s: We buy plenty of stuff for the kids at Kohl’s, and use plenty of Kohl’s cash. Someone emailed me saying you get $5 on your birthday, but I didn’t get any, even though I spent the month before.
Petco: There’s a way you can register your pet’s birthday, but when my pet’s birthday came around, all I received was an email with no freebie.
Sbarro: I am in the Sbarro Rewards program. At the end of July 2025, I received an email that they were pausing the program for “3 months”. As of February 2026, I have not heard that it is back.
Total Wine & More: Their website states that if you sign up for their emails and enter your birthday, you’ll receive an email to activate a birthday deal. My birthday came and went with no deal. I also logged into my account and couldn’t find anything.
Trader Joe’s: Rumor is online some stores will give you a bouquet of flowers on your birthday, but that varies by location.
Wendy’s: I created an account and did not receive anything for my birthday. I did not use my account over the past year.
West Elm: There is a $25 birthday credit, but you need to open one of their credit cards. I do have the West Elm card, and the perk is worth it, but I would not advise opening up a credit card just for the perk.
Do you know of a birthday freebie not listed? Tell me!
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Great list, thank you! I couldn’t email you in the above section, so I am leaving a comment here. I always like to go to Ulta and Sephora each year for my freebies. You have to be a Sephora VIB to get a free birthday gift, which is usually some type of sample makeup kit with prestige products. At Ulta, you have to be a rewards member and you get the same.
I always want to know how to get the most free stuff on my birthday each year and I’m actually checking a few weeks in advance this time to hopefully score more deals!
So glad I saw you on Twin Cities Live again today when you provided an update on the holiday lights. I finally wrote down your website address and checked it out, which so glad I did. I’ve already shared with my family and plan to with friends as well…..specifically the holiday lights and birthday deals, some of which I’ve already signed up for (in addition to many that I sent you that I enjoyed during my January 2020 birthday).
I’m excited that you thought the ValleyFair holiday light show was the best, because that’s the one we signed up to see. We received a discount early since the same company that runs this, is also involved with the ice castles that we had gone to when they were in Excelsior.
On your birthday, Unhinged Pizza in Waconia, offers a buffet for a penny.. $0.01!!!! Must bring ID, and it’s only on the day of your birthday.