Your Guide To Getting Every Last Freebie On Your Birthday
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It's that time of the year again! As your birthday approaches, you might be thinking big — big plans, big celebrations, maybe even a big milestone. Or perhaps you're thinking not so big. Maybe your plans are of the reserved variety: nachos and a glass of wine at home with your significant other (or just yourself). Cruising through the mall to pick up a few birthday freebies? It's your day! No matter what you've got lined up for this special occasion, you can count on your people to show up for you.
Even your favorite businesses won't let you down when it comes to celebrating your birthday. From their perspective, it's a genius PR move. You feel a sense of deeper bonding when your loved ones reach out to wish you a happy birthday and do something special for you. The same principle applies as far as businesses are concerned. Sure, they may not know you personally, but they definitely care about their customers — and that begins with showing you that they're your friends.
Since friends usually exchange gifts on birthdays, well ... it only makes sense that your favorite brands deliver for you in return for your loyalty. Said freebies are wide and varied and genuinely pretty exciting. There are gifts of all kinds, from snacks and sweet treats to full-size beauty products. Here are some of the best options available; all are well worth it and guaranteed to add a little something special to your birthday festivities.
Ulta
One of the highlights of shopping at Ulta is the opportunity to sign up for the Ultamate Rewards program. At its basic level — which anyone can join — you'll receive a free gift on your birthday and earn double points on all of the purchases you make during your birth month. Qualify for the next level up, Platinum, when you spend at least $500 per calendar year to earn 1.25 points per dollar spent. Plus, in addition to a free gift and double points during your birth month, you'll also receive a coupon for $10 off your purchase.
The final membership tier is Diamond, for which you must spend at least $1,200 in a calendar year. At that level, you'll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent and receive a free gift, double points on all birth month purchases, plus a $10 coupon. No matter your membership level, you can redeem your gift online or in-store. What's nice about Ulta's birthday offerings is that they change yearly. Usually, these items are either travel or deluxe-size items. You'll only qualify to receive your gift if you sign up, so make sure to do so early in the year, so you don't miss out.
bareMinerals
If you're a beauty enthusiast, you're probably familiar with bareMinerals, the company known for its range of 100% cruelty-free, clean makeup and skin care products. By taking a restrictive approach to its ingredients, the company produces formulas that are as good for you and your skin as they are for the planet. A jar of the brand's cult classic product, the Loose Mineral Foundation, is sold once every 18 seconds.
Just as impressive as their burgeoning product lineup is their Good Rewards loyalty program. Membership is free, and once you join, you'll begin earning points just for shopping on the bareMinerals website. You can also earn when you shop their products at other retailers, including Ulta, Sephora, and Target.
Whether you have a Topaz, Sapphire, or Diamond membership, you'll receive a free gift on your birthday. Gifts vary by the year. The catch is this: If you join during your birth month, you'll need to wait up to two days to be eligible for the gift. The birthday gift is automatically loaded into your online shopping cart, so you'll receive it automatically if you place an order. You'll also receive a promotion code via email that you can redeem in-store.
Sephora
The free Sephora Beauty Insider program is one of the most popular loyalty opportunities available. All members earn a point per dollar spent, but that's just one of the many perks of the program. Whether you're a member at the initial Insider tier, you spend $350 in a calendar year to earn VIB status, or you drop $1,000 in a calendar year to solidify your Rouge status, you'll also be eligible to receive a birthday gift during your birth month.
Insider members can choose between five gifts, while VIB and Rouge members can select from six. No matter your choice, you can redeem it at any point during your birth month, either online, in Kohl's stores or on the Kohl's website, or at Sephora.com. Options range from fragrance sets to deluxe sizes of skin care products.
Sephora's lineup of gifts is announced early in the year, so depending on when your birthday falls, you'll have plenty of time to decide how you'd like to treat yourself on your special day. Alternatively, you can opt to add 250 bonus points to your balance instead of receiving the gift, which you can redeem at any time for a free gift from the Sephora Insider Rewards Bazaar.
Aveda
Walk through any shopping mall with an Aveda store in its directory, and you'll likely sniff that familiar aromatherapeutic aroma as you walk past. It's one of the many reasons that so many love the retailer known for its rich aromatic formulas that soothe the senses while delivering results. Just as they've mastered the beauty game, they've attempted to conquer your big day with their equally-big birthday surprise.
To take advantage of the offer, just fill in the sign-up form on the Aveda website. You'll receive regular updates from the company, including announcements for new products and sample opportunities throughout the year, along with your birthday gift during your birth month. Your offer will arrive within at least 28 days of your birthday, provided you have purchased something on the Aveda website or at an Aveda retail store within the last year.
The gift varies by year, and you can redeem it in-store without any additional purchase (just present your birthday offer to the cashier!). Or, add it to your shopping cart when you place an order on the official Aveda website.
Kiehl's
Kiehl's is a legendary beauty brand renowned for its best-selling Creme de Corps body lotion and Ultra Facial Cream. The company's recently launched Family Rewards Program is their way of giving thanks to their most loyal shoppers. Whether you only order once a year or routinely take advantage of their popular sale events for friends and family, you can be confident that the program will benefit you — especially on your birthday.
You'll earn a point for every dollar you spend, which you can redeem for discounts on your purchases or rewards from the Kiehl's gift vault. At the introductory Fan level, between zero and 99 points, you'll receive a lip balm and a deluxe sample on your birthday. At the Friend level, between 100 and 299 points, you'll receive a lip balm and two deluxe samples. At the Family level, over 300 points, you'll get a travel-sized product and a trio of deluxe samples.
Starbucks
Starbucks enthusiasts are all too familiar with the company's popular Starbucks Rewards program has undergone numerous changes over the years. Currently, you'll receive stars for every purchase you make at the coffee shop. The more you earn, the more you can redeem for freebies. Naturally, you also get a little something special (and customized!) on your birthday.
You'll receive your choice of a free beverage or a free food item. Just join the Starbucks Rewards program at least one week before your birthday and include your date of birth when you're signing up for your account. Additionally, make sure you place at least one order that earns you stars before your birthday.
Your freebie is auto-loaded onto your account, so you can just inform the barista when you check out that you're redeeming your coupon. The big caveat? You can only redeem your birthday gift on your actual birthday. Plan accordingly, so you don't miss out on that free Pink Drink or Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino (hey, you deserve it).
Caribou Coffee
If you love Caribou Coffee, you can join the Caribou Perks program and take advantage of an array of benefits. You can join online or even send a text to sign up on your phone. Right off the bat, you'll be eligible to receive a free beverage after your first purchase as a Caribou Perks member. Then, you'll earn two points for every dollar you spend, either in-store or on the Caribou Coffee website.
The week following your birthday, you'll receive one free beverage of any size. The only "rule" is that your Caribou Perks account must be active for at least six months prior to your birthday. That means you must make a purchase or check in on the app at least once during that time frame. If your account is considered inactive, you won't receive the birthday offer.
Luckily, it's pretty easy to find something you'll love at Caribou Coffee. Treat yourself to a breakfast sandwich or a muffin on your way to work, or stop by during your lunch break for a midday pick-me-up.
Barnes & Noble
If you're more the type who enjoys holding a real book instead of flipping through virtual pages on your tablet, you may want to take advantage of the Barnes & Noble Premium Membership program. Available for an annual fee, membership affords book lovers a 10% discount on virtually everything on the company's website and in-store, free shipping on your order with no minimum, and free upgrades on beverages at the in-store cafe. You'll also receive early access to special events and new releases.
If you have kids, they'll receive a free treat from the cafe on their birthday — and you'll receive a special birthday offer, too. Make sure you add your date of birth to your membership profile so you can receive your offer via email. You may receive a percentage or a dollar amount off your next purchase, making it the perfect occasion to treat yourself to that book that's languished on your wish list for months. The program makes it easy to rack up points, so you'll feel like every day is your birthday.
AMC Theatres
If you're a frequent movie-goer and routinely plan old-school date nights at the theater or love spending some quality alone time there, you may want to join the AMC Stubs program. There are three tiers: Insider, Premiere, and A-List. The first is completely free, affording you fun benefits like free large popcorn refills and discounts on certain days of the week.
The Premiere program costs $15 per year, while the A-List membership is $19.95 per month. Once you download the AMC Stubs app on your smartphone, you can quickly scan the QR code at the theatre to earn and keep track of your points and redeem everything from coupons to birthday gifts.
Insider members receive a large popcorn on their birthday, while Premiere and A-List members are eligible to receive a large popcorn and a large fountain drink on their special day. Both the Premiere and A-List membership tiers will pay for themselves in no time at all if you spend a lot of time at the movies.
Anthropologie
Known for its dreamy apparel and eclectic home goods, Anthropologie is a chic escape that offers fantastic finds slightly off the beaten path. Whether you're new to the retailer or spend a lot of time shopping there, you should know from the start that they don't commonly offer deep discounts — which makes their 20% off birthday offering that much sweeter.
You can receive this sweet deal by joining the AnthroPerks rewards program. You'll receive advanced access to new merchandise, free shipping on orders over $50, and 20% off to use on an order placed online or shopped in-store during your birthday month.
It's another great reason to treat yourself to that dress you've had your eye on or that stunning handbag you haven't been able to get out of your head. Because your shopping cart can quickly add up, you might want to fill up your online wish list with some of your most-wanted items. Then, when it comes time to apply your generous birthday discount, you'll score everything that you want for less.
DSW
As a shoe enthusiast, you've probably set foot in DSW more than a handful of items. The shoe emporium carries an extensive selection of designers at a variety of price points, making it super easy for you to score the perfect snow boots for your upcoming ski getaway or a cute pair of sandals to show off that glamorous summer pedicure. The company's DSW VIP program makes shopping there just a little more enticing for several reasons.
For starters, you'll receive free ground shipping on your online orders, every single time. You'll also earn a point for every dollar you spend, culminating in rewards for every 100 points earned. Make sure to include your birth date in your account information — you'll receive a coupon good for $5 off your purchase that can be applied to a purchase made during your birthday month. Even if you aren't a self-proclaimed shoe fanatic, you can definitely take advantage of the DSW program. The store has you covered with shoes from big names for less.
Kendra Scott
Whether you love bold, statement pearl jewelry or dainty pieces, you should keep Kendra Scott on your radar — and not just because the beloved brand has such an epic Insider program. Scott's baubles are out of this world, brimming with color and style and endless personality, and making it easy for you to express yourself whether you're headed to the office or throwing an unforgettable birthday party for yourself.
Insider members receive the crème de la crème of gifts for their birthday, including 50% off one piece of fashion jewelry and 25% off an item from the Fine, Demi-Fine, Home, or Watch ranges. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase the gorgeous Jolie Earrings or the Jolie Necklace for only $25 during your birth month.
The Scott collection features instantly recognizable favorites, like the best-selling Elisa Pendant Necklace, legendary convertible link earrings, and the fan-favorite Ari Heart Pendant Necklace. Although the birthday perks are fantastic, you'll be shining like every day is your birthday with these stunning pieces all year round.
Baskin-Robbins
Sweet treats abound at Baskin-Robbins, so when better than your birthday to sign up for the famed ice cream store's Birthday Club? You'll receive a coupon for a free 4-ounce scoop, redeemable through the Baskin-Robbins mobile app. This coupon excludes certain items on the menu, namely any of the esteemed Waffle Cone flavors and toppings.
Signing up is a breeze: Just provide your email. You can then download the Baskin-Robbins app to take advantage of the special offer. When you sign up, be sure to add your family members' birthdays, as well. You'll receive coupons for free scoops to share with them on their special days, too.
While the lineup is considerably larger now, the company offers 31% off any scoop every 31st of the year in honor of the founders' original 31 flavors. If your birthday happens to fall on that day, you'll have double the reason to celebrate. What better way to honor the company's founders' love for all things ice cream?
Cold Stone Creamery
Any time is a good time for ice cream. If you abide by that old rule, then the My Cold Stone Club Rewards program from Cold Stone Creamery should be on your radar. You'll receive a point for every dollar that you spend. Once you accumulate 50 points, you'll receive a $5 reward redeemable on any purchase over that amount.
Just as sweet is the birthday offering: Your app will be loaded with a buy one, get one free Creation coupon. Create an epic ice cream treat with your favorite flavor and mix-ins — and get a second one of your choice absolutely free. Keep it for yourself (it is your birthday, right?), or share it with someone you love (because nothing could be greater than giving).
As for what's on the menu, you already know you can count on some unforgettable treats here. The company produces its ice cream fresh daily in each store. Take your pick from toppings galore, including brownies, cinnamon, blueberries, rainbow sprinkles, pecans, raspberries, yellow cake, whipped cream, sugar crystals, and so much more.
Edible Arrangements
You can almost always count on Edible Arrangements to come through in a pinch. Need a great last-minute gift to send to a loved one? Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for your longtime love? Forget about their special day but want to make a big splash? The company's iconic fruit arrangements have changed the game, adding some sweetness to any special occasion. That includes your own big day!
Once you join the Edible Rewards program, you'll receive a free box of 12 chocolate-dipped fruits on your birthday. The mouth-watering morsels, like strawberries and apples, are carefully dunked in creamy chocolate for a sweet finish. Valued at $29.99, this incredible treat is big enough to share with others or enjoy all to yourself.
To be eligible for this gift, you must include your birthday in your profile at least 24 hours before the first day of your birth month. Additionally, you must make a purchase of at least $29 within a calendar year prior to your birth month. You'll receive your reward via email on or within a few days of the first day of that month, at which point you can redeem it at any point during the month. You can pick it up at a store or have it delivered, but keep in mind delivery charges may apply if you choose the latter option. Happy Birthday!