The moment your eyes blink open on the morning of your birthday, a grin instantly spreads across your face. You’ve been waiting for ages for what is arguably the best day of the year. Your parents can’t force you to do chores, your friends shower you with gifts and you can do no wrong. All it takes is a quick, “It’s my birthday!” and a winning smile, and all of a sudden the day is all about you. Since your special day only comes around once a year, it’s best to make the most of it. Here are the must-hit spots with the best birthday freebies to make your day unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a birthday glow up, Sephora is the way to go. This beauty store offers seven birthday gift options free of charge. The 2025 lineup includes the Dream Lip Kit from Makeup by Mario, the Self Care Celebration from Summer Fridays, Hydration Heros from Laneige, Bye, Bad Hair Days! from Amika, and more. You get to select one of these options, which can be redeemed at any point during your birthday month. If you choose to secure your gift at one of their store locations, all you need to do is join Sephora’s reward program. However, if you redeem your gift online, you must spend an additional $25 to complete your purchase.
When you’re a coffee lover, your birthday truly is your lucky day. Whether you need a coffee to start your day or for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, Starbucks will give you one complimentary drink or bakery item of your choice on your birthday. To qualify for your treat, you must join Starbucks Rewards through their app and input your birthday information at least seven days in advance. You must also complete one purchase each year before redeeming your birthday freebie.
After your free coffee, you’ll likely want a big birthday brunch to fuel you. First Watch already makes delicious pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, toast, and everything in between, but they taste even better when they are free. First Watch offers a buy one, get one free breakfast, brunch, or lunch on your special day. To qualify, join the Sun EClub by downloading the First Watch app.
To balance out the carbs from your feast at First Watch, get some fruits and veggies in with a smoothie from Jamba Juice. To receive your complimentary small smoothie, join Jamba Rewards. Plus, you’ll receive 50% off your first smoothie and 50% off your first food item after signing up.
If you’re craving a sugary treat, Crumbl Cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. The brand is famous for their weekly lineups of epic cookie flavors that fans adore. Members of Crumbl Rewards who have reached the silver status will receive a voucher for a free cookie on their birthday. To unlock the silver status, members must have earned 500 crumbs in 2024 (ten crumbs are earned for every dollar spent). If you didn’t earn enough crumbs in 2024, fear not. Your 2025 crumbs will most likely go towards your 2026 birthday treat.
Krispy Kreme will also give you a birthday freebie if you’re more of a donut person. This beloved donut shop is a fan favorite, famous for their classic glazed donuts. To redeem a free donut for your birthday, simply download the Krispy Kreme app and join their rewards program. As a bonus, you will also get a free donut with any purchase when you sign up.
If you’re a summer baby looking to cool off after a hot day, you’re in luck. Ice cream shops seem particularly inclined to celebrate your birthday with a sweet and sticky ice cream cone on them. Ben & Jerry’s will give you a free ice cream of your choice when you sign up to be a Flavor Fanatic. Not to be outdone, Cold Stone Creamery offers a free goodie to members of the My Cold Stone Club. This reward is valid for seven days before and after your birthday. Culver’s also gives you a complimentary birthday scoop, and it even comes with a free topping. Simply sign up for MyCulver’s rewards to redeem it. Finally, Dairy Queen offers your choice of a free treat or a buy one, get one free Blizzard coupon to DQ rewards members.
Now that you’ve got birthday freebies for days, you’ll never have to pay for a birthday goodie ever again. After all, nobody should have to pay for a treat on their special day. Just pay a visit to these generous stores and your next birthday is sure to be the best yet.
