Tech
50+ places to get birthday freebies: Treat yourself to all the free stuff on your special day
It's your birthday? Happy birthday! And in the wise words of Parks and Rec: Treat yourself. But don't worry, that doesn't mean spending money. If you, like me, have spent hours online watching people's birthday freebie hauls, it's time to do one yourself.
With birthday freebies, you could plan a day that gets you a free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, where does one get all these birthday freebies? We rounded up 50 places to collect all your free birthday rewards.
And if you think these are too good to be true, your inclination might be to run. Most retailers and restaurants require you to sign up for their rewards programs to earn your birthday freebies, and some require a minimum annual spend. But with a little planning, you can guarantee yourself a birthday full of free stuff.
Food and beverage birthday freebies
Credit: Getty Images / WoodysPhotos
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Applebee's: Members of Club Applebee's enjoy a free dessert on their birthday. Not to mention, you get a free appetizer when you sign up for the club.
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Auntie Anne's: On your birthday, Auntie Anne's Rewards members enjoy a free pretzel. Keep in mind, you must make at least one purchase annually to qualify.
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AMC: AMC Stubs Insiders enjoy a free large popcorn during their birthday month. But for Premiere and A-List members, enjoy a free large popcorn and a large fountain drink during your birthday month.
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Baskin-Robbins: Baskin-Robbins Rewards members enjoy a free scoop on their birthday after their first qualified purchase.
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Benihana: For members of Benihana's Friends with Benefits rewards program (which also includes STK Steakhouse, Kona Grill, RA Sushi, Samurai, or Salt Water Social restaurants), enjoy a $50 birthday reward to use toward a birthday meal.
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Buca Di Beppo: Join Buca Di Beppo's eClub and get a free Colossal Brownie Sundae on your birthday.
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Burger King: With Burger King's Royal Perks program, enjoy double rewards during your birthday month and a free item on your birthday. You'll earn 20 points (or "Crowns" as BK calls them) for every $1 spent, which can be redeemed for even more free stuff.
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Buffalo Wild Wings: As a member of Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' Rewards, enjoy a free six-piece wing on your birthday.
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Cava: For fans of Mediterranean cuisine, join Cava Rewards and get a freebie on your birthday. Members enjoy their choice of a free drink, pita chips, or dessert.
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Cheesecake Factory: Join Cheesecake Rewards, and on your birthday, get a free slice of cheesecake or a layered cake.
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Chili's: Sign up for My Chili's Rewards and enjoy a free molten lava cake on your birthday.
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Chipotle: We see free chips and guac in your future. At Chipotle, join the restaurant's reward program and enjoy a free birthday reward.
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Cinnabon: Cinnabon Rewards members enjoy a free 16-ounce cold brew on their birthday.
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Cold Stone Creamery: For Cold Stone Creamery Rewards members, receive a birthday coupon. The reward will be sent seven days before your birthday and is redeemable until seven days after your birthday.
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Crumbl Cookies: At Crumbl Cookies, Silver Tier and above rewards members enjoy a free single cookie voucher on their birthday.
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Dairy Queen: Members of the DQ Rewards get a coupon for a free treat on their birthday, but you must spend at least $1 in the 45 days prior to your birthday, so plan ahead.
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Denny's: Your birthday breakfast is covered at Denny's. Members of Denny's Rewards enjoy a free Value Slam on their birthday.
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Domino's: At Domino's, loyal customers of Domino's Rewards enjoy a free birthday gift. The gifts vary and may include a free medium pizza, free lava cakes, or a discount.
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Dunkin' Donuts: While Dunkin' doesn't give out free drinks or donuts on your birthday, they will give you extra points. Dunkin' Rewards members get 3x points on their birthday, which you can redeem later for free food and drinks.
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Edible Arrangements: If you love sending Edible Arrangements, then you'll be gifted back on your birthday. Members of its rewards program receive a free box of dipped fruit on their birthday.
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IHOP: For pancake lovers, sign up for IHOP's International Bank of Pancakes rewards and collect points to receive a free full stack of pancakes on your birthday.
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Jamba Juice: A sweet but nutritious birthday treat could come from Jamba Juice, as Jamba Rewards members receive a free birthday smoothie.
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Jersey Mike's: How about your birthday served Mike's Way? Join Jersey Mike's email club and get a free birthday sub — as long as you've purchased a regular sub within the past year.
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Jimmy John's: Join the Jimmy John's rewards program and enjoy a free sub on your birthday.
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Krispy Kreme: Donut lovers need to be in Krispy Kreme's rewards program, which gets you a free birthday donut.
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LongHorn Steakhouse: On your birthday, you deserve a steak dinner, and LongHorn thinks so, too. When you join LongHorn's eClub, you get a free dessert or special coupon on your birthday.
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McDonald's: Receive a free medium fry at McDonald's on your birthday by downloading the McDonald's app and joining My McDonald's Rewards.
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Olive Garden: When you sign up for Olive Garden's email list, you'll get a coupon for free dessert on your birthday. Unlimited breadsticks, salad, and free chocolate lasagna certainly sound like the perfect birthday meal.
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Panera Bread: Members of MyPanera rewards get a free treat on their birthday: a muffin, cookie, pastry, or bagel.
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Papa John's: For a sweet birthday treat, join Papa Rewards. You'll be treated to a free dessert on your birthday.
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P.F. Chang's: At P.F. Chang's, get a free appetizer or dessert as a member of the restaurant's rewards program. That means your birthday lettuce wraps could be totally free.
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Pinkberry: Froyo is making a comeback. Pinkcard members get a free small yogurt with toppings on their birthday.
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Pizza Hut: Sign up for Pizza Hut's reward program and get a reward of breadsticks or cinnamon sticks on your birthday. Just make sure your birthday is added to your profile.
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Red Lobster: Go for the cheddar bay biscuits and stay for the free birthday reward. Joining Red Lobster's rewards gets you a free birthday dessert.
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Red Robin: A burger could be on the house when you go to Red Robin on your birthday. To qualify, sign up for Red Robin Royalty and spend $10 prior to your birthday.
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Ruby Tuesday: Enjoy a free burger or Garden Bar entree at Ruby Tuesday on your birthday when you sign up for Ruby Rewards. Just sign up in the app or online.
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Sbarro: Pizza lovers get a free XL NY Slice at Sbarro on their birthday. To get the reward, you must have a Sbarro rewards account and have the Sbarro app downloaded.
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7-Eleven: You don't have to wait for free slushie day on 7/11. With 7Rewards, get a free small slushie on your birthday, too.
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Shake Shack: For a sweet birthday treat, add your birthday to your Shake Shack account and receive a free milkshake on the big day.
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Starbucks: As a member of Starbucks rewards, get a free drink or snack on your birthday.
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Subway: As a card-carrying member of the Sub Club, you'll enjoy a free cookie on your birthday, yum!
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Taco Bell: Join Taco Bell's rewards program and climb the tiers throughout the year to get a free birthday surprise. Earn 250 points and get to the restaurant's Hot Tier, and the birthday reward will be all yours.
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TGI Fridays: At TGI Fridays, not only will you get serenaded with a birthday song, but you'll also enjoy a free birthday dessert. To redeem, you must be a member of Fridays Rewards.
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Waffle House: Waffle lovers need to join Waffle House's Regulars Club. Joining gets you coupons and a sweet birthday treat.
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Wingstop: When you sign up for a Wingstop account, receive a free birthday reward to celebrate.
Retail birthday freebies
Credit: Getty Images / Erik McGregor
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Aerie and American Eagle: For a new birthday 'fit, join RealRewards by American Eagle and Aerie and receive a $5 birthday reward. Rewards are sent out seven days prior to your birthday.
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Bath & Body Works: Start a new year smelling right with Bath & Body Works. Create a rewards account and receive a free birthday surprise.
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CVS: If you have a CVS card, your ExtraCare membership will get you a $3 reward on your birthday. Just go to the CVS app to claim.
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DSW: Treat yourself to a new pair of shoes. As a member of DSW's VIP program, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate to use during your birthday month.
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Old Navy: Climb the ranks of Old Navy's rewards program, and you and a family member could enjoy a reward on your birthday. Core members receive a birthday bonus, while Premier members (who spend $350+ annually) get a birthday bonus to share with a family member. Meanwhile, Old Navy card members get a birthday bonus to share with three family members.
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Sephora: Sephora's birthday gifts are iconic. During your birthday month, Sephora Insiders receive a free gift to redeem in-store or online.
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Stanley: For the Stanley Cup enthusiasts, it's time to sign up for the Stanley Club, which gets you a free birthday gift.
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Target: What's better than a discount on things you already need? Target Circle members get a 5% discount on their birthday.
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Ulta: Ulta Rewards members also get some pampering on their bdays. Just sign-up with your email and put in your birthday, and you'll get a treat when the big day rolls around.
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Yankee Candle: For candle lovers, there's Yankee Candle's Fragrance Family rewards. When you sign up with your email and input your birthday into your profile, you'll receive a birthday gift.
Tech
Get a spring skin glow-up with this rare discount on the Shark CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
SAVE UP TO 20%: As of April 14, save up to 20% off the Shark CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask at Sephora with promo code SPRINGSALE. Discounts vary based on Sephora Beauty Insider member tier.
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Ready to get serious about your skincare? A face mask is always a good idea. But while disposable masks are a one and done situation, products like Shark's CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask can help you look and feel your best in the long run over and over again. And thanks to Sephora Savings Event going on right now, you can score a rare discount on this Shark mask as a member of Sephora's Beauty Insiders program.
As of April 14, save up to 20% off the Shark CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask at Sephora with promo code SPRINGSALE. Discounts vary based on Sephora Beauty Insider member tier. To receive this discount, you must be logged into your Sephora account and a part of the Beauty Insider program. Beauty Insiders receive 10% off, while VIB members receive 15% off. Rouge members receive the highest discount of 20%, which will apply to your order and the mask discounted automatically at checkout.
Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodard took this mask for a spin for 10 months, and confidently labeled it the "best LED mask" she's tried. It's more than a red light mask, however, as it can emit red, blue, and infrared light to help treat everything from fine lines to acne. These addiitons help the mask to stand out from the competition, with the added benefits of its other colored light components.
It also offers special cooling techniques which, aside from giving you a comfortable, airy freeze all over your face, can help to tighten your undereye area and surrounding zones. It has three adjustable chill levels for your comfort, as well as four special treatments optimized by dermatologists you can rely on for each session.
If you've been on the fence about trying this mask out, now's the time to go ahead and give it a try, especially as the mask rarely goes on sale on its own. Take advantage of the discounted percentages for Beauty Insiders and try it out for yourself now.
Justin Bieber wants you to take a chill pill, but this time he's not asking screaming fans to calm down at his show.
We're talking Bieber's SKYLRK fashion brand, the clothing label follow-up to his now-defunct Drew House project from 2018. Home to a variety of hoodies, tees, sunglasses, and a selection of "Bieberchella" merch right now, SKYLRK is the pop star's latest venture aiming to outfit fans with his name and his brand. It also saw one of its first collabs in 2026: the Shark ChillPill Personal Fan SKYLRK-Exclusive.
This limited edition personal fan, which Shark debuted earlier last month, is marketed as a "personal cooling system": a 3-in-1- fan, mist, and InstaChill device that offers "high-speed airflow up to 25 ft/sec", dry-touch misting, and Shark's special cooling plate that the company claims to drop skin temperature by up to 16 degrees on contact.
With 11 hours of battery life (on its lowest speed setting), you should be able to shake off some of the high heat we're expecting across the summer, or at the very least soothe you back to sleep if you wake up overheated and the other side of the pillow doesn't help.
How to buy the Shark ChillPill Personal Fan SKYLRK-Exclusive
While the fan comes in a variety of fun colors (bright teal Glacier, magenta Dragon Fruit, lavender Haze), it's Bieber's SKYLRK version that'll be catching eyes this summer as it comes in a shocking red-orange shell dubbed "Heat". While most of the ChillPill colorways are available to buy on both Amazon and Shark's online storefront, the SKYLRK Heat colorway is only available via SKYLRK and the Shark storefront.
Right now, it looks like SKYLRK no longer features a listing for the ChillPill, so if you want to get your hands on the SKYLRK Exclusive Heat version of the Shark ChillPill, head over to the Shark online storefront, where the Heat colorway is still in stock. It's the same price as the rest of the ChillPill options, so you can still snap up a fashionable color for the second weekend of Coachella or to cool off any time the blazing summer heat starts getting to you.
With Bieber's SKYLRK and Coachella performances going viral ahead of Weekend 2, now's the time to go ahead and lock yours in. We can't imagine the ChillPill will be around much longer.
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When people watched NASA's Artemis II mission return to Earth, they saw helicopter views of little orange-clad figures exiting the spacecraft onto a raft.
But the U.S. space agency has since released a short closeup video of the Navy recovery team as it opened the hatch on Friday, April 10. The trained divers and medical officers entered the tiny 330 cubic-foot Orion capsule, greeted the four astronauts.
From video cameras mounted on the recovery team's helmets, shown in the X post below, it's as if you're right there with them. The team cheers and claps, with shouts of "let's go!" followed by "four green" (a callout that the crew was OK).
"Welcome home," the recovery team said to the Artemis II crew, Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, the first humans to fly around the moon since 1972.
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Up close, the spacecraft, dubbed Integrity by the crew, appeared battered and singed as it bobbed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California. The capsule had just plummeted through Earth's atmosphere, a fiery descent that put the crew through a 25,000 mph ride.
During that intense and dangerous phase, the astronauts experienced nearly 4Gs, a pressure pushing against them equal to four times their bodyweight. Without proper training, those conditions, coupled with adrenaline overload, could cause a person to blackout.
But as the recovery team soon discovered, not only was the returning crew healthy, they were in high spirits, smiling as they waited through the procedures to leave the spacecraft. At the end of the video, one of the recovery officials, referred to as "Vlad," said he had something for Wiseman. The clip ends before that "something" is revealed.
"Jesse, Steve, Laddy, and Vlad….such an incredible feeling to welcome you aboard Integrity after a nearly 700,000 mile journey," Wiseman said in a post on X. "Forever thankful for your service to our crew and the nation."
What is clear is that the people who welcomed Artemis II back to Earth seemed just as exhilarated as the astronauts themselves. Before climbing inside the crew's living quarters for the 10-day journey, the team almost forgot to place the seal cover over the bottom edge of the hatch in their haste to see their friends.
Artemis II, which launched April 1, marked NASA's triumphant return of human-led space exploration. It planned the voyage as the critical shakeout cruise for the spacecraft before the agency attempts to land on the moon. During the flight, the Artemis II crew put Orion through its paces, testing everything from propulsion and communications to how well humans can live, work, and make scientific observations far from home.
Credit: NASA / Bill Ingalls
Packed with cameras, sensors, and experiments, the mission turned the crew into both test pilots and test subjects, gathering data to shape future Artemis voyages. A successful journey vets the hardware and flight controllers for a moonwalk planned for 2028.
NASA isn't just motivated to get back to the moon for the moon's sake but to practice keeping humans alive in another world for extended periods. That's crucial before sending astronauts on a months-long spaceflight to Mars, perhaps possible in the late 2030s.
A new space race also sets the timeline for the Artemis campaign. The United States wants to land on the moon again before China, which is extremely close to achieving its first human moon landing.
If you thought the splashdown meant Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen could finally relax, you'd be wrong. Just hours after landing, NASA tested the crew's mettle again with an obstacle course.
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