Well ladies and gentlemen, I had the pleasure of celebrating another birthday a couple of weeks ago. On my special day I went to various places for my birthday freebies. I did what’s called a staycation. I don’t work on my birthday. I’ll tell you how that got started.
Work
Back in school, most times we’d be on Spring Break when my birthday came, so I got used to having a birthday to be free from any mind boggling activities. After I finally got my first real job at Food Lion, (grocery store) I read the handbook given to new employees. Guess what? Your birthday is treated like a holiday if you decide to work! Therefore I worked it one day for a few hours one year to get the time and half. It was a good day. No rude customers. Everything was good until I realized I lost the gold ring given to me by my great aunt. It was the most valuable jewelry I had. Although it was a loose fit, I felt I needed an extra accessory for my birthday.
Clinical Day
After work I drove over an hour to make up an OB clinical day. I tried so hard to get out of making this day up on my birthday. My instructor wasn’t having it. Now to dampen my spirit, it started raining hard, clouds everywhere. I get to my clinical site all dressed in white, hair pulled back ready to make the time up and try to learn too. My assignment was a post-op mom. Well this lady didn’t want a student caring for her. Just for that I didn’t want to work with her either. My instructor graciously put me on another assignment. This was in the OR for a delivery.
At some point I told my instructor that it was my birthday. Then she tells me, “Why didn’t you say something? I wouldn’t have you make it up today.” Oh well. I proceeded into the OR and watched surgical team prep for surgery. The baby was delivered successfully. At the end there was another surprise. The OR the staff sang Happy Birthday to me. Now that made me feel special. From that day on for about 16 years or more, I haven’t worked a job on my birthday again. Speaking of nursing, here’s my post with some Nurses Week freebies.
Did Someone Say Free?
I don’t know about you but I like my share of free things. I composed a list of restaurants, department stores, etc. that have free items or discounts that they give to you to celebrate your birthday. Most of them I know from my own personal experience. I’ve signed up for some birthday freebies two days before my birthday and received some perks. To be safe you may want to get started at least the week before your special day.
Here’s Where to Get Your Birthday Freebies:
1. Applebee’s
Receive a free gift (dessert, appetizer, or entrée) when you sign up for their email club. I love the spinach dip from Applebee’s.
2. At Home
I received 25% off purchase coupon. This coupon usually expires a month after your birthday. This gives you plenty of time to visit the superstore and browse through their home decor.
3. Auntie Anne’s
I got my free pretzel. When you sign up, make sure you download the app. When attempting to get my pretzel at the mall, I was forced to delete some apps to create space for this app because I didn’t read the fine print in the email that said download app.
4. Belk
Every year as a Belk Reward cardholder, I get 15% off all day shopping pass. Some exclusions apply. I would think that as an Elite Rewards or Premier Rewards cardholder there’s a better coupon.
5. Benihana’s
Register for the Chef’s Table, and you’ll get a $30 birthday certificate. Yep a $30 meal. They even sing to you and take your photo and place it in a frame that say’s Benihana’s. Well they did for me in Orlando, Florida. Remember to print the coupon and you have to use it during Monday-Thursday. This is my most favorite birthday freebies.
6. Bonefish Grill
Sign up to become a Bonefish Grill Insider, and get special offers on your birthday.
7. Chili’s
Get a free dessert for your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club, plus get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage with every visit!
8. Culver’s
Sign up for MyCulver’s and get a free sundae for your birthday. I signed up, but still haven’t gotten my notification for my free sundae. Perhaps you will have a better outcome.
9. Dave & Buster’s
Sign up for Dave & Buster’s Rewards, and get $5 in free game play for your birthday, plus $10 in free game play just for signing up.
10. Denny’s
Just come in on your actual birthday and get your free build your own Grand Slam. No email sign up required.
11. DSW
Designer Shoe Warehouse always send me a $5 coupon for in-store or online purchase. Sign up for DSW Rewards and get yours.
12. Edible Arrangements
Join Edible Rewards and receive a free 12 count chocolate dipped fruit box during your birthday month.
13. Firehouse Subs
Sign up for Firehouse Rewards for a free medium sub the week of your birthday. I got mine and it was so good.
14. First Watch
Get a free entree for your birthday (I did) as a member of the Sun EClub.
15. Godiva
Get an exclusive birthday gift when you join the Godiva Rewards Club.
16. JC Penney
Receive a birthday gift when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards or become a cardholder. I have both and have yet to receive anything. In the past I’d get a $10 coupon. I will have to contact JC Penney to see what’s going on.
17. Kirklands
As a K Club member get 25% off coupon off your entire purchase. When you make a purchase you can then get a free gift. Sign up here. The coupon is good for one month.
18. Krispy Kreme
Become a Krispy Kreme Rewards member to receive a free birthday treat . Just download the app to sign up.
19. Medieval Times
Get free admission with the purchase of a full price adult ticket when you sign up for email updates. South Carolina residents can visit Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach. I went, but I think children would enjoy the show the most.
20. Moe’s Southwestern Grill
Sign up for Rockin’ Rewards and get a coupon for a free birthday burrito. Plus get free nachos with a drink purchase just for signing up.
21. New York & Company
If you are a Runway Rewards cardholder you can get $10 or $15 off coupon for your birthday.
22. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sign up for E-Club and get a free bundtlet for your birthday. There’s so many flavors to choose from like red velvet, lemon, and vanilla. I chose the vanilla cake. Delicious.
23. Olive Garden
Get a complimentary appetizer or dessert on your birthday by signing up for the eClub.
24. P.F. Chang’s
Join P.F. Chang’s Rewards and get a free dessert or appetizer during your birthday month.
25. Red Robin
Join the Red Robin Royalty Program, and get a free birthday burger.
26. Regal Cinemas
For those who still go to the movie theaters, create a Regal Crown Club account to receive a free birthday reward, plus a free small popcorn when you opt in to receive promotional text messages.
27. Ruby Tuesday
Join So Connected, and get a free burger or garden bar entree on your birthday.
28. Sephora
Become a Beauty Insider and receive a free gift for your birthday. You can pick your gift up in the store or make your selection along with an online purchase. I got mine from the store.
29. Starbucks
Get a birthday reward as a member of Starbucks Rewards.
30. TGI Friday’s
Join the Friday’s Rewards program, and get a free dessert on your birthday. I always get the Tennesee Whiskey Cake.
I hope you enjoy all your birthday freebies!