Free Birthday Rewards and Prizes for Kids

Photo:

Free stuff makes celebrating a birthday that much sweeter. Photo: iStock

Birthday expenses can add up fast. Between gifts, the party venue and the dreaded goodie bags, it’s easy to blow right past your budget. This year, why not start a new family tradition? On your child’s birthday, pile into the car and head out to see how many birthday freebies you can score. You might be surprised how many fun and yummy freebies you can find; local spots love to help people feel celebrated on their big day.

Keep in mind, most of these freebies require you to sign up ahead of time and join some sort of rewards program. So take today to sign up for the things that sound fun, and watch your child’s eyes light up with excitement as they claim their free goods on their special day. Birthday joy achieved!

Birthday meals on the house

Let your child eat for free all day long on their birthday.

IHOP: Start your day with a free stack of birthday pancakes when you sign up with IHOP Rewards.
Firehouse Subs: When lunch time rolls around, pick up a free medium sub with any purchase on your birthday when you are signed up with their reward program.
Red Robin: Join Red Robin Royalty and receive a free milkshake (which can be updated to a free burger) on your birthday.
Check E. Cheese: Sign up your child for the Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Club for birthday (and half-birthday!) freebies and discounts. They will get free birthday gifts (30 free minutes of game play and free cotton candy), exclusive offers and surprises in the weeks before their birthday.
Chipotle: I can’t even count how many times I have received the text, “Can I have money for Chipotle” from my teens. I’m going to make sure they join Chipotle Rewards so they can pick out a free reward when their birthday rolls around.

Free treats worth celebrating

Root beer floats, ice cream, cheesecake and more will keep your kid’s sweet tooth satisfied on their birthday.

Baskin Robins: Sign up for the Baskin-Robbins Rewards program and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
Starbucks: Starbucks Rewards members get a free beverage, food item or bottled drink on their birthday.
Dairy Queen: Join the Dairy Queen Rewards program and get a free surprise on your birthday!
Barnes & Noble: Sign up for the Premium Membership ($39.99 per year) which offers many benefits, including a free B&N Café treat and Paper Source craft for your child’s birthday. Note: This is for kids 12 and younger only. Plus, they must be listed in the “children” section of your Premium Membership profile.
The Cheesecake Factory: Cheesecake Rewards members can get a free slice of cheesecake on their birthday (with any purchase).
Bucca di Beppo: Join Buca eClub and get a free Colossal Brownie Sundae on your birthday.
AMC Theatres: With Stubs Insider you will receive a free large popcorn during your birthday month. Upgraded membership options are available that offer a free large popcorn and drink.
A&W: Join their Mug Club and get a root beer float on your birthday.
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Sign up for Bundtastic Rewards and you’ll receive a free bundtlet for your birthday, which you can redeem seven days before or after your birthday.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Pick up a free doughnut on your birthday when you join Krispy Kreme Rewards.

Freebies beyond food

After free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a treat be sure to check out these free gifts that will make your kids feel like the birthday star.

Benihana: If your child is 12 or younger, sign up for Kabuki Kids. Your child will get a certificate for a free souvenir mug of their choice with the purchase of any Kabuki Kids meal on their birthday.
Archie McPhee: Present your ID and you’ll get a free surprise gift on your birthday!
Ulta: The free membership level of Ultra Beauty Rewards gets you a free birthday gift and double points on purchases during your birthday month.
Sephora: Join the Beauty Insider program and pick a free gift during your birthday month (when you spend $25).

Tips and tricks for parents:

Plan ahead! Most businesses require you to sign up ahead of time (sometimes months in advance) to receive a free birthday reward.
Timing matters. Some rewards are only redeemable on your child’s birthday; others may be redeemed during their birthday week or month.
Read the fine print. Some offers require a purchase or are available for dine-in only.
Many reward programs allow kids ages 13 and older to register, adult permission may be required.
Identification is sometimes required to redeem free birthday gifts, so plan accordingly.
Reward programs often change. Be sure to check current offerings before heading out to avoid disappointment!

More birthday party resources for parents:

About the Author

By Kari Hanson

Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s content editor. She was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and has called Seattle home for almost 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a master’s degree in public administration and a certificate in editing. She spent 20 years working in the nonprofit world in a variety of roles at organizations supporting women and families.

Kari has been reporting on parenting issues for ParentMap for nearly four years, and is thrilled that her passion for writing and creating gets to be the focus of her work every day. Kari has been published in a variety of outlets, including Offbeat Families, Bri + Co. and Sun magazine.

Kari has 17 years of parenting experience from unique vantage points including as a stay-at-home-parent, working parent, biological parent, foster parent and adoptive parent. She loves finding stories that lift up different parent voices and experiences. When she’s not working, Kari loves to listen to podcasts while knitting, crocheting or sewing, spending time with friends and family and going for walks with her sweet, slightly-crazed dog.

The Best Pacific Northwest-Inspired Baby Names

Level Up Family Time: Video Games You Can All Play Together