From a free muffin or meal to free games of bowling and gift vouchers a large number of stores offer birthday freebies and vouchers. So what do you have to do to score this free stuff? Generally you will need to join the store’s loyalty program. Many have apps you can download or it might be a matter of registering online. As well as the birthday freebie you may also get welcome discounts and can build up rewards each time you spend.
It also means you’ll probably be signed up for newsletters and/or other marketing communications. If you’re worried about your inbox being flooded you may consider setting up a specific email address for these types of emails.
Here is a selection of places that offer birthday freebies and some information on how you can get them. Keep in mind that while these offers were available at the time of writing they may change from time to time.
Food and drinks
Boost Juice
The freebie: A free juice
How to get it: You will need to join the Vibe Club either by downloading the Boost Juice app or registering online and providing your date of birth. You’ll then need to present your card on your birthday to get your free juice.
Chatime
The freebie: One complimentary Chatime tea, from the standard permanent menu, with one mix-in
How to get it: You’ll need to be a Loyal-Tea Club member either using the app or picking up a card in store and registering online. You’ll need to have made a full price purchase within three months prior to the start of your birthday month or transacted during your birthday month to be eligible. You’ll be sent an email with a barcode for the complimentary birthday tea offer and it must be redeemed within 30 days of receipt of the email.
Cold Rock
The freebie: One Kiddies size Cold Rock Ice Cream with one mix-in for free and $10 off the purchase of any Cold Rock Cake, provided the RRP of the Cold Rock Cake is $60 or more.
How to get it: You’ll need to apply for a VIP membership. To receive your free birthday ice cream your details must be registered at least 21 days before your birthday and you’ll get a voucher by email at least seven days before your birthday. The voucher is valid on your actual birthday only although if a Cold Rock store is closed due to a public holiday, it may be used the day before or after the public holiday. Stores may request ID.
To receive a birthday cake voucher giving you $10 off a cake worth $60 or more your details must be registered at least 35 days before your birthday. The voucher will be provided by email at least 28 days before your birthday and will be valid up to seven days after your actual birthday.
Gelatissimo
The freebie: One free scoop of ice cream
How to get it: You’ll need to join Club Gelato. Present your card or the app in store to get your free ice cream. The offer is valid on your birthday and for the four weeks following your birthday.
Hungry Jacks
The freebie: A free Whopper burger
How to get it: Download the Hungry Jacks app and register all your details. You’ll get the voucher three days before your birthday. The terms of the offer will be provided when you are sent the voucher.
Jamaica Blue
The freebie: A free slice of cake
How to get it: You’ll need to be a Jamaica Blue member. Visit a store during the month of your birthday and present your loyalty card or Jamaica Blue app to get your complimentary cake.
Krispy Kreme
The freebie: Free four-pack of Original Glazed doughnuts or a $10 coupon for an online order
How to get it: You’ll need to subscribe to the Krispy Kreme newsletter “The Inner Circle” and provide your date of birth four weeks prior to your birthday.
A unique code will be emailed to you for the free four-pack of Original Glazed doughnuts and you must show your unique code email on your phone or electronic device in-store and photo ID to redeem the offer. A print out or screenshot of email will not be accepted. This is redeemable in-store at Krispy Kreme stores in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia only. It’s not available in South Australia, Northern Territory, 7-Eleven, Jesters, BP Travel Centres or any other wholesale location.
The $10 coupon code will also be emailed to you and is only redeemable online at www.krispykreme.com.au.
Mrs Fields
The freebie: A free soft baked signature cookie
How to get it: You’ll need to sign up to be part of Club Cookie. To get your free cookie you will need to present your Club Cookie card and photo ID. You can redeem your cookie within seven days either side of your birthday.
Muffin Break
The freebie: A free muffin
How to get it: You’ll need to join the Muffin Break Rewards program. You can do this via the app or getting a physical card. If you are using a card you’ll need to also register online to be eligible for a free birthday muffin. It’s worth noting that if you register during your birthday month you won’t be eligible to receive a free birthday muffin until the following year. To get your freebie visit a store within the month of your birthday and present the app or your card.
Nando’s
The freebie: A complimentary regular Nando’s meal (being any quarter chicken, burger, pita or wrap plus a regular side and a regular drink)
How to get it: You’ll need to become a PERi-Perks member. You can do this by downloading the app or picking up a card at a restaurant and then registering online. You will also need to verify your email address. To be eligible for your free meal you’ll need to have verified your email prior to the start of your birthday month and made a transaction on your account in the six months prior to the start of your birthday month. You’ll then receive your birthday meal voucher via an email sent on the first day of your birthday month. You can redeem it any time during the month and it doesn’t have to be on your actual birthday.
Noodle Box
The freebie: $10 towards a Noodle Box
How to get it: You’ll need to join the Noodle Crew. You can do this by picking up a card in a store and registering online. Noodle Box will add a bonus $10 onto your card on your birthday and will send you an email to let you know this has been added to your account. You’ll have seven days to use it.
Oportos
The freebie: Anything from 10% off to $20 Flame Rewards depending on your membership status
How to get it: You’ll need to sign up to Flame Rewards in store or online. To be eligible for a birthday reward you will need to complete your profile online. If you have registered and verified your account before the day of your birthday, you will receive an email notifying you the voucher is available. It is valid for 30 days from issue.
SumoSalad
The freebie: Free regular deli salad
How to get it: You’ll need to become a member of the SumoSociety. You can do this via the app or by picking up a card in store and registering online. To receive your birthday salad you must make at least one purchase using your loyalty card at SumoSalad in the 365 days previous to your birthday. It’s also worth noting that a birthday salad is not available for new members in the first 15 days of membership. You have seven days from your birthday to get your free salad.
Fashion
Bonds
The freebie: $10 voucher
How to get it: You’ll need to join Bonds & Me and register for the newsletter. You’ll be emailed the voucher on your birthday. To activate it you’ll need to click on the link in your email where it says “redeem now”, log into your account and then the voucher number will appear. You will need to copy this number and use it at the checkout.
Cotton On
The freebie: Birthday surprise (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to sign up to become a Cotton On & Co. Perks member. Make sure you include your date of birth. You’ll be sent an email with details of your “birthday surprise”.
Country Road and Trenery
The freebie: $10, $20, $30, $50 or $100 voucher depending on your membership level
How to get it: You’ll need to join Country Road Rewards and have entered a valid date of birth in the relevant section of your member profile prior to your birthday. You’ll be emailed your voucher seven days before your birthday. How long you have to use your voucher depends on your membership level but you’ll have at least 30 days.
Glue
The freebie: $10 voucher
How to get it: You’ll need to join the Glue Store Loyalty Program and provide your date of birth. You’ll receive your voucher in the days leading up to your birthday.
JAG
The freebie: Birthday surprise (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to register to become a JAG VIP. Make sure you provide a valid email address and your date of birth. The voucher will be emailed to you and it can be redeemed online or in store.
Mimco
The freebie: $15, $20, $40 or $100 voucher depending on your membership level
How to get it: You’ll need to become a MIMCOLLECTIVE member and have entered a valid date of birth in the relevant section of your member profile prior to your birthday. You’ll be emailed your voucher seven days before your birthday. How long you have to use your voucher depends on your membership level but you’ll have at least 30 days.
Review
The freebie: $20 voucher
How to get it: You’ll need to join the Review Loyalty program and have provided your complete date of birth at least one week prior to your actual birth month. Birthday vouchers are only issued once your account is activated which is after your first spend.
Saba
The freebie: Birthday surprise (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to register to become a Saba VIP. Make sure you provide a valid email address and your date of birth. The voucher will be emailed to you and it can be redeemed online or in store.
Sportscraft
The freebie: Birthday surprise (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to register to become a Sportscraft VIP and provide a valid email address and your date of birth. The voucher will be emailed to you and it can be redeemed online or in store.
Witchery
The freebie: $10, $20, $50 or $100 voucher depending on your membership level
How to get it: You’ll need to join Witchery Rewards and have entered a valid date of birth in the relevant section of your member profile prior to your birthday. You’ll be emailed your voucher seven days before your birthday. How long you have to use your voucher depends on your membership level but you’ll have at least 30 days.
Entertainment
Hoyts
The freebie: Choose a free small popcorn or a choc top
How to get it: You’ll need to join Hoyts Rewards and add your birthday details to your member profile. Show your birthday email and membership card at the Hoyts Candy Bar to get your free popcorn or choc top. The offer will be valid for 30 days from your birthday.
Zone Bowling
The freebie: Two free games of bowling
How to get it: You’ll need to sign up for the Roller Club newsletter and include your date of birth. You’ll be sent a redeemable barcode voucher via email.
Other stores
David Jones
The freebie: Birthday reward (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to join David Jones Rewards and complete your online profile including providing your date of birth. You’ll receive your “Birthday Reward”via email at least seven days before your birthday and it is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Dymocks
The freebie: $5 or $10 voucher depending on your membership level
How to get it: You’ll need to join Booklover Rewards to be eligible. Your birthday bonus amount will be added automatically to your account at the start of your birthday month and it will expire on the last day of the month. To redeem in store you’ll have to present your Booklover card or quote your mobile number at the store counter. If you want to redeem online you need to login to your online account and add your items into your online shopping cart. Once you have proceeded to the checkout, you will be given the option to redeem your Booklover credit at the payment section.
Lincraft
The freebie: $10 voucher
How to get it: You’ll need to join Club Lincraft and register your email address to be eligible. The voucher will be emailed to you.
Sheridan outlet
The freebie: Voucher (amount not specified)
How to get it: You’ll need to become a VIP member, subscribe with a valid email address and provide your birthday to be eligible. The gift card will be emailed to you a few days before your birthday and will be able to be used online or in store. Once activated, your birthday reward will expire in 14 days.
The Body Shop
The freebie: $10 worth of points
How to get it: You’ll need to join the Love Your Body Club which you can do in store or online. You must have joined the programme and provided your date of birth at least 48 hours prior to your birthday to get your reward. Birthday Rewards will expire after one month from the date of issue.
Main image source: Ruth Black (Shutterstock)
About Effie Zahos
Canstar’s Editor-at-Large, Effie Zahos, has more than two decades of experience helping Aussies make the most of their money. Prior to joining Canstar, Effie was the editor of Money Magazine, having helped establish it in 1999. She is an author and one of Australia’s leading personal finance commentators, appearing regularly on TV and radio.
This article was reviewed by Editorial Campaigns Manager Maria Bekiaris before it was published as part of our fact-checking process.
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