Things You Can get for Free on your Birthday
If you visit a company on your birthday, the simplest way for them to say happy birthday is by giving you a free item. That said, there are a variety of things it could be, including:
- Free meals
- Free treats
- Free entrees
- Free blizzards
- Free beverages
- Free buffets
- Free baked treats
As you may notice from the list above, the most common places to get exclusive coupons for Canadian birthday freebies are restaurants and fast food chains. However, at most of these restaurants, to receive free birthday food, you need to sign up for their VIP program. This provides you with a free birthday coupon or special birthday gift around your birth date.
The nice thing about these rewards programs, whether they’re with food places or not, is that they’re free to join and receive your cool birthday freebies. Whether it’s a free birthday reward or a free birthday meal, you’ll receive a notification close to your birthday and instructions on how to get a free birthday gift and redeem it.
Places that Offer Birthday Freebies
Believe it or not, there is a large list of places that offer the best birthday freebies in Canada. Some of these places are ones you wouldn’t even expect.
Red Robin
If you live in British Columbia or Alberta, Red Robin offers a free gourmet burger on your birthday. For kids, they offer a free kids’ meal. Unlike other restaurants, this offer isn’t only available on your actual birthday. It’s available on any day of your birthday month. However, to be eligible for this offer, you need to be part of the Red Robin Royalty program.
Red Lobster
If you belong to Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch Club, then you can also receive birthday freebies. You can get a free dessert or appetizer, special savings, a surprise birthday offer, special-occasion reminders, and the Resh Catch News.
David’s Tea
If you are a big David’s Tea fan, then you are likely registered for the Frequent Steepers Club. While David’s Tea used to offer a free cup of tea on your birthday, they now offer you 5 points. While it isn’t much, it will still get you a bit closer to some free stuff.
IHOP
If you live in Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta, then there are some perks you could get on your birthday from IHOP. All you have to do to be eligible is join the Pancake Revolution e-Club, and you can get some free pancakes on your birthday.
Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill
If you live in eastern Canada, then you’ve probably heard of Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill. If you’re signed up for Jack Astor’s VIP Club, then you can get a free birthday dessert on your birthday.
Montanas
If you go to Montana and are a member of their Grill Lovers Club, you can also get a birthday reward. This will give you 10% off with a purchase of $30 or more and a free dessert.
Warehouse One Jeans Store
Warehouse One, the jeans store, also offers birthday perks. However, you only find out what these are once you sign up and reach your birthday.
Lancome
If you are a Lancôme lover, then you will love this next offer. Join the Lancome Rewards Program and receive a free birthday gift as well as a 15% discount on your order.
Cora
Unlike Denny’s, Cora doesn’t offer a free breakfast, but they do offer a $5 voucher on your birthday. This is valid in all Cora restaurants; there are no exclusions.
Buffalo Wild Wings
To receive a free plate of wings at any point during your birthday month, all you need to do is join the Blazin’ Rewards program. You don’t even need to pre-book to get the offer, and it is available at all locations.
Harvey’s
Another fast food chain that offers a birthday gift is Harvey’s. Signing up for the Burger Boss Rewards Program not only gets you free Frings, but you can also get a bonus birthday item, which is usually a free burger that comes with specialty discount codes.
Marble Slab
Instead of a coupon or other offers, Marble Slab will give you a free scoop on your birthday. You must sign up for their newsletter, Marble Mail, to get the free ice cream.
Thrifty Foods
In British Columbia, Thrifty Foods offers a free birthday cake on your child’s first birthday. A birth certificate is required at pickup. You are also required to order the cake at least 24 hours before you intend to pick it up. The cake is 8” by 12” and can be ordered in-store or over the phone. This offer may come as a surprise to you, but it is also an amazing way to help celebrate their special day.
Applebee’s
If you are a fan of Applebee’s, you would likely take advantage of their special birthday offer. While they don’t have a specific birthday gift that they advertise, you do receive an email about what you will receive. All you have to do is register for Applebee’s email club.
Mandarin Chinese Buffet
In Ontario, the Mandarin Chinese Buffet offers an exclusive e-coupon for a Chinese buffet. The only requirements are that you be registered for the Mandarin Dish newsletter at least 1 day before your birthday and be with at least 3 other paying adults to claim it.
New York Fries
With New York Fries, you can register for a free New York Fry Society account. You can then scan this card every time you make a purchase. Every purchase earns you 1 point, and after 10 purchases, you can get a free menu item. You can also receive a free regular fries on your birthday.
Firehouse Subs
With Firehouse Subs, you can start earning rewards when you download the app. You can also make orders, access old orders, manage points and rewards, and find nearby locations. You can also get a free medium sub with any purchase on your birthday.
The Keg
One of the most popular places to go for your birthday is The Keg. After your meal, you can get a free slice of ice cream cake, also referred to as the Billy Miner pie.
Wacky’s
Another offer that is exclusive to Ontario is Wacky’s. Just for signing up to be a Wacky’s VIP, you get a free appetizer. On top of that, you will get a $10 play card for your birthday as well as the opportunity to win free wings for a year. It costs nothing to sign up,p and who doesn’t like a free appetizer!
South St. Burger
If you live in British Columbia, Ontario, or Alberta, you have likely been to or heard of South Street Burger. Like most chains, South St. Burger has a free rewards program. Theirs is called the Birthday Club. Join the Birthday Club, and you will receive all special offers and deals, as well as a buy-one-get-one-free burger coupon on your birthday as long as you are registered at least one day before.
Lone Star Texas Grill
In Ontario, the Lone Star Texas Grill also offers some perks. As long as you are registered for their program called The Sizzle, you will receive newsletters, special offers, and discounts directly in your inbox. As long as you are registered for The Sizzle and have spent at least $30, you are eligible for a free birthday dessert!
London Drugs
As a member of LD extras, in most locations in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, you will receive a $5 coupon on your birthday. If you save this along with the rewards you receive on your purchases, you can pick what you would like to purchase with them. It is free to sign up, and it makes sense if you intend to shop there anyway.
Baskin Robbins
This is another ice cream chain offering a sweet treat for your birthday. Sign up for the Club 31 program and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday. To receive it, though, you must purchase either a 3-oz cone or a 2.5-oz scoop. You also have the option of $5 off if you want to purchase a cake instead.
The Body Shop
If you shop at The Body Shop, registering for the Love Your Body Club lets you take advantage of amazing offers. One of those is to win something on your birthday. What you win varies by person, but it is usually a $10 coupon. It can also be a free item, though. You are eligible to log in and find out what you win anytime during your birthday month. Whether you choose to use the perk for yourself or as a gift for someone else, sign up for the free rewards programs to see what you can win.
Menchie’s
Menchie’s also has a rewards program called My Smileage Rewards. This allows you to get $5 worth of free frozen yogurt for your birthday. This offer does not have to be used on your actual birthday; it can be used up to either 15 days before or after your birthday.
Old Navy
In Canada, as long as you aren’t in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, you are eligible for birthday rewards from the Old Navy. All you need to do is sign up for the Old Navy newsletter and select whether you would like to be eligible for the birthday rewards. There is no specific birthday gift, but there are plenty of free birthday gifts you can win.
Nike
While Nike doesn’t give you free products for your birthday, they do offer online discounts. If you are a Nike fan, then you can sign up to be a Nike Canada Member. While these online discounts tend to have a short expiration date, they are sent via email, so you receive them immediately.
McDonald’s
While McDonald’s does not offer any free birthday offers for adults, kids are eligible for a free Happy Meal on their birthday as long as they are registered for the McDonald’s Newsletter.
Cineplex
If you book a child’s birthday party with Cineplex, then you get one free child admission. There are no free admissions for your birthday otherwise.
Shoppers Drug Mart
When you shop at Shoppers Drug Mart, PC Optimum members offer a targeted birthday bonus that is either PC Optimum points and beauty perks. This offer will be sent directly to your bank account. However, your birthday must be added to your account in order to qualify.
Scene+
As a Scene+ member, you can get bonus Scene+ rewards points separate from any partner birthday offers. The Scene+ rewards offer will be specific to you and you can receive it through email.
Air Miles
While you can’t receive birthday rewards through Air Miles, however, you can still receive birthday offers from their partners. All you have to do is link your account and cash in your rewards when they become available.
Triangle Rewards
As a triangle rewards member, you can get personalized birthday offers which are normally bonus CT money points multipliers. You can find these through an email that are sent during your birthday month and they have to be activated through the mobile app downloaded and are on top of any welcome bonuses that you may receive.
Sport Chek
With Sport Chek, you can earn triangle rewards but there are no excluding birthday promotions.
Bath and Body Works
If you’re a member of the Bath and Body Works Rewards Program you can get a free item with an original ticket price of up to $9.95. While there is no minimum spend required, you do have to make some sort of purchase in order to get the deal.
MAC Cosmetics
If you’re part of the MAC Lover Rewards Program, you can receive a free beauty gift during your birthday month. Just like with other rewards, there is a sign up required policy. The gifts that you receive depend on your members tier: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Ulta
During your birthday month, Ulta Beauty Rewards members will either get a free trial-size or deluxe sample gift, 2x the points, or even an extra $10 off coupon. In order to redeem this gift, a promo code isn’t needed. You can either add it to your cart or show your coupon in store.
Michaels
As a Michaels Rewards member, you can get tired birthday bonus savings on regular priced items. The percentage off that you receive is based on the membership level that you have. Red members get 15% off, Silver members get 20% off and Platinum/Michaels Credit Card Members get 25% off.
DSW
DSW VIP Loyalty members get an annual bonus that is loaded directly into their account throughout their birthday month. The standard reward is $5, but VIP Elite members get a $10 bonus.
Sunglass Hut
Those who are members of the Sunglass Hut loyalty programs can receive a free birthday gift or a percentage off. That said, the exact reward you receive will vary based on region and your membership tier.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Rewards members will get a free sweet treat on their birthday. This is offered during your birthday month, not your birthday week, like many others, but the specific rewards are based on your location.
Second Cup
As long as you have the Second Cup Cafe App, you can get a birthday reward like free handcrafted beverage. The only catch is you must sign up at least 7 days in advance and complete at least one paid transaction.
Panago
There are currently no birthday rewards available at Panago.
Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza is another company that doesn’t offer any birthday rewards.
A&W
If you sign up for Rootys Mug Club you won’t get a free medium beverage on your birthday, but you will get a free small root beer float. Near your birthday a coupon for the beverage will be emailed or texted to you.
Swiss Chalet
Those signed up for the Rotisserie Mail newsletter with Swiss Chalet are able to get a free sweet treat for their birthday. There’s also a kids eat free deal where children under 10 get a free meal during the child’s birthday month. These rewards aren’t strictly dine-in only
Kelsey’s
Those registered for the Road Tripper Club with Kelseys will be able to get a free sweet treat on their birthday. This coupon will be emailed to you and can be shown to your server in order to redeem. When you initially sign up, you won’t be able to get an entree discount with your loyalty card, you can get a free spinach dip.
East Side Marios
Those who are registered for the East Side Marios Famiglia email list can receive a free birthday pasta. When you initially register, you can also get a free appetizer just for joining. You will periodically receive exclusive coupons and offers to your email as well.
Milestones
If you attend Milestones Bar and Grill for your birthday dinner, you can get a complimentary birthday dessert. All you have to do is tell your server when you order your entree. When you sign up for their newsletter online, you can get a free appetizer with purchase.
Earls
Earls Kitchen and Bar offers a free Sticky Toffee Pudding on your birthday. All you have to do is tell your server or a staff member. There is no advanced sign up that is required.
White Spot
White Spot doesn’t currently offer birthday freebies like other restaurants do.
Moxies
When you tell a server at Moxie that it’s your birthday, you can get a complimentary dessert. There is no sign-up needed and the offer is only available for dine-in only.
The Distillery District
In the Distillery District in Toronto, there are no specified birthday freebies that you can get. Depending on where you go you may be able to get free tri-stacked nachos, a free burrito or maybe even a free pint of beer. You may need to provide proof of age or ID, and you should pay attention to any blackout dates where the offer may not apply.
Egg Club
Once you’ve signed up for the Egg Club app, you can get a free birthday sandwich. This coupon will automatically loan onto your account on your birthday for in-store or pickup.
How to Make Sure You Are Eligible for Birthday Offers
These are just some of the many birthday freebies and offers that are available in Canada. To verify that you are eligible for any birthday offers, you must read the full print. Most companies nowadays require you to be registered for their awards program, but there are usually additional requirements you need to meet as well.
- Because many birthday coupons and offers have a time limit, a valid photo ID is often required; if the offer is for a child, a birth certificate is often required.
- Most offers also require a purchase before the offer can be used.
- It is important not to skip the birthday portion when registering for the regards program. This allows the company to send the birthday offer. It is also important that the birthday you enter matches the one on your ID.
- Check your spam filter to verify your birthday offers don’t end up there. This can sometimes happen with all of the other offers that companies send.
Birthday Freebies Based on Where You Live
We have given you an idea of many different places throughout Canada where you can get some birthday freebies. But what about exclusives where you live? Other places like Winnipeg, Halifax, Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa have more general birthday freebies.
Calgary, Alberta
Along with the regular freebies you can get throughout the country, there are also some exclusives. At Costa Vida, you can get a free dessert when you download their app. With Chicken on the Way, you can get a free snack pack on your birthday. There’s also the Cheesecake Cafe that will give you a free slice of cheesecake if you’re dining with them on your birthday.
Regina, Saskatchewan
In Regina, there are lots of different places where you can get some birthday freebies.
- Dessert Sweets will give you free ice cream
- Escape Manor will give you free admission
- Malty National offers a free beer
- Fresh Carnival offers a free milkshake
- Coney Island Poutine offers a free poutine
This is in addition to the traditional freebies offered throughout Canada.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna offers some great birthday deals as well!
- Norman’s Diner offers 50% off breakfast or a free pie (just a slice)
- Bin 4 Burger Lounge offers free dessert
- Barcelos Flame Grilled Chicken will give you a free slice of pie
- Kelly O’Brien’s will offer $20 off your purchase before 4 pm and $30 after 4 pm
- Mekong will offer $12.95 off dinner and $7.95 off lunch
- Memphis Blues will offer 15% off any platter
London, Ontario
In London, Ontario, you can get the following:
- A free cookie from Qdoba
- A free disc rental from Redbox
- A free tower of onion rings or starter from The Works Burger
- A Free Doritos Locos Taco from Taco Bell
Toronto, Ontario
Some Toronto exclusive freebies are:
- The Night Baker will give you a free cookie
- iHalo Kruch will give you a free cone or cup of ice cream
- Monga Fried Chicken offers a free Baoger
- Congee Queen offers a free dish on your birthday month with a $1 minimum purchase
- Impact Kitchen offers a free smoothie
- Kettlemans Bagels offers a free dozen bagels with the app
- Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament offers birthday fellowship members exclusive freebies
How Far in Advance Should You Sign Up?
If you’re looking to take advantage of some birthday freebies, it’s a good idea to sign up 7 to 30 days in advance. This is because many companies have strict automated cutoffs that you must meet to receive your gift. For most chain restaurants, the cutoff is 7 days, and for major restaurants and stores, the cutoff is 30 days.
Are You Required to Make a Purchase To Get Birthday Freebies?
While you aren’t always required to purchase to get a birthday freebie, it really just depends on the store or restaurant. When it comes to freebies, many places will give free items just for joining their program, while others do require a purchase, even if it’s small.
To find out for sure, the best thing you can do is check the terms and conditions when you sign up. You also need to be sure to check the expiration date on any rewards that you may receive, to avoid them expiring before you have a chance to use them. Some companies also have location rules, so it’s important to pay attention to those as well.
Free Birthday Activities
In Canada, it’s not common to get freebies for free activities. It’s usually just stores and restaurants that offer these perks, as long as you’re registered for their rewards program.
Are You Able to Have Multiple Freebies on the Same Day?
As long as you’re registered, you can use multiple birthday freebies on the same day. To use the freebie, you’ll need your driver’s license or ID to prove your identity.
Birthday Deals at Canadian Hotels and Casinos
While there aren’t many birthday bonuses with hotels, there are birthday bonuses with Casinos. In fact, in most Casinos in Canada, you have access to birthday bonuses. However, the amount of the bonus depends on which casino you go to.
Should You Use a Separate Email Address?
While this isn’t necessary, it is a great idea. Emails from these places can flood your inbox, making it difficult to find your important emails. By having a second email address, you’re able to keep your inbox more organized.
Free Drinks at Bars and Breweries
Due to liquor laws and liability regulations, most bars and breweries don’t offer free drinks on your birthday, but instead offer free food. Depending on the restaurant, you may have to download the app or sign up for their rewards program.
Airlines and Travel Brands that Offer Birthday Rewards
Many major airlines and travel loyalty programs offer rewards and birthday perks. Some of these include:
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Alaska Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Air Baltic
- China Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Fight Centre Canada
Birthday Freebies for Students and Seniors
While there are plenty of different freebie offers available for your birthday, there are some that are more steered towards students and seniors.
Denny’s
In Canada, Denny’s offers a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on your actual birthday in most of its locations. The only exceptions are the Niagara Falls and Nepean locations. An ID is required to take advantage of this offer.
Boston Pizza
Did you know that Boston Pizza has a loyalty program? The My BP Loyalty program allows you to get a free dessert on your birthday, with no purchase required. It is usually sent out about a week before your birthday and is valid for 2 weeks.
Cobs Bread
Another awesome freebie is a free cinnamon bun from Cobs Bread. To qualify, you must be signed up for the Cob’s e-newsletter and have done so at least 7 days before your birthday. You also must have made a purchase at Cobs Bread within the last year. The offer is available for up to 14 days after your birthday.
Booster Juice
Booster Rewards Program members are able to get a free regular smoothie as long as it’s from the classic categories. The only catch is that you must register a minimum of 7 days in advance.
Dairy Queen
Did you know that Dairy Queen offers a rewards program, just like many other fast food chains? Sign up for their Blizzard Fan Club and get a welcome coupon. On top of that, you will receive a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on your birthday.
Starbucks
At Starbucks, if you are a Starbucks rewards member. You are eligible for a free drink or breakfast sandwich on your birthday as a birthday treat. It is usually available on your birthday, but you can check by logging in online or using the app. To qualify, you must have a Starbucks gift card and have signed up for the app at least 7 days before your birthday.
Tim Hortons
If you are a coffee or breakfast lover, another great freebie is Tim Hortons. If you are signed up for Tim’s Rewards and have the app, you are offered a free birthday drink or breakfast sandwich on your birthday. This offer can be claimed directly from the app.
Sephora
Being a Sephora Beauty Insider comes with some awesome perks, one of which is a gift on your birthday. Like most other rewards programs, this is just one of many perks, and it is free to join.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you go, most companies will offer some sort of birthday rewards. There are also plenty of online offers available for free stuff and birthday discounts. There really is nothing better than getting free food and a free birthday surprise. Nothing says you have to stick to one place or one offer, either. Whether you choose to go in person or stay home and shop online, there is plenty of free birthday stuff available.
