Who doesn't like getting things for free? While on your birthday you could reasonably expect to get presents from friends and family, you might be surprised to learn that retailers are just as keen to hand out birthday treats to their customers.
By signing up to newsletters or downloading the apps of your favourite high street stores, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, you could make your birthday day, week or even month that little bit more special.
All you have to do is sign up in advance of your birthday and don't forget to give your date of birth. Here are just a few of the freebies currently on offer.
Sweet treats
Greggs
Get a voucher for a free ‘sweet treat’ such as a doughnut or cupcake on your birthday (redeemable in store), when you sign up to the app. Voucher valid for one month from your birthday.
Gail's
Sign up to the app and during your birthday month you’ll get a voucher for a free treat of your choice from its ‘Morning Goods’ range, such as a croissant, cinnamon bun, or pain aux raisins.
Costa
There’s free cake for customers who have signed up to the app. Redeem by checking the rewards screen and scanning the QR code at the till. The treat is redeemable for seven days from the big day.
Krispy Kreme
Get a free doughnut of your choice in your birthday month when you sign up to the app – redeemable in Krispy Kreme stores only, not concessions.
Pubs and restaurants
Shepherd Neame pubs
Get a free pub meal when you buy another main course if you've signed up to its Birthday Clubs. You’ll be emailed the voucher two weeks before your birthday and it’s valid for six months.
Miller & Carter steakhouses
There’s a free glass of Prosecco for you and up to five guests on your birthday when you each purchase a main meal if you have signed up to the Miller & Carter newsletter. To receive your birthday bubbles you must sign up at least two weeks prior to your birthday.
High Street
Superdrug
You’ll get quadruple points on your big day (or within the next two weeks) with no minimum spend.
Boots
Sign up to its Advantage card scheme and get double points on purchases for your whole birthday month.
H&M
Sign up to the H&M Member loyalty program and receive a voucher for 25% off one item in-store or online, valid for two weeks after your birthday.
