Birthdays are a special time to reflect on your journey and celebrate your life. While it’s wonderful when others recognize you, the most meaningful validation comes from within. That’s why I’ve created a personal tradition of celebrating myself—and it’s been one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done.
One of my favorite ways to honor my birthday is by collecting birthday freebies. Yes, I sing Happy Birthday to myself too! It’s not about waiting for extravagant parties or someone else to plan my day. It’s about showing up for myself and saying, You are worth celebrating.
Why Self-Celebration Matters
Life is a mix of lessons, struggles, triumphs, and accomplishments. Each birthday marks another year of navigating this incredible journey, and that’s worth celebrating.
Sometimes, we fall into the trap of thinking we need a big cruise or a fancy party. Or, worse, we do nothing if no one else plans something. This mindset can leave us feeling overlooked. But here’s the truth: you don’t need anyone’s permission to celebrate yourself. Small, meaningful gestures can be just as powerful.
For me, celebrating myself starts with affirming my worth:
• Hey self, you’ve done an amazing job.
• Hey self, you’re worthy of being loved and celebrated.
• Hey self, this journey of life is something to be proud of.
This self-love mindset is why I’ve embraced birthday freebies as part of my annual tradition.
My Birthday Freebie Tradition
Every year, I dedicate my birthday month to celebrating me. I take full advantage of freebies from restaurants, stores, and other businesses that offer birthday rewards. Some may laugh, but I think it’s a fabulous way to treat yourself. After all, I’ve supported these businesses throughout the year—this is their way of giving back!
My one rule? If it’s free, it’s for me. I avoid offers that require additional purchases because my focus is on celebrating, not spending.
Here’s how I make the most of this tradition:
1. Sign Up Early: Most businesses require you to join their rewards programs or email lists at least a week or two before your birthday.
2. Use a Separate Email: Create a freebie-only email account to avoid cluttering your main inbox.
3. Plan Ahead: Some offers are valid for the whole month, while others are only good on your birthday or a specific week. Make a plan to enjoy as many as you can!
4. Sing to Yourself: Yes, I sing Happy Birthday to myself. It’s a small but powerful way to affirm that my life is worth celebrating.
My Freebie List
Here’s a curated list of freebies you can enjoy for your birthday. These are offers I’ve personally used, and they make my month so much fun!
Food Freebies
• Red Robin: Free burger*
• Panda Express: Free entrée with purchase
• Buffalo Wild Wings: 6 free wings
• Cava: Free birthday treat
• Qdoba: Chips & guac
• Waffle House: Free waffle
• Another Broken Egg Café: Free pancakes
• Mission BBQ: Free sandwich*
• City Barbeque: $5 off
• Denny’s: Free Grand Slam breakfast
• Chipotle: Free Guacamole
Drink Freebies
• Wendy’s
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Starbucks (Only Day of Birthday)
• Cinnabon
• Tropical Smoothie Café (Only Day of Birthday)
• Sonic (with purchase)
• Wawa
• Smoothie King ($2 Smoothie)
Dessert Freebies
• Crumbl Cookies: Free cookie
• Krispy Kreme: 3 free donuts with purchase
• Cheesecake Factory: Free cheesecake slice
• Subway: Free cookie
• Red Lobster
• Edible Arrangements: chocolate covered strawberries
• United Dairy Farmers (UDF): Free sundae
• Smokey Bones
• Baskin-Robbins: Free ice cream scoop
• McAlister’s Deli
• Logan’s Roadhouse
• Zaxby’s
• Cracker Barrel
• Jason’s Deli
• Applebee’s: Free dessert (with $15 food purchase)
Entertainment Freebies
• Dave & Buster’s: $10 game play
• AMC Theatres: Free popcorn or drink
• Regal: Free Popcorn
Merchandise Freebies
• Kohl’s: $5 Kohl’s Bucks
• Yankee Candle: Free small candle
• Bath & Body Works: Free gift (up to $9.95 value w/ purchase)
• Aveda: Free composition oil with any purchase
• Sephora: Travel size gift - birthday month
• The Body Shop: $10 voucher on your birthday
• Ulta: Travel gift - birthday month
Clothes and Shoes
• DSW:$5 or $10 certificate
• Famous Footwear:$5 birthday cash rewards plus 2x points in your birthday month
• Madewell: Free gift (up to $9.95 value w/ purchase)
• Old Navy: Birthday “Bonus”
• Hot Topic: $5 Off Birthday Reward
• Victoria’s Secret: $10 reward for your birthday
Start Your Own Birthday Celebration Tradition
Celebrating yourself isn’t about waiting for others or spending a lot of money. It’s about taking time to appreciate your journey and recognize your worth. Whether you’re singing to yourself, grabbing a free dessert, or simply reflecting on your growth, you’re affirming that your life matters.
So, start your own birthday freebie tradition! Sign up for those rewards programs, plan your birthday month, and treat yourself.
Happy Birthday—and don’t forget to celebrate YOU!