Who doesn’t want something for free on their birthday? My daughter and son-in-law share a birthday two days apart. This year, they thought it would be fun to spend her day, beginning with breakfast, and tackle all the different options available to them where they could get free birthday goodies. Much to their dismay, they didn’t know many of the locations required a membership to a loyalty reward program.

Come to find out; there are many rules that they needed to follow. 

Let’s break down what are the essentials for getting your free goodies. Not all companies are created equal.  Here are the top twenty that are my absolute favs.

Start off your morning of free goodies at the Waffle House and receive a free waffle on your birthday. For initially signing up online at the Waffle House Regulars Club, you will also receive free hash browns. Throughout the year, you will also receive seasonal coupons and special offers.

If waffles aren’t your thing, but you want to dig your fork into a stack of pancakes, sign up for the International Bank of Pancakes, which is IHOP’s loyalty program. On your birthday, you will receive a free full stack of pancakes. When you spend $5, you can earn a PanCoin (yes, Pancoin). A PanCoin is a crypto-pancake that you can trade. Earn 3 PanCoins and trade them for a short stack of 3 pancakes. See the website for a variety of other options you can trade your PanCoins for.

Of course, what’s not to love with a warm Krispy Kreme doughnut? Krispy Kreme Rewards gives its members a birthday reward, which you can claim anytime during your birthday month. Get excited because when you sign up, you also receive a free doughnut. As a reward member, you are eligible for a free dozen when you get 12 credits.

I’m an addict when it comes to Starbucks. We all know about Starbucks and the infamous offer of a free drink on your birthday. But did you know you can’t just go in and show your ID? In order to qualify for your birthday drink, you must be a member of the Starbucks Rewards program, and you have had earned at least one star. Also, you can only claim your free drink on the actual day of your birthday.

I’m not a fan, but beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to something free. Dutch Bros Coffee will give you a free drink of any size on your birthday. You must join Dutch Rewards and redeem the gift on the app.

Texas Roadhouse has amazing steaks and their buns are, well, they are to die for. For your birthday, you can receive a free appetizer, a sidekick of ribs or shrimp, but the catch is you have to first sign up for the VIP club.

Who doesn’t love a good slice of cheesecake? Okay, so maybe there are a few of you out there. But if you like to indulge, this may just be up your alley. My favorite cheesecake is Pumpkin; however, the tasty dessert is doesn’t come out till October and unfortunately, I end up settling. Sing up for Cheesecake Rewards, and you will receive a free slice of cheesecake on your birthday.

If you enjoy a refreshing smoothie, download the Tropical Smoothie Café app, and you will get a free smoothie after your first purchase and you will be eligible for a surprise birthday reward. If this becomes a regular stomping ground, you can earn 10 points for every $1 spent.

With Grimaldi’s Rewards, they will give you a free 16″ cheese pizza on your birthday. The caveat is you have to have had at least one purchase within the past year before your first birthday month to be eligible. So, sign up and, get over and get that order in to be eligible when your birthday comes. Additionally, receive offers after earning 1,000 points and earn $10 off.

And can we not forget about Red Robin? Yummmm! When you register for the Red Robin Royalty Program, you will receive a birthday burger. There is a condition to qualify for the free burger. You will have to spend a minimum of $10 for any dine-in or to-go order.

With MyCulver’s Rewards earn a Bogo regular value basket. When you complete your profile, you will get a sweet reward on your birthday and add family members to your account, and they will as well.

If burgers aren’t your thing and you’re looking to go somewhere nicer for your birthday, then head on over to the Melting Pot. Become a member of the Club Fondue and receive a birthday voucher.

The world’s most wanted wiener is giving you free food on your birthday. Join the Wiener Lover’s Club at Wiener Schnitzel and get free food for signing up. Then, get more free food each year on your birthday. Who wouldn’t want a good wiener?

If you’re looking for entertainment, the movie theatres offer birthday freebies. When you become a member of the AMC Stub Insider at AMC Theatres you can earn a free large popcorn during your birthday month. There are three tiers to the membership and if you upgrade your status to Premier, well, you’re in for a treat. Celebrate your birthday in style and get a free large fountain drink as well.

Harkins Theatres has a reward program as well. But let’s face it, $5 off to be used towards any popcorn, drinks, or other treats is not as appealing as a free large popcorn. I’m just saying.

Now, if you like to shop, there are plenty of stores that offer free goodies or discounts on your special day.

Become a member of the Kohl’s Rewards program and you will get a special birthday gift. You have to have made at least one purchase prior to your birthday month. And if you want to go a little crazy, sign up for the Kohl’s Card, and you can earn personalized perks and receive a little something on your Anniversary. Let’s not forget your rewards earn you Kohl’s cash.

If you love pink, don’t forget about Victoria’s Secret. Members of the Pink Rewards program get $10 in birthday rewards, and if you are a pink credit card holder who has spent $750 within the past year, you get the best gift of all. They will give you an additional $5 in birthday rewards. Stick with the membership only. Really, the extra $750 spent isn’t worth the $5 in savings.

Okay, I’m a Bath & Body Works fiend. Literally. When it is on sale, I can’t just buy one. I buy nine.No joke. All kidding aside. They offer great deals. When you sign up for the My Bath & Body Works Rewards, you will get $10 off a $30 purchase, valid when used within 30 days. Earn points for dollar spent. Also, when you download the app and sign into the app, you will automatically be given 100 bonus points and your next reward is a $16.95 retail value item. And let’s not forget you will get an annual birthday gift free.

Become a member of Ulta Beauty Rewards and receive one of four free birthday gifts. Rack up points for every $1 purchased and receive weekly bonus point offers in the app. The more you earn, the better the payoff. Become a Platinum member spending $500 annually, or a Diamond member spending $1200 annually, and enjoy a variety of perks.

JCPenny Rewards gives you a $10 CashPass Reward to celebrate your special day when you sign up.

Enjoy your special day and I hope it is everything you wish for and more. Now go get your free stuff. 

This was written by our contributing writer, Shannon Hrimnak.