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Where Can You Get Things for Free on Your Birthday in the UK?

Written by, Bojana Atanasovska

Updated October, 25, 2022

Is your special day coming up? Well, here’s your chance to get some freebies. 

Plenty of brands offer free birthday stuff and most of them are available just by signing up for a newsletter or loyalty scheme. 

Keep reading—you can grab all these things for free on your birthday in the UK. 

Free Birthday Food

Let’s start off the list of birthday freebies in the UK with places that give you free food on your big day. 

1. Greggs: A free sweet treat 

For some of the tastiest sweet goodies on your birthday, download the Greggs app and join their loyalty scheme. You’ll be sent a voucher giving you one free cream cake, doughnut or cupcake every year on your birthday. 

In addition to birthday freebies, Greggs also provides free breakfasts to primary school children and white goods grants to those in need

2. Frankie and Benny’s: Free main meal

Get a free main meal, such as pasta or pizza, for your birthday when you order another from the main, vegan or gluten-free menu at almost all Frankie & Benny’s locations across the UK. Keep in mind that the offer is not valid when used alongside other discounts.

3. Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut

Who doesn’t love a free doughnut on their birthday? To make your day all the more special, add the birthday Reward to your Krispy Kreme app and get an ID barcode you can redeem for a free treat any day during your birthday month. The offer is exclusive to customers at Krispy Kreme shops.

4. Barburrito: Free burrito

Not everyone has a sweet tooth. If you fancy something savoury for your birthday, download the new Barburrito rewards app and get one free burrito (priced between £5.50 and £6.35). Just remember to register at least two days before your birthday to qualify for the offer. 

5. Shepherd Neame: Free main meal

It’s not just restaurants giving away free birthday stuff. Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewery, gives customers a free meal on their birthday when they order a main meal at participating pubs and venues. To claim the offer, join their Birthday Club and get a voucher 2 weeks before your big day.

6. Lidl: Free doughnut 

In addition to offering some of the lowest grocery prices in the UK, Lidl also gives away a free doughnut from their in-store bakery to anyone celebrating their birthday. All you need to do is sign up for Lidl Plus, the company’s reward app, get a coupon and redeem it in Lidl supermarkets within 7 days.

7. Las Iguanas: Free main meal

Fans of spicy Latin American cuisine can get a free meal at Las Iguanas. To qualify for the offer, customers need to sign up for the restaurant’s mailing list at least 7 days before their birthday. The company will issue a voucher that is valid for 14 days and good for one free delicious main meal, worth £9 to £18.

8. Muffin Break: A free muffin

Aussie-based coffee shop Muffin Break rewards loyal customers with a free muffin on their birthdays. Get the app or Reward card and use it to claim your free muffin in shops on any day during your birthday month. It may not be cake, but it’s the next best thing!

9. Pizza Express: Free dessert or pizza

The Pizza Express birthday freebie you get depends on the tier you’ve reached in their loyalty programme—Bronze rewards include a free dessert and Silver tier members get a free classic pizza any day in their birthday month. Points are collected when you dine in Pizza Express’ restaurants, make a collection or buy one of their pizzas in supermarkets. 

10. Brewers Fayre: Free main meal

Members of Brewers Fayre Bonus Club are treated to one free main meal on their birthdays when they order another one in any Brewers Fayre pub in the country. What’s more, kids eat for free at this traditional British pub, while loyal customers can get up to half off any meal and lots of other freebies. 

11. Beefeater Grill: Free main meal

Like Brewers Fayre, Beefeater Grill gives you free stuff for your birthday, in this case, a free-of-charge main meal. The offer is valid at all Beefeater locations for Reward Club members who have signed up for the company’s mailing list and order another meal from the main menu. 

Did you know that birthday specials are just one way you can get free food in the UK? For more tips, take a look at this article

12. Hotel Chocolat: Surprise gift

Enjoy one of the best b-day delicacies with Hotel Chocolate’s VIP reward scheme. All members will receive a surprise free gift from Britain’s top-rated luxury chocolatier on top of more fabulous perks such as a 15% off welcome offer and 20% off drinks and ice creams. 

13. Costa Coffee: Free cake

Treat yourself to a slice of delicious cake at Costa Coffee locations across the UK. You simply need to sign up for the Costa Club and use the voucher in the app when you arrive at the coffee shop. Then it’s a matter of getting your free cake—and eating it too!

14. Bella Italia: Free main meal

If you want to treat yourself to tasty Italian food on your birthday, Bella Italia, one of the most popular pizza chains in the UK, is the place to go. Before you head to your nearest Bella Italia restaurant, sign up for their newsletter and get one free main meal when you register and another on your birthday. 

15. Crêpeaffaire: Free crepe

Last but not least, Crêpeaffaire gives loyal customers a free crepe on their birthday just for registering for their rewards programme. You can also unlock more delicious treats and rewards as you collect stamps with each purchase and move up the tiers. 

16. Kaspa’s Desserts: Free milkshake or cake 

Indulge in something sweet by visiting Kaspa’s Desserts on your birthday and get a free slice of cake or a medium size milkshake just by spending £6.95 or more. Make sure to bring a valid ID, passport or driving licence to confirm your date of birth and qualify for this brilliant offer. 

Free Birthday Drinks

One of the best ways to celebrate this once-a-year event is with a celebratory drink. Let’s see where and what kind of beverages you can get for free. 

17. TGI Fridays: Free cocktails for 6 people

Celebrate your special day in style with free cocktails (or mocktails) for you and your friends. To get this freebie, download the TGI Friday’s app at least a week before your birthday and get one free drink per one main meal for up to 6 people, including yourself. 

18. All Bar One: Free cocktail

All Bar One is another great place for a birthday party. Not only will the staff ensure that nothing goes wrong on your big night, but they will also give you a free drink from their huge selection of stylish cocktails (if you previously signed up for their loyalty app).

19. Prezzo: Surprise birthday treat

Another of the UK’s favourite Italian restaurants, Prezzo has great benefits in store for customers who get their newsletter, including amazing birthday freebies, referral rewards, menu updates and a free bottle of Prosecco as part of the welcome offer. 

Want to bring your four-legged friend along for the b-day party? Here is a list of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in London

20. Nicholson’s: Free drink

Nicholson’s, owned by the same company as All Bar One, offers similar free gifts on your birthday. That means you get one free drink, either a bottle of bubbly, a G&T or a free pint of Nicholson’s Pale Ale, when you sign up for the company’s newsletter, plus 25% off on your next visit. 

21. Starbucks: Free drink

US coffee giant Starbucks has a great rewards programme awarding customers with 3 stars for every £1 spent. Once you collect 450 stars and reach the highest tier, i.e. become a Gold Member, you can get one free drink of your choice. The free birthday voucher is valid for 30 days.

22. Miller & Carter: Free glass of Prosecco

If you are in the mood for steak on your birthday, why not head over to your nearest Miller & Carter steakhouse? In addition to getting a delicious meal, you will also be offered a free glass of bubbly prosecco for you and your friends. Just make sure you register for their newsletter at least 14 days before the actual date. 

23. Boost: Free Birthday Boost

A refreshing drink can be as great a treat as a cocktail or a pint of beer. To receive a free one, become a member of Boost’s VIBE Club and enjoy a Birthday Boost on your special day (or three days before or after). Ensure that you have your loyalty card and ID ready to confirm your birth date. 

Free Beauty Gifts 

Cosmetics, care and health product make some of the best birthday gifts, regardless of age and gender. Take a look at the beauty companies that treat you to a free gift or voucher on your b-day. 

24. The Body Shop:  £5 voucher

Get spoiled with luxuriously smooth body butters and oils at discounted prices when you sign up for Body Shop’s ‘Love Your Body’ loyalty cards. You will also get a £5 voucher to spend in-store or online on any item of your choosing. The voucher is valid for one month from the date it was issued. 

25. Aveda: Double points & a gift 

Unlike most shops, the Aveda Plus rewards scheme comes with a one-time £10 enrollment fee. However, the benefits are more than worth it as members get free delivery, access to exclusive events and a gift on their birthday. As an extra treat for your big day, Aveda will double any points you collect on the day. 

26. Space NK: Surprise gift 

Pamper yourself with a surprise b-day gift when you join Space NK’s NDULGE loyalty programme—with over 130 brands to choose from, you are sure to get something you’ll love. Once you collect enough points, you can move on to the top tier of the rewards scheme and win a full-sized beauty gift. 

27. Boots: Free gift

Boots, the most popular beauty and health retailer in Britain, rewards their loyal customers with a free gift on their special day. To get it, you should sign up for the Boots Advantage Card—the loyalty programme is free to join and offers extra benefits and saving opportunities. 

28. Cult Beauty: 15% off 

Cult Beauty, home to some of the biggest beauty brands in the world, is giving customers a 15% discount on their birthday just for joining their mailing list. The offer is valid for one month and can range from 15% off when you spend £25 to £25 off when you spend £100. 

Snag more beauty deals with Liz Earle discount codes

29. Superdrug: Surprise birthday treat 

Join the Superdrug Health & Beautycard loyalty programme and get a surprise birthday gift on your special day—Superdrug partners with the best beauty and health brands so your gift won’t disappoint. Other discounts include weekly member discounts and free delivery on certain orders. 

30. Feelunique: 20% off on your b-day 

Another beauty brand that gives away free stuff on your birthday is UK-based Feelunique. Here you can receive 20% off any order as a special b-day treat, plus gift vouchers and discounts on your favourite brand any other day of the year. 

Free Clothing Gifts & Vouchers 

Want more things for free on your birthday? Here is a list of the biggest clothes and footwear retailres in the country—all of which offer freebies for customers on their special day. 

31. Matalan: Free voucher 

Join the Matalan Me rewards scheme for exclusive discounts, shopping rewards, early sale notifications, and of course free birthday stuff. Birthday freebies depend on the store itself, but customers usually get a £5 off birthday voucher when they shop selected clothing and footwear brands. 

32. Hobbs: £20 off

Do you want £20 off womenswear or shoes at Hobbs on your birthday? Well, all you need to do is sign up for the brand’s newsletter and you will get birthday goodies, exclusive news and 10% off your next order. The birthday offer is valid for 30 days and can be used for online purchases only.  

33. Accessorize: Free gift

Accessorize has a fantastic loyalty programme allowing customers to collect points as they shop and get rewards, personalised offers and of course, birthday gifts. The best part is that all levels in the loyalty scheme are entitled to a b-day gift—you just need to collect at least 99 points to qualify. 

34. Monsoon: Birthday discount 

To be eligible for a discount for your birthday at this high-end brand, you need to collect a minimum of 500 points and become a VIP Member. It is not an easy target to meet but if you are a frequent Monsoon shopper you can easily rake up the points. 

For more sales and discounts, take a look at:

35. New Look: Birthday discount 

To help you get all dressed up for your birthday, New Look is giving customers a birthday discount voucher sent directly to their email a few weeks before the big day. To qualify for this excellent offer, open an account with the retailer and update your birth date in your personal preferences. 

36. Nike Store: Free birthday treat 

A Nike Membership comes with many perks, such as free delivery, exclusive access to Nike apps and amazing promotions on several events throughout the years, including your birthday. You will get all the details on your free birthday gift in your email before your special day. 

37. H&M: 25% off one item 

Known for their affordable prices and high-quality products, H&M is one of the most popular fashion brands in Britain and quite generous when it comes to birthday freebies for UK customers. To take advantage of the b-day bonus, join their rewards scheme and make at least one purchase with your account. The offer is valid for 14 days. 

38. House of Fraser: Birthday voucher code

Although you may not associate House of Fraser with discounts, the department store does actually offer free birthday stuff for UK shoppers who open an account on the site. The voucher code can be used for a single purchase anytime in your birthday month. 

Free Birthday Stuff in UK Shops for Kids

Who loves birthday gifts more than children? Here are a few shops that can make kids’ birthdays all the more special.

39. Smiggle: £5 voucher

Here is a chance to use your birthday to make your kids happy. Open an account and become a Smiggle VIP to get a £5 voucher you can redeem for anything from toys and wearables to Minecraft and Harry Potter-themed bags and drink bottles. The voucher is valid throughout your birthday month. 

40. Build-a-Bear: Count Your Candles discount 

Children’s favourite workshop has a unique discount for your little one’s birthday. Take the birthday boy or girl to a Build-a-Bear workshop any day in their birthday month and they can make a bear worth their age (if your child is turning five, the bear will be worth £5). The offer is valid for Build-A-Bear Bonus Club members only. 

41. The Entertainer: 20% off

Join Jack’s Birthday Club at least three weeks before any of your children’s birthdays and get a special 20% off on orders up to £200 at the Entertainer. The code will be sent to you one week before the date, but you have only one day to use it. 

Other Birthday Freebies in UK Shops

There are more free b-day goodies out there that don’t include food, drinks or makeup. 

42. Hobbycraft: £5 voucher

If you are into creative crafts and hobbies, you are probably familiar with leading UK arts & crafts supplier Hobbycraft. But did you know that when you register for the Hobbycraft Club you can get a £5 off voucher for online or in-store purchases with no minimum spend?

43. Paperchase: £5 gift

Here is another treat for fans of arts & crafts. Iconic British brand Paperchase gives you a £5 gift on your birthday to use as a voucher online or in-store with no strings attached. Plus there are other payday weekends and holiday perks you can take advantage of with their Treat Me loyalty card. 

44. M&S: Birthday discounts 

Shoppers who join Sparks, Marks and Spencers’ customer reward scheme, are in for some of the biggest birthday discounts in the UK—including getting your entire order for free. The downside: not everyone will get this bonus, but the more you use your Sparks card, the bigger your chances of getting picked for a free birthday treat.

45. Pets at home: Free birthday treat for your pet

Birthdays are for everyone and Pets at Home knows it! That’s why they will send your furry (or feathery) friends a special treat on their birthday when you join the company’s VIP Club. Not to mention, you’ll get regular offers in your inbox including 10% off high-quality dog food brands, feline snacks and pet bedding. 

Ready for Freebies? 

Turns out there are plenty of chances to nab things for free on your birthday in UK shops and most of them only require you to press the ‘Sign Up’ button. So take your pick from the brands above and get ready to enjoy your special day with gifts from family, friends and your favourite shops. 

Bojana is my name and writing is my game. I am a content writer from Bitola who is always interested in the latest research in almost all areas of life. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and a perfectionist character, both of which help me find the most accurate data and information available. Although I have my head stuck in studies and reports most of the time, I still have a bit of free time during which I enjoy knitting and watching classic 90’s Disney movies.