Frugal Family: Free Treats on your Birthday

This year for your birthday (or your child’s birthday) think like a frugalista. You can spend an entire day enjoying free treats from local establishments.

Most freebies may require you to sign up for newsletters and such, and while many people might shy away from that, a simple solution is to designate an email specifically for that. Sure, when you sign up, businesses typically say that you won’t be spammed and the mailing list won’t be sold, but better safe than sorry.

Here are some suggestions for a birthday full of freebies:

• will give your child a free kid’s meal once you sign them up as a member of Club BK. 
• Baskin Robbins Birthday Club gives you a 2.5-ounce scoop of your favorite ice cream and a coupon to save on a birthday cake.
• My Cold Stone Club gives a treat when you sign up and another for your birthday.
• Dairy Queen sends a coupon for a free 16-ounce Blizzard Treat with the purchase of another 16-ounce Blizzard Treat email coupon just for joining the Dairy Queen Blizzard Fan Club, and then on your birthday you'll enjoy another free treat.
• Join new club and not only will you receive a free three-scoop sundae but birthday offers.
• Lonestar Steakhouse will send a free gift when you join their e-club. In the past it was a coupon for a free entree. 
• will not only send a coupon for something for your birthday but also for a treat for your wedding anniversary.
• Red Robin treats you to a free burger on your birthday when you join the Red Robin eClub. 

Check out your favorite places to eat, if they're not mentioned here. Maybe they offer some frugalista birthday fun.

And it's not limited to dining. One of my favorite birthday treats is from Sephora.

Sign up to become a  Beauty Insider, and you’ll receive a birthday present. Last year it was the Beautiful Eyes Kit.  Points also add up from your shopping trips that can be redeemed for other fun freebies.