Free Birthdays

Planning your next birthday bash; why not indulge in yourself for free?

Matthew Geniesse lives in southern California and last year he cashed in more than $300 worth of birthday freebies. Without spending a dime he celebrated turning another year older with golf, bowling, a movie and a full meal. He also received free gifts such as tanning and a car wash.

To help your next birthday be a salary saver MSN Money has put together a list of twenty-five freebies anyone can cash in on. And it starts with the kids. M-s-n says sign your kids up as soon as they’re born to take advantage of birthday giveaways. Restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Burger King will feed them for free. And stores such as Toys-r-Us will send them a birthday card and a gift card to come pick out a present. For adults simply joining the members club of a few businesses can land you free lingerie, trips and e-book credit.

For more ways on saving money on your big day keep reading. Let everyone else spend their hard earned money on you.

Kid stuff
Sign up your children as soon as they're born in order to get maximum use of giveaways. You're likely to find these on your own by visiting fast-food and family-friendly restaurants, children's museums, theme parks and kids' specialty stores. Look on parenting blogs as well.
Burger King Club BK: Free hamburger meal for ages 13 and under. Online registration only; parent must set up account.
California Pizza Kitchen CPKids Birthday Club: Free child's meal for ages 10 and under, can be used any time during the birthday month. Online registration only; parent must set up account.
Denny's Birthday Club: Free kid's entree and sundae for ages 10 and under, on the actual birthday only. Sign up in your local restaurant.
Best Friends of Friendly's: Upon signing up you'll get a coupon for a three-scoop sundae with purchase of adult entrée. Kids 12 and under will get a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal. Register online.
Toys R Us Geoffrey's Birthday Club: Kids get a Toys R Us gift card and a birthday card until they turn 10; a child can visit a store to collect a crown, balloon and loudspeaker birthday wishes. A child can also opt to get a birthday phone call from store mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe. Register online.

Grownup giveaways
Bamboo tank top: The women's clothing site Spirit for Living offers a gift to account holders who have spent at least $30 per calendar year. In 2011 the freebie is the eco-friendly signature tank top.
Benihana: Sign up for "The Chef's Table" email list and get a $30 gift certificate during your birthday month. The offer is good for those 13 and up.
eBookFling e-book credits: This swapping service for Nook and Kindle e-books gives three free borrowing credits on your birthday (the books can also be read on computers or mobile devices if you download free apps). Sign up here.
Catalina Island trip: Geniesse and a dozen of his friends will get a free ride to Catalina Island, and you can, too, through April 2012. The return half of the round-trip ticket can be up to 30 days later. You must pre-register and follow the rules found here.
Cost Plus World Market: Members of the World Market Explorers program get a surprise birthday gift, among other perks; you will also get a 10% off coupon upon enrollment.
DSW Rewards:This program includes a "$5 off any purchase" certificate on your birthday. Note: You must shop at DSW either in-store or online within the year to receive the birthday certificate.
Free lingerie:Jada Michaels offers one free item plus a 40% discount during your birthday month; the site offers all sizes but focuses on plus-size lingerie. Send your full name, email address, month and year of birth, and favorite item from the site to mybirthday@jadamichaels.com.
Houlihan's Email Club: Free entrée; coupon expires two weeks after issue. You'll also get a free appetizer for enrolling. Online registration only.
Mike the Gardener Enterprises: Get two packages of vegetable seeds free on your birthday.
Moe's Southwest Grill: Free burrito on your birthday.
Qdoba Rewards: Free entree when you buy a second entree; arrives about one week before birthday and is good for two weeks after. Online registration only.
Schlotzsky's Bun & Fun E-club: Free small sandwich. (Not every restaurant participates; call to make sure yours does.) Online registration only.
Sephora's Beauty Insider: Get a "pretty surprise" on your special day. Creating an account with the store's Beauty Insider program automatically registers you.

For all ages
Free ice cream! But don't stop there.
AMC Theatres: Members of the AMC Community program get an email coupon for a free fountain drink, good for up to one month.
Baskin-Robbins: Free 2.5-ounce scoop; good for one week before and one week after birthday.
Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Club: A buy-one-get-one-free "Creations" confection for your birthday; you'll also get a BOGO when you join. Online registration only.
Dairy Queen Blizzard Fan Club: Join and you'll receive a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on your birthday; you'll also get a BOGO just for registering.
Famous Dave's P.I.G. Club: As an adult "Pretty Important Guest" you receive a buy-one-get-one-free entree (up to $15); upon registering, you'll get a free sandwich or burger.
Red Robin E-club: Free burger of your choice; some restaurants also include free small sundae. Good for one week before and one week after birthday.
Wingstop Email Club: Get a large order of fries when you join.