August is my birthday month, and you know what that means: freebies are coming my way from restaurants, beauty retailers, coffee shops, and beyond. I combed through the massive Slickdeals list and curated a mix of freebies that are truly worth your time, especially if you live in Michigan, but also some national offers that are just too good to skip.
Best Birthday Freebies in Michigan
Food Edition
These are high-value, local-friendly offers you can redeem in Metro Detroit and beyond:
Biggby Coffee – Free Drink (up to 24 oz)
Zero purchase needed. Just join BIGGBY Nation, and redeem via email.
Buddy’s Pizza – Free Pizza
One free four-square pizza with loyalty signup. A Detroit staple with generous portions.
Zingerman’s (Ann Arbor) – Birthday Loaf or Discount
Flash your ID or newsletter signup for a free loaf (~$7) or 15% off order at this legendary deli.
Jax Kar Wash – Free Exterior Wash
Rewards members get a free wash on their birthday. No purchase required.
Culver’s – Free Sundae
MyCulvers members enjoy a complimentary sundae during birthday month.
Olga’s Kitchen – Free Dessert
Sign up for My Olga’s Rewards to claim a free dessert.
Panera Bread – Complimentary Pastry
MyPanera members can pick a birthday pastry or treat (often with flexible expiry).
Red Robin – Free Birthday Burger
Sign up for Red Robin Royalty to claim a gourmet burger. Dine-in only.
QDOBA – Free Chips & Queso
Birthday rewards for QDOBA Rewards members. A quick and satisfying bite.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Free Mini Bundtlet
Join their e-club and enjoy a decadent mini bundt cake—no purchase required.
Royal Oak Brewery – Free Birthday Meal
Show your ID and enjoy a birthday dinner (age 21+). A local classic for celebratory vibes.
BD’s Mongolian Grill – Free Stir-Fry Meal
Email subscribers receive a coupon for a birthday meal—mix and grill your way.
Sukhothai (Rochester Hills) – Free Dessert
Mention your birthday and enjoy a sweet treat at this cozy Thai spot.
Krispy Kreme – Free Donut (Sometimes With Coffee)
Sign up for their rewards program and walk in on your birthday for a warm, fresh donut.
Beauty Edition
Sephora – Free Deluxe Gift
Beauty Insider members (free to join) choose one of several high-value mini sets in-store (no purchase needed) or online with a $25+ order. This year’s options include kits from Makeup by Mario, Summer Fridays, Laneige, and more.
Ulta Beauty – Free Mini Gift
Ultamate Rewards members get to pick one free birthday item from brands like Tarte, bareMinerals, or Stila. No purchase needed.
MAC Cosmetics – Free Mini Makeup
M·A·C Lover members get a birthday surprise like a mini mascara or lip product. Redeemable in-store or online.
Clinique, e.l.f., Smashbox, Urban Decay, Milk Makeup, Too Faced
These brands also offer birthday minis like gloss, mascara, and skincare through their rewards programs. Worth grabbing if you’re already a member.
Additional Food & Dining Freebies (Nationwide)
If you’re in town or traveling:
- Baskin‑Robbins – Free scoop of ice cream
- IHOP – Free pancakes
- Subway – Free 6-inch sub
- Applebee’s – Free dessert with purchase
- Chili’s – Birthday dessert
- Boston Market – Free cookie
- Edible Arrangements, HopCat, Bath & Body Works – Various loyalty rewards
Quick Comparison Table
*Lowkey, I’m a Type C data nerd (🤓) Spreadsheets are my life. Proceed to benefit:
| Business/Brand | What You Get | Michigan Availability | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biggby Coffee | Free drink | Statewide | BIGGBY Nation signup |
| Buddy’s Pizza | Free pizza | Metro Detroit | Loyalty email signup |
| Zingerman’s | Bread or 15% off | Ann Arbor | ID or newsletter signup |
| Jax Kar Wash | Free car wash | Metro Detroit | Rewards signup |
| Culver’s | Free sundae | Statewide | MyCulvers membership |
| Olga’s Kitchen | Free dessert | Southeast Michigan | My Olga’s Rewards |
| Panera Bread | Free pastry | Statewide | MyPanera account |
| Red Robin | Free burger | Statewide | Red Robin Royalty membership |
| QDOBA | Free chips & queso | Statewide | QDOBA Rewards |
| Nothing Bundt Cakes | Free mini bundt cake | Statewide | E-club signup |
| Royal Oak Brewery | Free birthday meal | Royal Oak | ID (21+) |
| BD’s Mongolian Grill | Free stir-fry meal | Various MI locations | Email club signup |
| Sukhothai | Free dessert | Rochester Hills | Mention birthday in person |
| Krispy Kreme | Free donut (maybe coffee too) | Statewide | Rewards member |
| Sephora | Deluxe birthday mini set | Statewide | Beauty Insider membership |
| Ulta | Free mini beauty gift | Statewide + online | Ultamate Rewards |
| MAC, e.l.f., etc. | Birthday makeup/skincare minis | Varies | Brand loyalty signup |
Pro Tips to Score Every Freebie
- Sign up early: Register for rewards programs at least 1–2 weeks before your birthday.
- Add your birthdate: Ensure your birthday is in your profile for the reward to trigger.
- Watch your inbox: Most freebies arrive by email or app notifications.
- Know the rules: Some are valid only in-store (like Sephora); others may require a purchase.
- Stack them up: You can hit Biggby for coffee, Buddy’s for lunch, Krispy Kreme for a snack, and Ulta or Sephora for your glam grab—all in the same day.
Final Thoughts
This birthday month, I’m celebrating the right way by collecting every treat, perk, and pampered moment I can. Whether you’re going solo, celebrating quietly, or planning a full weekend of freebies, this list is your permission slip to say yes to all the little things that make birthdays feel special.
You only get one birthday a year. Don’t waste it. Take the freebies.treat yourself later at Culver’s, and pop into Sephora or Ulta for a luxe mini gift. Whether you’re in Metro Detroit or traveling, these freebies offer real value without the fine print.
Lence in Layers 