20 freebies for your birthday

Grown-up giveaways

They say that age 10 is the time to quit expecting everybody to make a big deal over your birthday. Admit it, though: You really do want somebody to notice. (What you don't want are those singing waiters.)

• DSWRewards: This program for shoes includes a "$5 off any purchase" certificate on your birthday. Register here.

• Friendly's Birthday Club: free ice cream cone; good for one month. Register here.

• Hollywood Video: free "Film Library" rental on birthday only; free birthday rentals offered to everyone on your membership account. No sign-up is required; just make sure that birth dates are listed.

• Houlihan's E-mail Club: free entree; coupon expires in two weeks. Online registration only.

• Moe's Southwest Grill: free burrito on your birthday. Register here.

• Qdoba E-club: free entree when you buy a second entree; coupon arrives about one week before your 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: The birthday gift varies from year to year, but it may be bath products, cosmetics or skin-care items. Create an account with the store's Beauty Insider program and you are automatically registered for a gift.

For all ages

The big enchilada is the Disneyland/Disney World promotion: a free day in the park of your choice, this year only. If you were planning a trip anyway, this could save you anywhere from $59 to $69 (more if you have octuplets). Click here to find out how to register. Pay careful attention to the parks' ID requirements, especially the fact that you may need an original or certified copy (not a photocopy) of a child's birth certificate.

• Baskin-Robbins: free 2.5-ounce scoop on your birthday; good for one week before and one week after birthday. Sign up here.

• Carvel: free cup or cone of soft-serve ice cream on your birthday. Online registration only.

• Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Club: free ice cream; good for one week before and one week after birthday. Online registration only.

• Famous Dave's P.I.G. Club: As an adult "pretty important guest," you get one of five free items, ranging from an appetizer to the massive All American Barbecue Feast. Children 12 and under get a free kids meal. Good for one week before and one week after birthday. Register here.

• Marie Callender's E-Club: Adults get $5 off an entree plus a free slice of pie. Ages 12 and under get a free kids meal and a bakery treat. Sign up in the restaurant or online.

• Red Robin eClub: free burger of your choice; some restaurants also include a free small sundae. Good for one week before and one week after birthday. Click here to register.

Have fun applying for all these freebies. And here's one more strategy: Tell your server that you tip directly in proportion to how many birthday songs you don't hear.

Save money today

Baby, it's cold outside: Kids' winter coats and boots can take a serious bite out of clothing budgets. One thrifty mom found a simple way to cut her outerwear costs in half. Read the tip.

Small change, big savings: Ten years ago, a Smart Spending message board reader made one small adjustment to a utility bill. That change has saved her $600 so far. Find out more here.

Getting your money's worth: Other readers report why "empty" doesn't always mean "empty." Read their secrets for getting an extra week or more out of your toiletries.

Published Feb. 18, 2009

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