In this turbulent economy, cutting costs and pinching pennies is essential to our survival, however, this doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating our birthdays. A growing trend for businesses these days are loyalty rewards and more often than not, this includes either a birthday freebie or discount. Just look at Disney’s birthday promotion. (Update: Disney Birthday Promotion ended in 2009)

Here are a few tips to save even more money by making the most of these birthday freebies and discounts:

1. Share: If possible, share a free birthday appetizer, meal or dessert – For instance, Cold Stone Creamery offers a free creation for one’s birthday with no additional purchase.
2. Happy Hours: If you have a free birthday appetizer coming your way, see if the establishment has a happy hour. Instead of ordering full meals, order a variety of appetizers. You’ll get one free and the others at discounted prices. Not to mention the birthday drinks will be less too!
3. Giftcards: Using gift cards has come in handy more than once for our family. We had a $25 gift card for the Islands Restaurants that we saved for our son’s 10th birthday. Back then they offered a free birthday meal so we brought his email coupon and we went during their happy hour so the appetizer was discounted. When it was all said and done, we only had to pay a little over $4 out of our pocket, plus the tip.
4. Sales/Clearance: Several retail stores offer birthday discounts like Stein Mart, Alloy and DSW. These offers are sometimes valid for the birthday month. Before you use your birthday discount, check out their sales and clearances. If possible, use your birthday discount at the same time and save yourself even more $$$.
5. Travel: As I mentioned above Disney has a birthday promotion running for 2009, but did you know that some hotels also offer discounted or free rooms if you stay over your birthday? Nick Hotel does – book three nights, and your birthday night is on them!

These are just a few suggestions and of course, please read the fine print for the requirements of all birthday offers.

Do you have tips on how to make the most of birthday freebies and discounts? Please share them with us by leaving a comment!

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To find local businesses offering birthday freebies and birthday discounts visit: Free Birthday Treats.

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