The ultimate guide to birthday freebies in the UK 2026
I live by two truths: cake tastes better on your birthday, and it tastes even better when it’s free. Facts.
So, if you’re anything like me and love milking your loyalty apps for all they are worth (and love free cake), this guide rounds up the best birthday freebies in the UK, from free doughnuts to dough off in your favourite shops.
And if you’re a leap year baby don’t panic. Most brands still send birthday vouchers during your birthday month in non-leap years, so you can celebrate every year, not just once every four.
Consider this your go to list for UK birthday discounts, birthday rewards and free food on your birthday in 2026.
Free food & drink
Krispy Kreme
· Freebie: One free doughnut of your choice
· When: Anytime in your birthday month (standalone stores only)
· How: Join Krispy Kreme Rewards and pop your birthday into the app
· Small Print: No minimum spend. One doughnut per member. Not valid in supermarkets, motorway services or concessions.
Costa Coffee
· Freebie: Free cake or sweet treat
· When: Usually valid for 7 days from your birthday
· How: Join Costa Club and opt into emails
· Small Print: No minimum spend. It’s for selected cakes and bakery bits only, not drinks or premium ranges.
Greggs
· Freebie: Free sweet treat (cupcake, doughnut etc.)
· When: Around your birthday month
· How: Add your birthday in the Greggs Rewards app
· Small Print: No minimum spend. It’s sweet treats only, so no sausage rolls or meal deals. One per account.
Lidl Plus
· Freebie: Free bakery item like a doughnut
· When: Usually valid for 7 days
· How: Download Lidl Plus and activate your voucher
· Small Print: No minimum spend. It applies to selected bakery items only and you have to scan your app at checkout.
Subway Rewards
· Freebie: Free cookie at entry level. Higher tiers can get crisps or a 6 inch sub.
· When: Usually valid for around 30 days
· How: Join Subway Rewards and add your birthday
· Small Print: No minimum spend.
Bigger birthday restaurant rewards
PizzaExpress
· Freebie: Free dessert at entry level. Higher tiers can get a free pizza.
· When: Valid throughout your birthday month
· How: Join the PizzaExpress Club
· Small Print: No minimum spend for the free dessert at entry level. You need enough visits to unlock pizza rewards. Dine in only, not valid on delivery.
Wagamama
· Freebie: Free gyoza
· When: Around 30 days
· How: Join Soul Club and have at least one stamp from a £12+ spend in the last 6 months
· Small Print: You need that previous £12 spend to qualify. When you redeem, a minimum £12 spend usually applies again. Dine in only.
Zizzi
· Freebie: Free main when you buy another main
· When: Around 28 days
· How: Join Zillionaires’ Club and add your birthday
· Small Print: No set minimum spend but you must buy another main. The cheaper main is usually the one that’s free. Dine in only.
Harvester
· Freebie: Free main with another paid main
· When: Around one month
· How: Sign up to emails before your birthday
· Small Print: You’ve got to buy another main at full price. Cheapest main is free. Not valid on special set menus or key dates like Mother’s Day.
Prezzo
· Freebie: Free bottle of house wine or two desserts
· When: Often valid up to 60 days
· How: Join the email club before your birthday
· Small Print: Usually requires a minimum spend of around £25. Wine is house only. Dine in only.
Retail birthday discounts & money off
Hotel Chocolat
· Offer: £5 off
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join the VIP Club
· Small Print: Minimum £20 spend. Not valid on gift cards.
The Body Shop
· Offer: £5 off
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join the ‘Love Your Body Club’ and pop in your birthday
· Small Print: Usually excludes gift cards and sometimes sale lines.
Nike
· Offer: Around 25% off selected items
· When: Birthday month
· How: Sign up as a Nike Member and add your date of birth to your profile
· Small Print: No minimum spend but it only works on selected full price styles. Limited drops and big collabs are usually off limits.
ASOS
· Offer: Usually 10% to 25% off
· When: Around your birthday window
· How: Have an ASOS account and be opted into marketing emails
· Small Print: No minimum spend. The code won’t work on certain brands or sale items and it’s one time use only.
River Island
· Offer: 25% off one full priced item
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join River Island rewards and add your birthday ahead of time
· Small Print: No minimum spend, but it’s full priced items only. You can’t stack it with other discounts.
Hobbycraft
· Offer: £5 off
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join Hobbycraft VIP and add your date of birth
· Small Print: Not valid on gift cards, workshops or some larger items.
Bonus kids’ birthday perks
Build-A-Bear Workshop
· Offer: Pay Your Age for the Birthday Bear
· When: Birthday month
· How: Register and head in store with proof of age
· Small Print: No minimum spend for the Birthday Bear itself. Just remember outfits, sounds and accessories cost extra and that’s where the total can creep up quickly. The bear may be £6, the full fashion collection… slightly more.
Smiggle
· Offer: £5 off £20 spend
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join Smiggle VIP and watch your inbox
· Small Print: You’ll need to spend £20 after any other discounts. Not valid on gift cards.
The Entertainer
· Offer: Around 10% off
· When: Birthday month
· How: Join Toybox Rewards before the big day
· Small Print: No fixed minimum spend, but it usually excludes clearance and certain big brand exclusives.
Tips for getting the most from birthday offers
Here are some ways to get the most from your birthday offers:
Sign up early: Many offers only trigger if you join before your birthday month.
Add your birthday: Double-check this is saved in your account settings.
Watch minimum spend rules: A few freebies require a qualifying purchase or spend.
All that’s left to do is sign up, claim your rewards and enjoy your birthday freebies. Small steps like this can help your money go further, so you can celebrate without spending more than you need to.
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