A birthday is a special day dedicated to you becoming another year older and (hopefully) wiser. Whether you celebrate your birthdays with a large party filled with family and friends, or like to nestle at home in your PJs for a much deserved rest, one thing that everyone can agree on is that we all like a little treat.
But with the cost of living crisis cutting more and more holes into our pockets, the idea of spending a significant sum of money on food and drink for yourself and others can put a downer on your special day. But you don't have to fret, there is still a way to treat yourself on your birthday even with the tightest of budgets.
READ NEXT: Inside the new discount Greggs where you can get four doughnuts for 55p
In fact, thanks to a clever loophole, you can do so without spending a single penny. Back in April I celebrated my 25th birthday, keen to see what I could get for free, I hit the high street to take advantage of some of the special birthday promotions at your favourite stores.
Greggs
If you have the Greggs app downloaded on your phone then you can grab yourself a free doughnut, cupcake, or cream cake for your birthday. The reward is valid for one month once issued.
This was our first stop on our journey for free food, and I went for the sprinkled doughnut. The first time you download the app you will also be rewarded with a free hot drink, another bonus for your birthday.
Costa Coffee
If you sign up for the Costa Club via the Costa app and enter your date of birth, Costa will reward you with a free cake voucher on your birthday. The freebie is valid for seven days. With my birthday being in April, I decided to grab myself a chocolate Easter bunny cupcake. Delicious.
Lidl
Downloading the Lidl Plus app on your phone will give you a code for a free doughnut from the Lidl bakery on your birthday, and we all love a good Lidl bakery snack. Again, this offer is valid for seven days once activated.
Scan the code at checkout to get your doughnut for free. Once again, I treated myself to a pink sprinkled doughnut for my birthday.
Barburrito
Quite possibly the best food freebie you can get on your birthday comes from the Mexican street food vendor Barburrito. If you download the Barburrito Rewards App and register, then you can grab yourself a full free burrito, and yep you read that right.
Another bonus for me was that out of all of the places I visited for my freebies, the cashier also wished me a happy birthday upon purchase, it's the little wins that count. Make sure your card is registered at least 48 hours prior to your birthday, otherwise you won't qualify for your free meal.
Krispy Kreme
Another free doughnut awaits on your birthday when you join Krispy Kreme rewards and download the birthday reward onto your phone via the Krispy Kreme app. You also get yet another free doughnut just for signing up to the rewards scheme, another doughy win for the day.
It's important to note that this reward is valid in Krispy Kreme stores only, not concession stands that you may find in Tesco and other shops.
READ MORE:
I tried Tesco's new meal deal sandwiches and would happily eat this one EVERY day
The cute little farm shop with epic breakfast, free play barn and stunning views
Primark's 'beautiful' floral £20 Bridgerton-inspired dress is perfect for Summer wedding guests
Luxury Manchester hotel to open suntrap roof terrace out to the public for first time
