From cake to pizza: How to get the best birthday freebies (and why there's a catch)
This article outlines various birthday reward programs offered by major UK retail and restaurant chains. It warns consumers that many of these 'free' offers require minimum spending or specific loyalty app registrations.
Why it matters
Understanding the fine print of loyalty programs helps consumers maximize savings while avoiding unnecessary spending traps.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, From meals to beauty products, you can get a lot of freebies on your birthday
"It's your birthday!" Cue the influx of emails offering you all sorts of freebies.
Here are some of the things you can get on or around your birthday - and why they may not all be as free as they seem.
Most chain coffee shops and bakeries offer a birthday treat through their loyalty apps. You can get a free sweet treat, usually a cake, cookie, muffin or doughnut, from Greggs, Costa, Caffè Nero, Krispy Kreme, Gail's, Subway and Ole & Steen if you have registered your date of birth in advance.
Lidl Plus members can claim a free bakery doughnut within seven days of their birthday, while M&S Sparks members can choose two gifts on their birthday from a range of 15 which includes cookies and chocolates.
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