My kids’ birthdays are coming up, and I have worked hard to research the Free Birthday Goodness that comes but once a year. Per person. Other exclusions apply. Must show proof of ID.
It’s a logistical challenge, but I believe I have narrowed it down to the best of the bunch. Since A.P. and Maybelle’s birthdays are a mere three days apart, it’s important to time the visits to the restaurants just right so as to fully maximize the free eating bonanza. Most involve just signing up for the E-Birthday Club, or something along those lines. Click on the websites for full details.
- Brann’s Steak House sends kids a coupon for a free meal, and if adults go on their birthday they will get a coupon for a sizzler on the next visit. This is an important one, because my kids both eat free on one trip, then for my birthday (November), we get a free coupon we use when we go on my husband’s birthday (December). One more visit in January, and we’re pretty much done until the kids’ birthdays roll around again.
- That same evening, head over to Baskin Robbins, where each kid gets a free scoop of ice cream.
- The next day we go to Red Robin. Amazing. Free burger, no strings attached. Both kids can use the coupons at the same time, and so far we have been able to buy them kids’ meals, then use the free burger coupons for our meals. This may have something to do with the fact that my cute little neighbor boy (OK, he’s like 23) works there. I’m not sure.
- Then we head over to Culver’s, where we get a free 2 scoop sundae with purchase of another one. Buy two, get two – we’re all eating frozen custard of our very own. It’s beautiful.
- The third day, we go to Mongolian BBQ because it has a free stir fry meal. I am not a fan of this place, I think it’s gross that the food is just sitting out there, getting breathed on and whatnot by everyone shuffling past but A.P. absolutely loves it, and is inspired to be “one of those chefs” every time. Plus, they give those nice plastic trainer “chompsticks“; as Maybelle says.
- In a horrible entree and desert pairing, we then cruise over to Krispy Kreme where the kids get free donuts. Not like it’s hard to score a free donut there, but still. It’s nice to know it’s a sure thing.
- Noodles & Company has a free small or medium bowl of noodles, but I just take the kids for lunch. This is the kind of meal my husband sees in the same light as soup for dinner. It’s a nice side dish, but where’s the main course?
- If a movie we want to see is showing at the cheap seats, we go check it out and use Celebration Cinema’s free popcorn on your birthday coupon. My husband isn’t the biggest fan of kids movies, either.
- Perkins, Big Boy, Denny’s, and Bob Evans each have a birthday program with a free kid’s meal if you sign your kids up for their birthday clubs. I lump these all together because I’m kinda ‘meh’ about all of them but if we’re really going to town, we’ll use them.
- I think this is my favorite of all of them. Coldstone. Oh my delicious. Oh my expensive. It’s truly one of the few times we go there every year.
I’d better make sure I have a new toner cartridge; I have some coupons to print…
This post was submitted to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh! Amanda.
OK, Jenn – this stuff is awesome. Only one question. How many of them work for ADULTS too? My birthday is a week from today, and I’d love to do the free thing for myself.
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I got a free Red Robin burger for my birthday this year, and it was awesome!! I love freebies!
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I had to laugh at your first one – we do something similar at Brann’s too. We usually eat there for every birthday, which means that we use Ron’s coupon from August when we go for my birthday in November, then use my coupon – and Hannah’s free kids meal when we go for her birthday later in November. Becca and Abby get their free meals in January and April, so we’re rarely paying for all 5 of us to eat there.
Although, I do have to say – I HATE their new decor. Being assaulted by tv screens from every angle drives me crazy and I hate to even walk in there anymore. Last year we did Red Robin for Becca’s birthday and I thought that was a great alternative, although Abby insisted on Brann’s for hers.
I didn’t even know about the ice cream ones – yum!!
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Big Binder Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
See? It takes some serious coordination but it’s worth it! I know – I don’t like the look either.
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Coldstone AND Krispy Kreme. I’ve died and gone to heaven.
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Just discovered the baskin robbins free scoop coupon (and discount on ice cream cake — we love ice cream cakes!) myself. We have a baskin robbins down the street. : )
I get a sugar rush just walking by Coldstone.
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Big Binder Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I know. Unfortunately, there is a B&R right by our house.. so easy to get one of those cakes. I mostly have to pretend it’s not there.
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