Everyone loves getting something for free! While coupons and advertised sales are common, some retailers offer less-publicized freebies, samples, or birthday treats, often tied to loyalty programs or specific circumstances. Knowing where and when to look can sometimes yield unexpected perks. Here are seven types of stores or situations where you might score surprise freebies, based on common practices reported around 2025.
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1. Sephora/Ulta (Birthday Gifts & Samples)
Major beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta are famous for their birthday gifts. Loyalty members can typically choose from a selection of deluxe mini-product sets during their birthday month, often featuring popular brands – no purchase necessary on the day you pick it up (though policies can change). Additionally, both stores often provide free samples with online orders, and sometimes, in-store associates will provide small samples of fragrances, skincare, or foundations if you ask to try something specific.
2. Starbucks (Birthday Reward)
Starbucks Rewards members receive a free treat on their birthday. This typically includes one complimentary handcrafted beverage (any size), one complimentary food item, or one complimentary ready-to-drink bottled beverage. The reward is loaded onto your account on your birthday and is usually valid only on that day. You need to have registered for the rewards program at least seven days prior to your birthday and made at least one prior purchase.
3. Costco (In-Store Food Samples)
Costco is legendary for its free food sample stations scattered throughout the store, particularly on weekends. While not guaranteed and varying by location and day, shoppers can often try small portions of new products, snacks, prepared foods, or drinks. It’s a way to “graze” while shopping and discover new items, offering a definite freebie perk of browsing the warehouse aisles, though it’s about sampling, not a full meal.
4. Grocery Stores (Free Cookies for Kids, Samples)
Some grocery store bakeries offer a free cookie to children shopping with their parents. Publix is often cited for this practice. It’s usually an unadvertised perk; parents just need to ask at the bakery counter. Additionally, some grocery stores have sampling stations that occasionally offer samples of cheese, deli items, or new products, especially during promotional events.
5. Ice Cream/Dessert Shops (Birthday Scoops/Treats)
Many ice cream parlors, frozen yogurt shops, and dessert chains offer freebies on your birthday. Examples often cited include Baskin-Robbins (free scoop), Denny’s (free Grand Slam breakfast – though sometimes requires purchase), Nothing Bundt Cakes (free Bundtlet), Cinnabon (free cold brew), and many others. Signing up for their loyalty programs is usually required to receive the birthday coupon or offer.
6. Restaurants (Birthday Desserts/Appetizers)
Numerous casual dining restaurant chains offer free desserts or sometimes appetizers for birthday celebrations. They often require a sign-up for their e-club. While some may offer it just by telling your server it’s your birthday, most now require the loyalty club sign-up to receive a digital coupon. Examples range widely, from free burgers to shakes to signature desserts, depending on the chain.
7. Department Stores (Beauty Counter Samples/Makeovers)
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While less common than dedicated beauty stores, department store beauty counters (e.g., Macy’s, Nordstrom) sometimes offer free samples of skincare or makeup products upon request. Occasionally, they may offer complimentary mini-makeovers or consultations as a promotional tactic, although these often come with the expectation that you might purchase something afterward.
Sign Up and Ask Politely
Many “surprise” freebies are tied to loyalty programs and birthday clubs. Those requiring you to sign up in advance and share your information (like birthdate and email). For in-store samples or perks like kids’ cookies, politely asking an employee is often the key. While not every store offers these extras, being aware of common practices at places like Sephora, Starbucks, Costco, and various eateries can lead to enjoyable little freebies throughout the year. Always check the current terms of loyalty programs, as offers can change.
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