Best Birthday Freebies for Students
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Birthdays are the perfect excuse for a little treat, especially when you’re a student counting every penny. Luckily, the UK is full of brands offering birthday freebies and birthday rewards that make celebrating easier and cheaper. Whether you’re after free birthday food, free drinks, or even a beauty gift, there is plenty you can enjoy without spending a single pound. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best freebies on your birthday for students so you can indulge yourself and save money while doing it.
Celebrating a birthday on a student budget doesn’t have to mean compromise. From cosy cafés and high street chains to beauty and fashion, there are countless ways to enjoy free things on your birthday.
Beyond just the freebies, signing up to these loyalty programmes often comes with exclusive discounts, early access to new products, or bonus points that can be spent throughout the year. Think of it as your student birthday survival kit.
What Can You Get for Free on Your Birthday?
One of the best parts about a birthday is definitely the food. From coffee and cake to full meals, there are tonnes of free birthday treats available to students across the UK. Let’s dive into some of the most popular options…
Greggs’ Birthday Treat
Whether you’re grabbing a vegan sausage roll or sausage, bean and cheese pastry, we all love a trip to Greggs; it’s a student staple! But did you know, when you sign up to the Greggs app, you can receive a free birthday treat? Imagine grabbing a fresh sausage roll or a sweet doughnut to start your birthday on a high note. It’s a simple way to enjoy a small indulgence without denting your budget. By joining the app, you’ll also have access to regular offers, perfect if you want to save money on spending all year round.
Costa Coffee Birthday Treat
Like most other companies, you’ve got to sign up for the Costa Club to receive free stuff on your birthday from here. When you sign up, make sure you opt in for the marketing emails. We know, spam emails can be super annoying, but when you’re a student, you’ve got to take what you can get! Around the time of your birthday, Costa will email you a voucher for a sweet treat which you can claim in-store.
PizzaExpress Birthday Discounts
The free things to get on your birthday from PizzaExpress depend on your tier. After spending £10, you can indulge in a delicious dessert as a bronze member, bag a classic or leggera pizza as a silver member, or a free pizza or bottle of wine/prosecco as a gold member. Students can also benefit from other offers, like 2-for-1 mains, making this an ideal spot for birthday dinners with friends on a budget!
GAIL’s Birthday Treat
GAIL’s Bakery offers a free treat to members of their loyalty programme. This could be a sweet pastry or a small loaf of artisan bread, perfect for students who want a bit of indulgence without spending money. You’ll have to make a purchase in order to redeem your free gift on your birthday, so why not pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfectly simple birthday breakfast without breaking the bank?
Hotel Chocolat Birthday Offer
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Hotel Chocolat rewards members of its VIP.ME Club with a free birthday treat (usually a £5 voucher to use both in-store or online). From decadent truffles to luxurious chocolate bars, this is perfect for students with a sweet tooth. As a VIP.ME member, you’ll also receive a 15% welcome discount, 20% off drinks and ice cream, and access to exclusive promotions; there’s something to enjoy all year round.
Burger King Birthday Reward
Students can join the Burger King app and claim a free Whopper or vegan alternative on their birthday; a tasty and filling way to enjoy birthday freebies! The app also offers regular coupons and discounts, so signing up can pay off beyond just your birthday.
Nando’s Birthday Offer
Love a cheeky Nandos? Spice up your birthday with a free side or dessert. Nando’s offers free birthday treats to loyalty club members, the perfect chance to treat yourself to something more substantial, and perfect for a celebratory meal with friends.
Subway Birthday Reward
Subway offers free gifts on your birthday depending on your loyalty tier. As a rising star (entry level), you can get a free cookie, upgrading to a 6-inch sub or drink as a Hot Shot (mid tier), before becoming The Boss (high tier), where you get a 6-inch sub and a fountain drink for free. This simple treat is ideal if you’re on a budget but still want a birthday treat.
Miller & Carter Birthday Offer
Steak lovers can celebrate with a free glass of prosecco if they register for the Masters of Steak Club or a free dessert from Miller & Carter on their birthday. You can take advantage of this offer to enjoy a fancy meal without the hefty price tag.
Lindt Birthday Reward
Another one for the chocoholics! Lindt gives members of their loyalty programme a free chocolate treat on their birthday. This is the perfect example of free birthday treats that feel special and luxurious; something you wouldn’t buy yourself on a daily basis. Even a single truffle can feel like a mini luxury for a student budget, let alone a full box!
Caffè Nero Birthday Offer
Caffè Nero offers free cake to loyalty members on their birthday, something that’s always a welcome treat for students enjoying their special day. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends without spending anything extra.
Krispy Kreme Birthday Offer
Krispy Kreme members can receive a free doughnut on their birthday. Whether it’s chocolate, glazed, or sprinkled, it’s a sweet way to enjoy free things on your birthday. Grab a few friends and make a mini doughnut party out of it!
Ole & Steen Birthday Reward
Ole & Steen offers a free surprise for its birthday club members. This is perfect for students who love European-style bakery treats. It’s an opportunity to enjoy something a bit different from the usual student snack options!
Wagamama’s Birthday Offer
Wagamama rewards loyalty members with a free side of gyozas on their birthday, so make sure you sign up for the Soul Club before your dinner. Pair it with a regular student discount or a 2-for-1 offer to make the most of your birthday meal!
YO! Sushi Birthday Offer
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll love this one… YO! Sushi offers a free surprise to its club members. It’s a fun way for sushi lovers to enjoy a mini feast on a student budget.
Frankie & Benny’s Birthday Offer
Celebrate your birthday at Frankie and Benny’s with a free main meal when you sign up to the loyalty programme. Perfect for a casual birthday meal with friends, it’s a fun atmosphere for your special day.
Las Iguanas Birthday Offer
Las Iguanas’s birthday freebie is personalised to you. It ranges from person to person, but it could include a free main meal, a free bottle of bubbly or a free DIY caipirinha board!
Harvester Birthday Offer
Perfect for a mate’s date, Harvester offers a free adult main meal to club members on their birthday when purchasing another adult meal. With a wide variety of dishes, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud.
TGI Fridays Birthday Offer
Home to the iconic birthday song, TGI Fridays is one of the best places to head to on your hunt for birthday deals. Not only will you be treated to a free slice of cake, but you can also enjoy six free cocktails as a Stripe loyalty member… That’s pre-drinks sorted!
Barburrito Free Birthday Burrito Offer
Sign up for Barburrito’s loyalty programme and enjoy a free birthday burrito. A hearty option for students who want a filling birthday treat.
Starbucks Birthday Drink
Starbucks Rewards members receive a free drink on their birthday. Whether it’s a latte, frappuccino, or tea, it’s a simple and delicious free birthday reward. Many students also combine this with a friend catch-up for added fun.
Boost Juice Birthday Boost
Boost Juice rewards club members with a free smoothie on their birthday. A refreshing and healthy option for students looking for free birthday treats. With different flavours available, you can pick your favourite to match your birthday mood.
Zizzi Birthday Offer
Also offering a free main meal on your birthday is Zizzi. Sign up for their loyalty programme and enjoy the Italian cuisine for free!
Café Rouge Birthday Treat
You can get more free stuff on your birthday by signing up for Café Rouge’s newsletter. Whether it’s date night or you’re just there for a relaxed meal with friends, you can enjoy a free main off their menu.
Bella Italia Birthday Voucher
Not only do you get a free meal when you sign up for Bella Italia, you also get a £15-off voucher as a special birthday gift!
Patisserie Valerie Cake Club Birthday Bonus
Join Patisserie Valerie Cake Club for a free cake on your birthday, perfect for students who love sweet treats and coffee shop vibes.
Bubble CiTea Birthday Voucher
Bubble CiTea offers 50% off to members on their birthday. It’s a fun, refreshing, and Instagrammable birthday treat!
Chatime Free Birthday Drink
Chatime gives free regular-sized drinks to members on their birthday. A perfect reward for tea and bubble tea lovers alike.
Muffin Break Birthday Muffin
Muffin Break offers free muffins to loyalty members on their birthdays. For the best sweet breakfast or afternoon snack, we recommend you pair it with one of their hot drinks for a cheap café experience.
Coco di Mama Birthday Treat
Pasta… There’s no denying that it’s a student staple. Sign up for Club Coco (which rewards you with a free treat just for signing up), and you can get a free pasta pot to celebrate your birthday!
Bill’s Birthday Prosecco
Start your birthday celebrations the right way by popping open a free bottle of bubbly at Bill’s Restaurant when you purchase any main meal.
Prezzo Birthday Surprise
Dining on a budget? When you spend £25, Prezzo offers 2 free desserts. Share with a friend or keep both to yourself; we won’t judge!
What Free Stuff Can I Get on my Birthday: Beauty Edition
Students who love beauty and self-care can also enjoy birthday freebies from top cosmetic and skincare brands to make their birthday feel extra special.
Space NK Birthday Gift
Space NK rewards its NDulge loyalty members with a free birthday gift. This could include skincare, cosmetics, or perfume samples, depending on the month!
Rituals Birthday Gift
Rituals offers loyalty members a free birthday surprise. Usually a luxury mini candle, body scrub, or shower foam. It’s the perfect excuse to create a home spa moment and relax after a busy week of uni deadlines.
Sephora Birthday Gift UK
Sephora UK’s Beauty Pass members receive a free birthday gift, which varies depending on their tier. This could be anything from bonus points credited to your account, all the way to a cleansing oil!
The Body Shop Birthday Voucher
Members of The Body Shop’s Love Your Body Club receive a £5 birthday voucher to spend on anything in-store or online. Whether you fancy a new body butter, a fruity shower gel, or skincare essentials, it’s a lovely treat for cruelty-free beauty lovers.
Superdrug Birthday Treat
While you don’t get a birthday freebie from Superdrug, you can get triple the points on your Health & Beauty Card! There’s no better time to complete your next haul.
Cult Beauty Birthday Offer
Like most other beauty brands, Cult Beauty’s birthday treat depends on your tier. The more you spend, the bigger the birthday discount. You could even bag up to £25 off!
Boots Birthday Discount
Boots Advantage Card members get special birthday perks in the form of extra points and exclusive discount codes. Use it to restock your skincare, pick up a new lipstick, or grab a face mask for a birthday pamper; one of the best night in ideas for students. The birthday rewards go perfectly with Boots’ frequent student discounts, so you’re basically doubling your savings!
Fashion & Retail Birthday Offers
When your birthday rolls around, there’s no better excuse to refresh your wardrobe or treat yourself to a little retail therapy, especially when it comes with student-friendly discounts. From ASOS to Nike, here’s where to find the best deals in fashion and retail.
ASOS Birthday Discount
ASOS offers a 10% birthday discount for customers who are part of their loyalty programme. That means you can grab the latest trends, accessories, or that perfect night-out outfit for less.
Nike Birthday Discount Code
Nike Members receive an exclusive 25% off code during their birthday month. Whether you’re after new gym trainers, comfy hoodies, or leggings, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your wardrobe.
Schuh Birthday Discount
Treating yourself to a fresh new pair of kicks for your birthday? Schuh rewards their loyalty scheme members with 10% off, so check out what’s in stock!
River Island Birthday Discount
River Island’s RI Rewards members get a birthday treat, usually a 25% discount code to spend online or in-store. Perfect for picking up a new outfit for your birthday night out or upgrading your basics for term time.
Hobbycraft Birthday Voucher
Creative students will love this one! Hobbycraft sends out £5 birthday vouchers to members of its loyalty club, perfect for artsy hobbies like painting, sewing, or DIY projects. If you’ve ever wanted to decorate your uni room or start a new craft, this birthday discount gives you the perfect excuse to get creative.
M&S Sparks Birthday Treat
Marks & Spencer Sparks members receive surprise birthday treats, ranging from food discounts to vouchers for fashion and home goods. It’s always a mystery what you’ll get, but that’s half the fun! Students can use it for a fancy birthday lunch or stock up on groceries for the week. Either way, it’s a thoughtful little perk from one of the UK’s favourite brands.
Book Your Student Accommodation with Here! Student Living Today
Celebrating your birthday while living the student life can be both fun and affordable. With these free birthday treats and birthday rewards, you can enjoy a memorable day without overspending. Planning ahead for student living and managing your budget is essential, and Here! Student Living is here to help.
Getting free birthday stuff is just one way to stretch your budget and make the most of your student experience, and all-inclusive student living is another! Book your stay at Here! Students’ accommodation today.