As you know, here at The LA Girl, we love any and every occasion that lets us celebrate. We also love abundance, gifts, and even better if those things are FREE! There is no better time to cash in on cool perks and goodies than your birthday, and we’ve done our research to find 10 of the best birthday freebies from national chains and local LA hot spots. You can use these both for your own birthday and also to surprise a friend, family, or loved one to create an unforgettable day filled with cake, sushi, and entertainment. Enjoy, and go crazy!
Pro Tip: There is a little work to be done to get these goodies, but it’s worth it! Be sure to visit each site’s website and join the VIP group, email list, or whatever it is that requires you to bask in your birthday glory. Typically, these things are free to join, but they just take a little planning and preparation before the big day. We’ve got you.
Sugarfish – Free Meal
Neighborhood: Several Around Los Angeles
Trust us, this is one birthday special you want to participate in. Sugarfish offers great perks to their Birthday Club and membership, including a free Trust Me meal (one of the best chef offerings with popular hand rolls, sushi, and sashimi), but for this one, it’s ultra important to read the rules and register at least 7 days before your big day.
Photo by Discover Los Angeles
Sidecar Donuts – Free Donut
Neighborhood: Santa Monica, Mid City
If donuts are more your speed as opposed to a birthday cake, head on over to Sidecar Donuts to pick a free donut. You can’t go wrong with their Vanilla Bean, and if you are super daring, try the seasonal specialties because they look insanely delicious.
LA Kings – 2 Free Tickets
Neighborhood: Downtown LA
If your goal is to ring in your special day with a hockey game (great date idea), the LA Kings offer TWO free tickets on your birthday when you sign up for their b-day club.
Alamo Drafthouse – Free Movie Ticket
Neighborhood: Downtown LA
Join their Victory Rewards club and get a free movie ticket on your birthday. One of our favorite local events at the Drafthouse is the monthly Protected Under Parody comedy show. Laughing…for free…on your birthday? Sounds like a plan! The Alamo features both current movies, old horror flicks, and rom-com fan favorites, so there’s sure to be one that’ll catch your eye.
Sprinkles Cupcakes – Free Cupcake
Neighborhood: Glendale, Beverly Hills, The Drove, Downtown
The Vanilla Tier (1-7 prior visits) membership level at the popular and post-worthy Sprinkles Cupcakes gets you one free cupcake, cookie, or brownie on your birthday (Yum!). Our faves are the Banana Split and Chocolate Marshmallow, but go ahead and discover your favorite because they offer tons of fun flavors.
Susie Cakes – Free Slice of Cake
Neighborhood: Brentwood, Mid City, Pasadena + more
The All-American bakery Susie Cakes makes signing up for your birthday gift a piece of cake. You’ll get $5 off $10 just for joining, along with a free slice of your favorite specialty cake on your birthday. And yes, get the strawberry rosé cupcakes!
Crumbl Cookie – Free Cookie
Neighborhood: Culver City, Montrose
Crumbl rolls out the red velvet carpet for their members that download the app, sending a voucher that gives you a month to cash in on that big birthday cookie. We love the traditional chocolate chip, but of course, it’s your day, so choose whatever your birthday heart desires.
Photo by Crumbl Cookies
IKEA – Surprise Gift, Coffee, Sweet Treat
Neighborhood: Burbank
Every day feels like your birthday when you get to walk around IKEA eating their Swedish Meatballs, so make it official by registering your name in their Family Membership, and sit back to get a gift every year and some fun surprises in store. Membership also includes free coffee and even a sweet treat!
Big Bear Resort / Snow Summit – Free Lift Ticket, Mini Golf, or Climbing Walls
Neighborhood: Big Bear
Get that birthday lift at Big Bear Mountain, and make sure you go early so you can spend the whole day adventuring on the slopes. During the winter months, you can get a free lift ticket, and if you are more of an off the slopes type gal, you can opt for mini golf or climbing walls in the summer.
Sephora and Ulta Beauty – Variety of Makeup Goodies
When you become a Sephora Beauty Insider, you can choose some extra points or a mini set from one of their top brands. With the Ulta Rewards program, you also get some beauty goodies to pamper yourself on your special day.
Another insider tip is to station yourself somewhere central like The Grove or The Americana at Brand, so you can also take advantage of free mall freebies such as a free pretzel at Auntie Anne‘s + a free Starbucks birthday drink. Go big, birthday gal.
