I decided to challenge myself this year on my birthday to apply for and use
AS MANY COUPONS/FREE STUFF AS POSSIBLE!!
I bring to you, the list so far of coupons I've received for my birthday. Broken down by place, what the coupon is for, where the coupon is sent, and any stipulations (dine in only, with purchase, etc.)
I also am showing their expiration dates. This is so you can compare the time I have to utilize certain coupons (my birthday is July 3rd. Some of these don't expire until September!) Speaking of birthday... I will be accepting gifts. I like food (obviously) and handmade crafts.
If you'd like to instead donate in my name, please consider Because I Said I Would or Crisis Text Line.
Enjoy!
1. Marco's
a. Free Cheezybread
b. pickup only
c. Emailed- Sign up Online
d. Exp: 6/26/2017
e. Pick Up Only
Update: Used 6/25/2017. Called local store, placed order, advised of coupon, stated 10 minutes. Drove up, handed over email, "Thanks you're all set!". Super easy!
Update: Used 6/25/2017. Called local store, placed order, advised of coupon, stated 10 minutes. Drove up, handed over email, "Thanks you're all set!". Super easy!
2. Arbys
a. Free Roast Beef,Free Small Shake
b. with small drink purchase
c. Emailed, Sign up Online
d. Exp: 6/26/2017, 7/3/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
3. Dennys
a. Free Grand Slam breakfast
b. Show ID
c. 7/3/2017 only
d. Dine in Only
This... was a joke. A complete and utter tomfoolery of a joke. We arrived at Denny's on my birthday, after I had imbibed a few celebratory cocktails. We had 13 minutes left of my birthday. We advised the waitress that myself and my 3 friends were here for my free birthday slam and the others would be eating other meals as well. She did not ask for my id. She took roughly 5 minutes to come back and take our drink order. There was another 10 minutes before our drinks arrived, and we placed our food order. Another half hour went by before appetizers of nachos arrived. We started to wonder what was happening. We saw two waitresses, and only 5 tables seated. Then, when a 6th table of people arrived, they were told, "We aren't seating any more guests. We don't have a cook or a dishwasher right now."
I'M SORRY WHAT!?
WE DON'T HAVE A COOK?
We asked the waitress to explain. Apparently, the schedule was screwed up for the day, and the manager was cooking. There was only originally 1 waitress scheduled for the day. Knowing it wasn't the waitresses fault, we didn't skimp on her tip. But, the food was absolutely terrible (covered in grease, burnt bacon, undercooked toast - HOW?) so we ended up only paying about 1/2 price total. Though this was definitely a good 'deal', it wasn't worth it. Had I known going into the restaurant what was about to happen, I'd have left immediately. There is no free grand slam worth that agony. Though, we can laugh about it now.
This... was a joke. A complete and utter tomfoolery of a joke. We arrived at Denny's on my birthday, after I had imbibed a few celebratory cocktails. We had 13 minutes left of my birthday. We advised the waitress that myself and my 3 friends were here for my free birthday slam and the others would be eating other meals as well. She did not ask for my id. She took roughly 5 minutes to come back and take our drink order. There was another 10 minutes before our drinks arrived, and we placed our food order. Another half hour went by before appetizers of nachos arrived. We started to wonder what was happening. We saw two waitresses, and only 5 tables seated. Then, when a 6th table of people arrived, they were told, "We aren't seating any more guests. We don't have a cook or a dishwasher right now."
I'M SORRY WHAT!?
WE DON'T HAVE A COOK?
We asked the waitress to explain. Apparently, the schedule was screwed up for the day, and the manager was cooking. There was only originally 1 waitress scheduled for the day. Knowing it wasn't the waitresses fault, we didn't skimp on her tip. But, the food was absolutely terrible (covered in grease, burnt bacon, undercooked toast - HOW?) so we ended up only paying about 1/2 price total. Though this was definitely a good 'deal', it wasn't worth it. Had I known going into the restaurant what was about to happen, I'd have left immediately. There is no free grand slam worth that agony. Though, we can laugh about it now.
4. Baskin Robbins
a. Free Scoop
b. Show ID
c. 7/3/2017 only
d. Dine In or ToGo
5. Red Robin
a. Free Burger
b. Show Id, Linked to Royalty Account
c. Exp: Month of Birthday
d. Dine in Only
Red Robin in lower left corner. Ordered via phone, they asked for the phone number linked to my rewards card when I went to the bar to pick up. Boom, free burger. Also gave me extra fries in a to-go cup "for the ride". The veggie burger was LOADED, avocado and all. Delicious!
Red Robin in lower left corner. Ordered via phone, they asked for the phone number linked to my rewards card when I went to the bar to pick up. Boom, free burger. Also gave me extra fries in a to-go cup "for the ride". The veggie burger was LOADED, avocado and all. Delicious!
6. Firehouse Subs
a. Free small sub, FREE MEDIUM SUB
b. with any purchase
c. Coupon in App, Must Sign Up For Rewards
d. Exp: 7/3/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
This one wasn't as easy. I had a free small sub with purchase for signing up and the free medium sub for my birthday. I asked if I could use both if they were rang separately, and the cashier had no issue. But, the manager wasn't happy. "I guess." was her response. Not that I truly care if they would've said no, but, "Oh no, it's against policy we're unable to do that." is way more pleasant than a scoff and "I GUESS." But, their subs are bar-none. To redeem, you simply enter your phone number into the keypad that you'd swipe your debit or credit card into.
This one wasn't as easy. I had a free small sub with purchase for signing up and the free medium sub for my birthday. I asked if I could use both if they were rang separately, and the cashier had no issue. But, the manager wasn't happy. "I guess." was her response. Not that I truly care if they would've said no, but, "Oh no, it's against policy we're unable to do that." is way more pleasant than a scoff and "I GUESS." But, their subs are bar-none. To redeem, you simply enter your phone number into the keypad that you'd swipe your debit or credit card into.
7. Krispy Kreme
a. Free donut
b. with any purchase
c. Emailed, Must Download App
d. Exp: 7/3/2017
The staff looked like a coupon was a different language at first. But, they gave no fuss. Also, Krispy Kreme in Cleveland/Middleburg Heights has a drive thru, which made it even easier to use this.
The staff looked like a coupon was a different language at first. But, they gave no fuss. Also, Krispy Kreme in Cleveland/Middleburg Heights has a drive thru, which made it even easier to use this.
e. Dine In or ToGo
8. Dennys
a. 20% OFF
b. Emailed, Join the Rewards Program
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In Only- Used 6/23. Super easy.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings
a. Free Sharable or Side
b. Emailed, join Blazin Rewards
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In Only
10. Cold Stone
a. Buy One Get One Free
b. Emailed, join My Cold Stone Club
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
11. Dairy Queen
a. Buy One Get One Free
b. Emailed, join Fan Club
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
This was pretty straight forward. Presented the coupon and in 2 minutes, we had 2 blizzards.
This was pretty straight forward. Presented the coupon and in 2 minutes, we had 2 blizzards.
12. Golden Corral
a. Free Buffet
b. with 2nd Buffet purchase (adult)
c. Emailed, Join Good as Gold
d. Exp: 7/10/2017
e. Dine in Only
Yes, that is eggs and macaroni and cheese you are seeing. And ice cream and chocolate covered goodies. We used this coupon for breakfast, the cheapest buffet, and with two beverages this cost $12.00 for both of us. But Golden Corral does brunch around 11am, so if you hit this up around 1030, you can pay for breakfast but stick around for the brunch that comes after. Make your own omelette. Unlimited coffee and juice. Ice cream sundaes. Cheesecake french toast. The world is your oyester with this one.
Yes, that is eggs and macaroni and cheese you are seeing. And ice cream and chocolate covered goodies. We used this coupon for breakfast, the cheapest buffet, and with two beverages this cost $12.00 for both of us. But Golden Corral does brunch around 11am, so if you hit this up around 1030, you can pay for breakfast but stick around for the brunch that comes after. Make your own omelette. Unlimited coffee and juice. Ice cream sundaes. Cheesecake french toast. The world is your oyester with this one.
13. Ihop
a. Free Stack of Pancakes
b. Emailed, Join Pancake Revolution
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In Only (will email 2 if you're new!)
How awesome is this!? So not only did I get these amazing pancakes for free, but I also got this amazing rainbow! #winning.
My local IHOP is awesome, terrific staff and manager who talked to me and everyone else as if we were all old friends. I read the paper, talked with strangers, and have to say this was the BEST dining alone experience I've ever had. I'm really grateful I went on this journey, so I could have this amazing morning! Also, my local IHOP does an early bird special- bacon, eggs, coffee, paper, and pancakes for $3.99! (and they let me substitute for toast since I had a pancake coupon.) All in all this wonderful meal cost $8.25, $4 tip and $4.25 for the breakfast. Would absolutely recommend this one (especially if your IHOP is as great as mine!)
How awesome is this!? So not only did I get these amazing pancakes for free, but I also got this amazing rainbow! #winning.
My local IHOP is awesome, terrific staff and manager who talked to me and everyone else as if we were all old friends. I read the paper, talked with strangers, and have to say this was the BEST dining alone experience I've ever had. I'm really grateful I went on this journey, so I could have this amazing morning! Also, my local IHOP does an early bird special- bacon, eggs, coffee, paper, and pancakes for $3.99! (and they let me substitute for toast since I had a pancake coupon.) All in all this wonderful meal cost $8.25, $4 tip and $4.25 for the breakfast. Would absolutely recommend this one (especially if your IHOP is as great as mine!)
14. Orange Julius
a. Buy One Get One Free
b. Emailed, Join Julius League
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
15. Ruby Tuesday
a. Free Appetizer
b. with purchase of meal
c. Emailed, Join So Connected
d. Exp: 7/4/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
16. Ruby Tuesday
a. Free burger or garden bar
c. 6/26/2017-7/26/2017
d. Dine in Or To Go
Upper right corner. Went right to the bar to get after ordering over the phone. Presented coupon, and off I went. This burger Steve ate, but he seemed really pleased with it. (Mushroom Swiss something-or-other.)
Upper right corner. Went right to the bar to get after ordering over the phone. Presented coupon, and off I went. This burger Steve ate, but he seemed really pleased with it. (Mushroom Swiss something-or-other.)
17. Cinnabon
a. Free minibon, Free Iced Coffee
b. Emailed, Join Club Cinnabon
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
Not only was the cashier extremely pleasant, but she was super supportive of my idea of trying to utilize as many birthday freebies as possible. Also, Great Northern Mall is insanely easy to navigate for the freebies I had today. Stopped at Ulta, then drove to the Dick's/JCPenney entrance, walked into JCPenney for Sephora which is right on the left when you walk into the JCPenney door. On your left as you walk of the door is cinnabon, and only about 2 store fronts down and on your right is Auntie Annes, which leads you around the corner from where the parking entrace is. Took us about 8 minutes to walk to and obtain all 3 of these freebies!
Not only was the cashier extremely pleasant, but she was super supportive of my idea of trying to utilize as many birthday freebies as possible. Also, Great Northern Mall is insanely easy to navigate for the freebies I had today. Stopped at Ulta, then drove to the Dick's/JCPenney entrance, walked into JCPenney for Sephora which is right on the left when you walk into the JCPenney door. On your left as you walk of the door is cinnabon, and only about 2 store fronts down and on your right is Auntie Annes, which leads you around the corner from where the parking entrace is. Took us about 8 minutes to walk to and obtain all 3 of these freebies!
d. Dine In or ToGo
18. Texas Roadhouse
a. Free Appetizer
b. Emailed, Sign up for Their Rewards Program
c. Exp: 7/4/2017
d. Dine In Only
Used on 6/29. We also happen to have had a gift card, which was pretty awesome! Our appetizer, two meals, 2 beers, and 2 cocktails (with shooters, which is basically an extra shot for $1.50-$2.00. GENIUS) came to $23 after the coupon and gift card.
Used on 6/29. We also happen to have had a gift card, which was pretty awesome! Our appetizer, two meals, 2 beers, and 2 cocktails (with shooters, which is basically an extra shot for $1.50-$2.00. GENIUS) came to $23 after the coupon and gift card.
19. Buca Di Beppo
a. Free Pasta (Spag, Alfredo, Ziti)
b. Emailed, Sign up for E-Club
c. Exp: 7/5/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
20. Quiznos
a. Free Small Sub
b. with any purchase
c. Coupon in App, Sign Up For Toasty Points
d. Exp: 7/8/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
*update. Could not have been easier to redeem. Redeemed using my app, to order ahead. Total spent $2.50 on soup. And the owner was nice enough to throw in a free medium drink! Side note : did you know the Lorain Quiznos has been owned by the same family for 14 years? Wow!
*update. Could not have been easier to redeem. Redeemed using my app, to order ahead. Total spent $2.50 on soup. And the owner was nice enough to throw in a free medium drink! Side note : did you know the Lorain Quiznos has been owned by the same family for 14 years? Wow!
21. Olive Garden
a. Free Dessert up to $8.50
b. Emailed , sign up for Rewards
c. Exp: 7/10/2017
d. Dine In Only
22. Baker’s Square
a. Free Entrée, Free Pie
b. with the purchase of entrée and 2 beverages.
Pie no purchase necessary
Pie no purchase necessary
c. Emailed, Join E-Club
d. Exp: 7/10/2017
e. Dine-In Only
Immediately upon placing our drink order, I advised the waitress (Chelsea) that I wanted to use both coupons. She had no issue, was friendly as can be, and made sure to make a big deal about it being my birthday (which I sincerely appreciated!)
Immediately upon placing our drink order, I advised the waitress (Chelsea) that I wanted to use both coupons. She had no issue, was friendly as can be, and made sure to make a big deal about it being my birthday (which I sincerely appreciated!)
23. Red Lobster
a. Free Appetizer or Dessert
b. with purchase of 2 entrees
c. Emailed
d. Exp: 7/18/2017
e. No Specifics- Call to ensure
24. World Market
a. 10% off
b. Emailed
c. Exp: 7/19/2017
d. Online or In-Store
25. Wendys
a. $1.00 off combo, free frosty
b. Emailed , My Wendy's sign up required
c. Exp: 7/19/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
26. Buca Di Beppo
a. $15 off $30 or more
c. Exp: 7/20/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
27. Quaker Steak
a. Free 6 wings, Also $10 off $10 Purchase
b. Emailed, sign up for Revved-Up Rewards
c. Exp: 7/20/2017, Exp: 7/17/2017
d. Dine in or Togo, No Spec- Call
Update: Used 6/25/2017. Called local store, placed order, advised of coupon, stated 15 minutes.Went through Wingo drive thru window. So easy!
Also used $10 off at the outdoor bar. The server/bartender was super friendly! Unfortunately, we were both pretty hungry and smashed our food before I remembered to snap a pic. Here's the ketchup bottle though.
Update: Used 6/25/2017. Called local store, placed order, advised of coupon, stated 15 minutes.Went through Wingo drive thru window. So easy!
Also used $10 off at the outdoor bar. The server/bartender was super friendly! Unfortunately, we were both pretty hungry and smashed our food before I remembered to snap a pic. Here's the ketchup bottle though.
28. Friday’s
a. Free Dessert
b. Coupon In App, sign up for Loyalty Program
c. Exp: 7/25/2017
d. No Specifics- Call to ensure
29. Panera
a. Free Pastry or Sweet
b. Coupon in App, sign up for MyPanera
c. Exp: 8/18/2017
d. Dine In or ToGo
30. Outback Steakhouse
a. $5 off
b. Coupon in App, sign up for Dine Rewards
c. Exp: 8/20/2017
31. Melting Pot
a. Free 6 chocolate strawberries
b. w/ $60 purchase
c. Emailed, sign up for DIP rewards
d. Exp: 9/19/2017
e. Dine In Only
32. Dunkin Donuts
a. Free Beverage of any size
b. Must sign up for DD Perks, Load DD app with Debit or Credit Card (min$10)
c. Coupon in App
d. Exp: 9/19/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
So one of these is from signing up, the other is the birthday reward. So I printed both coupons, and Steve went through the drive-thru while I got a to-go coffee inside. Other than that, was easy-peasy!
So one of these is from signing up, the other is the birthday reward. So I printed both coupons, and Steve went through the drive-thru while I got a to-go coffee inside. Other than that, was easy-peasy!
33. Steak and Shake
a. Buy One Get One Free Milkshake, Free Steakburger & Fries
b. Bring ID, Not during Happy Hour
Company emailed me back, be careful with the email. Once you click to redeem, it'll validate the code.
Company emailed me back, be careful with the email. Once you click to redeem, it'll validate the code.
c. Emailed, sign up for Rewards
d. Exp: 7/21/2017
e. Dine In or ToGo
34. Edible Arrangements
a. Free Chocolate Dipped Fruit
b. Must have made $29 purchase in last calendar year
c. Req purchase must be made no later than 24 hours before last day of the month previous to your birthday month
d. Exp: Delivered for small fee, or p/u- sign up for account HERE
e. Delivered or p/u
Was not able to redeem as I did not make a purchase of $29 this past year.
Was not able to redeem as I did not make a purchase of $29 this past year.
35. Benihana
a. $30 off Meal
b. It requires the purchase of one full-priced adult teppan dinner entrée
cannot be applied to alcohol, tax or gratuity
cannot be applied to alcohol, tax or gratuity
c. Emailed, Sign up for Chef's Table
d. Exp: 7/26/2017
e. can ONLY be redeemed during dinner hours Monday through Thursday
36. Applebees
a. Free Appetizer
d. Exp: 8/2/2017
e. with entree purchase
37. Auntie Annes
a. Free Pretzel
b. IN App
c. Sign Up For Pretzel Perks
d. Exp: 7/10/2017
e. Cheese extra
See above, Cinnabon, for information on which store I went to and how easy it was.
See above, Cinnabon, for information on which store I went to and how easy it was.
38. Caribou Coffee
a. Free Beverage
b. Emailed
c. Sign Up for Caribou Perks
d. Exp: 7/3/2017
e. Unfortunately, the closest Caribou to me is in Michigan. So I won't be able to redeem this perk.
39. Cici’s Pizza
a. Free Buffet or Large Pizza TOGO
b. Sign Up for MyCici's
c. Emailed
d. Exp: 7/11/2017
e. Dine In Buffet, To Go Pizza
Redeemed on Sunday night, 7/2/2017. Awful experience. The food was actually alright. Dessert is always raved about, and for good reason. The pizza was always fresh, and the salad bar was pretty decent. But, I will never go here again. The staff wasn't rude or outright mean, but they all had the worst attitudes of anyone in public. The comments we made were, "They are either all extremely hung over, or all just found out they were being broken up with." "They all look like they want to get in a fight or murder someone." "Why do I feel like I'm in Night of the Living Dead?" Their job must really, really suck if they're this angry. Not one single person smiled even once, and I was actively looking for it.
Redeemed on Sunday night, 7/2/2017. Awful experience. The food was actually alright. Dessert is always raved about, and for good reason. The pizza was always fresh, and the salad bar was pretty decent. But, I will never go here again. The staff wasn't rude or outright mean, but they all had the worst attitudes of anyone in public. The comments we made were, "They are either all extremely hung over, or all just found out they were being broken up with." "They all look like they want to get in a fight or murder someone." "Why do I feel like I'm in Night of the Living Dead?" Their job must really, really suck if they're this angry. Not one single person smiled even once, and I was actively looking for it.
40. Dave and Busters
a. $10 free gameplay with $10 card load
b. Emailed
c. Sign Up for Rewards
d. Exp: 7/26/2017
e. Dine In Only
41. Papa John's
a. 10 free points
b. can redeem for dessert or bread item
c. sign up for Papa Rewards
d. Exp: 7/31/2017
e. emailed code
b. can redeem for dessert or bread item
c. sign up for Papa Rewards
d. Exp: 7/31/2017
e. emailed code
42. Ulta
a. Free Eyeshadow Palette Set (NYX, Birthday Gift), Free Pore Minimizer
b. Emailed, sign up for Ultamate Rewards
c. In store only
d. Exp: 8/2/2017
This was amazing. The palette was a full sized one, larger than my phone, that contained 10 beautiful colors. I've used it ever since I received it! I haven't made a purchase at Ulta in over a year, but there is no purchase necessary. Simply sign up online for their email club, print the email, and present in store.
b. Emailed, sign up for Ultamate Rewards
c. In store only
d. Exp: 8/2/2017
This was amazing. The palette was a full sized one, larger than my phone, that contained 10 beautiful colors. I've used it ever since I received it! I haven't made a purchase at Ulta in over a year, but there is no purchase necessary. Simply sign up online for their email club, print the email, and present in store.
43. Sephora
a. Free lipgloss and blush (Tarte, Birthday Suit), or free face care kit (Caudalie)
b. emailed, Sign up for Insider
c. In store (no purchase necessary) or online (purchase necessary)
d. Exp: 7/31/2017
You were able to pick between the lipgloss/blush set by Tarte or the face care kit by Caudalie. I picked the lipgloss/blush set, and so glad I did! Not only is this product amazing enough that I will be buying more Tarte products (especially the lipgloss!) but you're able to redeem at a Sephora store or inside Sephora in JCPenney (makes it twice as easy!) You also are entitled to a free 15 minute makeover ON your birthday, but there was only 1 gentleman working, so I wasn't able to utilize this. I wasn't upset though, I had a great time anyway!
b. emailed, Sign up for Insider
c. In store (no purchase necessary) or online (purchase necessary)
d. Exp: 7/31/2017
You were able to pick between the lipgloss/blush set by Tarte or the face care kit by Caudalie. I picked the lipgloss/blush set, and so glad I did! Not only is this product amazing enough that I will be buying more Tarte products (especially the lipgloss!) but you're able to redeem at a Sephora store or inside Sephora in JCPenney (makes it twice as easy!) You also are entitled to a free 15 minute makeover ON your birthday, but there was only 1 gentleman working, so I wasn't able to utilize this. I wasn't upset though, I had a great time anyway!
44-47. Sonic, McDonald's, Starbucks, Burger King
a. nothing was ever received
ALso get a free brownie sunday at Big Boys when you sign up for emails ;) Good for the month of your bday, I know because I just got my coupon being my bday is July 29th !
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