Birthday Freebies for You and Me

They say it’s my birthday… Which means everyone gets presents, too! Collecting birthday freebies like they were Pokemon has become a cherished annual tradition for me, forever on the hunt for new pro-bono plunder. This latest trip around the sun has reaped a number of fresh finds across local and national establishments. For the full list, visit the updated master post of Ultimate Vegan Birthday Freebies.

Here’s the latest loot joining the party this year:

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

You’ve gotta be quick because you can only get a free 24-ounce smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe on the exact date of your birthday. No ifs, ands, or buts! Join Tropic Rewards at least a month ahead of the big day to get this gift. Try for one of the many blends comprised of just fruits and veggies to keep it vegan, and you’ll be sipping pretty in no time.

Dish Society

Here’s the dish: Sign up for an account with Dish Society and you’ll be rewarded with a full, free entree on your big day. Vegan options are abundant, especially with small tweaks. My favorite of which being the Local Veggie Grain Bowl, minus the goat cheese, which brings you a generous bowl of warm, creamy whole grains crowned by a panoply of roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, crispy chickpeas, and delicate sprouts. If you’re on the run, snag a Vegetarian Pita Wrap, a plant-based take on Greek gyro with meatless protein swaddled in a hummus-smeared flatbread with a side of fries.

Blaze Pizza

Blaze your way into a sweet celebration with Blaze Pizza! Sign up through Blaze Rewards and you’ll get a digital voucher for either a drink or dessert of your choosing. Sure, a tall, fizzy cup of soda hits the spot on most days, but don’t miss your opportunity to snag their surprisingly vegan Cinnamon Bread. Made from pizza dough stretched into an oblong plank, lavished with cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with white icing, it’s gooey, decadent, and every bit the special treat that a birthday deserves.

The Human Bean

If you’re feeling down about getting older, The Human Bean will help restore your faith in humanity, one espresso shot at a time. Download their rewards app (and punch in the referral code “invisible250865” if you’d be so kind) to a get any drink of your choosing, up to $10 in value, delivered on your birthday and available for the next 30 days. Remarkably vegan friendly, some locations even have macadamia milk available upon request! My personal favorite is the Mexi-Oat Shaken Espresso, with sweet spices and a cool finish that hits in every season. There are also fresh fruit smoothies in case you’re craving something sans caffeine.

The Salty

Salty language is welcome here, though you’ll only be cursing yourself for not coming sooner. The Salty Donut always has at least one gourmet vegan doughnut flavor up for grabs, and when you add your birthday to your rewards profile, you’ll get it free within 30 days of your special day! You never know what you’re going to get, but I have yet to been disappointed. From chocolate-passionfruit to PB & J, come with an open mind, and you’ll leave with a satisfied sweet tooth.

HTeaO

Struggling to stay hydrated in the face of so many sweet and savory treats? HTeaO is here to help, and they’ll be damned if you don’t get your fluids in on your birthday. Just flash the app and you’ll get an entire GALLON of sweet tea, free of charge. Choose from roughly two dozen different flavors, including caffeine- and sugar-free options, and don’t be afraid to sample along the way. Plus, just for signing up, you’ll get a bonus “huge” size, which truly is not an exaggeration; this cup doesn’t fit on the top shelf of my fridge.