Last year, I posted about all the free items I got on my birthday. Last year, I went through a lot of effort to get my freebies.
This year, it’s been more challenging. I’m not gallivanting around, going to every ice cream shop or restaurant on my list. Also, I feel guilty taking advantage of freebies due to the state of the world. Some places have gone out of business due to the epidemic, others are still closed, and many others are open, but struggling to stay afloat. I never bothered to redeem most of my birthday rewards this year. Anyway, here goes:
Sephora is the clear winner this year. They really stepped it up! I bought a $10 mini Deva Curl hair gel, and I got my birthday gift (two free moisturizers) along with three additional free samples. I was able to get free shipping, so I received this haul for $10.73!
Victoria’s Secret sent me a $15 off email, a $10 off email, and a free panty email. I couldn’t find a way to use my Victoria’s Secret “gifts.” To redeem the money off coupons, I’d have to spend at least the amount of the “gift,” and shipping costs $8. After all that, it’s no longer a bargain. For the free panty coupon, you have to go into a physical store. Last year, I was able to use my free gifts, but this year I didn’t feel like going to the mall or paying $8 in shipping.
I tried to go into Ulta to get my Ulta gift. I got there at 9:52 a.m., but the store didn’t open until 10:00 a.m. I didn’t feel like waiting around for 8 minutes for a 0.33 ounce sunscreen, so I left. I have two more weeks before this free gift expires, so I may still get it.
I got this card from Eileen Fisher for $50 off of a $100 purchase, but their items are expensive. High quality, but expensive. A $200 tunic top doesn’t make sense in the current environment.
I received my annual gift from Sheetz: a discount on gas, plus 250 points to redeem for a free candy bar, or something.
I had a lot of Sheetz points saved up, so I used them to get lunch: messy meatball subs with fries and diet Pepsi.
I meant to use my $0.05 off Sheetz gas coupon, but I got distracted and accidentally got premium gas. Because of this, I spent an extra $7.00 on gas. That more than made up for the free lunch, which was a bummer.
The free superhero Hershey’s bar was kind of cool, though.
Starbucks gives you a free food or coffee item on your birthday. You’re required to redeem it on your actual birthday (they used to give you a month to use it.) The priciest item I could get for free was the chipotle chicken wrap, so I got that for breakfast. I also used points to get free coffee, which tasted burnt.
I can get $10 off a massage from Keith Bouchard, but this probably won’t happen anytime soon. Keith does give great massages. Go check him out!
Big Boss is an excellent brewery. When I first moved here, I went there with coworkers. I don’t go out much these days, so I might not make it there anytime soon. In fact, I never used the coupon I got last year.
Last year, I used my birthday Kohl’s cash to get some leggings. The leggings were cheap and uncomfortable, and they immediately got donated. This year, I probably won’t bother redeeming this coupon.
I love my hairstylist. If I get around to booking a hair appointment (I don’t currently see the point), then I’ll get the discount.
Wendy’s pays you to eat their food. I got a Wendy’s frosty cookie sundae for my birthday. Additionally, my partner used a coupon on his Wendy’s app to order me free chicken nuggets. I have a frosty tag that get you a free junior frosty with each purchase, so last night I had a frosty cookie sundae, a jr. frosty, and six nuggets for like $2.00 total.
BGood send me a great coupon every year. Last year, I went to BGood for a free sandwich on my birthday. Unfortunately, BGood in Raleigh is still closed so I can’t use this coupon.
Jason’s Deli sent me a coupon. They are still open, but they no longer have the serve-yourself salad bar, and let’s face it, the salad bar is the only reason I ever went there. I’ll update this post when I make it to Jason’s Deli, because should go get my discounted lunch!
I’m ending this post with a cute kitten picture.