Patch Parents: Best Birthday Deals And Freebies For Kids

CALIFORNIA — While many are finishing wrapping up gifts for the holidays, I'm also picking out presents for birthdays.

Two of my three boys were born around the holidays. We recently celebrated our youngest's second birthday and decided to take him to Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Surprisingly, it was our first time going to Build-A-Bear. When we decided to take him there for his birthday, we signed up for the Build-A-Bear email list and learned that he could get a Birthday Treat Bear that would cost as much as the candles on his cake — so $2. Admittedly, he was more excited to get Bluey or Bingo at the shop, but the Birthday Treat Bear was a cute birthday bonus.

(Note: Build-A-Bear did not contact me for this piece. I'm just sharing our experience.)

There are plenty of other places that offer birthday deals and freebies for kids.

Most are rewards programs that require an app download, email address or phone number to participate. Some programs allow a parent or guardian to create an account and then add children to their accounts. Others programs allow kids ages 13 and older to sign up for their own account.

AMC

AMC Stubs members get a free popcorn during their birthday month with the free membership. Members must be 13 and older.

Applebee's

Applebee's email club subscribers get a free dessert on their birthday. They also get a free appetizer after they sign up. Subscribers must be 13 and older to participate.

Auntie Anne's

Auntie Anne's rewards program members get a free free pretzel during their birthday month. Members must be 13 and older.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins birthday club members get a free small scoop on their birthday. Add your family members' birthdays to your account and get a coupon for a free birthday scoop to share.

Benihana

Parents can sign up their kids for the Benihana Kabuki Kids program. Kids 12 and younger receive a special email certificate for their birthday for a free souvenir mug of their choice with the purchase of any Kabuki Kids meal. Kids 13 and older get a free meal.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Parents can create a Build-A-Bear bonus club account and add their kids' birthdays to their profile. Everyone on the account gets a free gift on their birthday. Children also qualify for the Count Your Candles promotion, which allows customers to "pay their age" for a Birthday Treat Bear during the month of their birthday.

Carter's

Carter's rewards account members get a free birthday gift for each of their kids.

Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese birthday club members receive free gifts, including gameplay, upgrades, discounts and more for the whole family.

Cold Stone

Cold Stone club rewards members get a buy one get one free creation coupon for their birthday. Members must be 13 and older.

Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl rewards account members get a free cookie on their birthday. Members must be 13 and older.

Denny's

Denny's rewards members get a free birthday gift. Additionally, kids eat free with an adult entrée purchase of $6 or more from 4-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the diner-style restaurant chain. Participating locations may vary, so diners should check with their local Denny's.

Dippin' Dots

Dippin' Dots Dot Crazy! email club members get free Dippin' Dots for their birthday.

IHOP

IHOP rewards program members get a free stack of pancakes on their birthday. Members must be 13 and older.

Jamba

Jamba rewards members get a free small birthday smoothie. Members must be 13 and older.

Johnny Rockets

Rocket e-club members get a free burger with the purchase of an entree and a drink or shake after creating an account and for their birthday. Members must be 13 and older.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme rewards members get a free donut on their birthday. Members must be 13 and older.

Medieval Times

Queen's Court email list subscribers get a free birthday surprise.

Nickelodeon

Sign up for the Nickelodeon birthday club to send your child a free, personalized birthday call from their favorite Nickelodeon character, including Josh and Blue from "Blue's Clues," and Chase and Skye from "Paw Patrol," among others. Free printables and activities are also available.

Old Navy

Navyist rewards account members receive a free birthday gift.

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty account members can get a free kids' meal to celebrate their kid's birthday.

The Children's Place

Sign up for a My Place rewards account to receive a 20% off coupon during the month of your child's birthday.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.