We love birthdays around here. We talk about your day all month and purposefully celebrate you all day long, unless you’re Kyndal and then we celebrate all month, minus 1 day, which just happens to be my birthday. All jokes aside, A birthday is special because it’s a unique celebration of an individual’s existence, marking another year of their journey through life. It’s a day that gathers friends and family to honor the person and create lasting memories together. The blend of personal reflection, shared joy, and the simple act of being appreciated makes the day feel extraordinary. Whether through heartfelt wishes, thoughtful gifts, or simply the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones, a birthday encapsulates the essence of being valued and cherished. It’s a pause in the everyday hustle to celebrate what makes each person unique and to look forward to the future with hope and excitement.
Preparing for the big day, Jonathan asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday. I had been thinking about it, and with all of the sadness around here, I just wanted to do something fun. My birthday was on a Friday, so I knew we would both work, so my first thought was just to go to dinner or a movie. The thought of that did not bring me joy. Honestly, I just wanted my birthday to bring joy. I had a thought but wasn’t sure if he would think it was crazy or not, so I mentioned it to him, and he was immediately all in.
Since I love researching (on the socials), I immediately went to work and created a game plan. I also love efficiency, so I wanted to have organized fun! 🙂
So, what did we do? We had a birthday celebration night cashing in all of the birthday freebies. I 100% recommend it and can’t wait to do it again! We met some fabulous, fun people who played along, wished me Happy Birthday, encouraged our adventure, and even shared resources. This birthday was definitely one to remember. It just shows that a random birthday year can be celebrated in a big way too!
I have to make sure I say this. Jonathan made this even more fun. He sent me flowers to work today, which was new, but so much fun. I even left them there where I could enjoy them for longer!
Disclaimer: I “dressed” for the occasion, but I was completely melted after work and my appearance is proof! I refused to say, “Don’t take my picture because I look horrible,” even if I wanted to. Looking back on the photos, I’m glad I didn’t because you can see the joy on my face. Tonight was fun. B. I. G. fun. Put it on your birthday to-do list. You will not regret it!
I bought this T-shirt to wear last year for my 50th birthday. I wore it every month on the 26th if it was acceptable to do so. Of course, my link is an affiliate link, and the style has changed some since last year, but you get the idea. Also, if you don’t have Tom and Sherry’s in your closet you are really missing out. April Davis introduced me to it, and I’ve never looked back. It’s a plant based wrinkle reducer and works like a charm. If you see me wrinkled, it’s because I’m waiting on a new shipment. 🙂
Birthday Rewards Of Fun
I am a big fan of rewards programs. If I shop with you, dine at your establishment, or order your products, I am a forever customer if you give me rewards or points on my purchases. Since I’m a fan of that anyway, if you toss in a freebie for my birthday, then that’s literal icing on the cake!
Trinity’s in Athens
Trinity’s text might have been the spark that initiated my birthday plan. Trinity’s sent a $10 birthday reward. To make this work, I was determined not to spend money everywhere I went, but at Trinity’s, I did purchase a few other things because who doesn’t need extra Happy Everything attachments when they are on sale?
My $10 reward bought me the flat Teleties hair clip! I’ve been wanting one, and can already tell you it will get a lot of use!
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available by text. You sign up with your phone number in the store. You accept the reward and it’s used when you enter your phone number at check out.
Chick-Fil-A
I ran out for lunch and cashed in my free reward for a CFA sandwich. Since this is one of the first things I did, and before Jonathan was with me for documentation, I only have my rewards photo, but let’s be honest, don’t we all know the buttery wonderfulness of a CFA sandwich?
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available on my birthday and is valid for 1 month
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Free bundtlette! I chose Lemon Raspberry
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available by email. It was valid for 1 week. At the checkout, I had to show the email (on my phone) and show my ID.
Starbucks
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and I had 1 day to use it.
Crumbl
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and about 6 weeks to use it. Scan at the checkout counter. Received a “Happy Birthday” from the clerk.
Trader Joes
Key Points For The Reward: Kyndal saw this one on TikTok. I did a little research and TJ’s has made it clear this is not a universal policy. The lady I spoke with was not really on board with giving me free flowers. Jonathan lobbied for me to receive free flowers by giving a great elevator pitch on how he had to cross 4 lanes of traffic just to give me the opportunity to ask and this was all I wanted for my birthday, etc. He’s very convincing and I received a free $6.99 bundle of flowers.
Krispy Kreme
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and I’m not sure how long I had to use it.
Kendra Scott
Key Points For The Reward: I actually cashed this reward in while we were funeral shopping. I had lost an earring and needed to replace it. They have a fantastic lost earring policy, so I utilized that, bought my earrings for half off, and then chose the $25 birthday add-on necklace. I felt like it was a huge success! Just show your ID any time in your birthday month.
Bath and Body Works
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and I had 30 days to use it. You are required to make a purchase, but it can be as cheap as a pocket sanitizer. I couldn’t find anything for $9.95, so I chose a soap for $7.95. You can’t go over and pay the difference. Since I’m on an Amalfi lemon kick, I chose the 3 wick candle as my purchase (it was on sale too).
Cheesecake Factory
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in my online portal and I also received an email. This gal was great. At this point, we had made several stops, and we were in full BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION mode, and she played along great! #happybirthdaytome
Panera Bread
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and I had 1 week to use it.
Chicken Salad Chick
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday and I had a couple of weeks to use it.
Firehouse Subs
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the APP on my birthday, and I’m not sure how long it was valid, but I knew I did not want to waste it! You have to make a purchase, so I added a bag of chips. I did this online and picked it up in the store. It was our next to the last stop. We were hungry and getting tired, however, we were still 100% engaged!
Publix
Key Points For The Reward: The reward was available in the Publix APP. I also received an email. All I had to do was enter my cell phone number at the checkout. This was our last stop and we were starting to get delirious. I’m thankful the videos will not load.
Key Take Aways
Volvo will not give you a free car for your birthday.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make fabulous birthday memories.
You will want to prep before you take on this adventure.
You will need to sign up for the rewards programs before the day of your birthday.
You can be your own form of entertainment.
Let others, including strangers, celebrate your day with you!
Get it all in one day and freeze what you can’t eat.
Take a birthday buddy with you for double the fun or a super hype husband who already celebrates you every day and who also loves birthdays!
Total Time- 4 hours
Total $ spent- $66
$50 at KS, $14 at B&B, $1.59 at Firehouse. Technically, an additional $13 at Chipotle because Jonathan needed food!