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14 Toronto Spots That Give You Free Stuff On Your Birthday

When I say free, I mean FREE. Not "Buy one, get one free" or "Free after you've spent X amount." This is the list you've always wanted, but were too afraid to ask for. This is how you get absolutely free items, no strings attached, simply for being born. Go ahead and add this to your bookmarks.
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African woman in convertible with shopping bags
Big Cheese via Getty Images
African woman in convertible with shopping bags

There are plenty of write ups out there along the lines of "The ultimate guide to birthday freebies." Yet, none of them are about being completely free, I'm talking no purchase necessary free ... Until now.

I'm not about to highlight those buy one, get one free birthday deals (offered by Baskin Robbins, Marble Slab and Dairy Queen.) Although, there will be a brief mention of those sorts of purchase first and we'll throw in a birthday special deals at the end.

I've called places, emailed venues to find out whether:

1) Their version of free matches my version of free, and

2) The list of freebies I've seen in existing posts are still valid today, as many of the managers I spoke to changed their offerings or told me what I had read online has expired.

So this is your up to date list of where to get absolutely free sh*t on your birthday.

Some people crave buttery, processed sugar treats on their birthday and some crave a healthy vegetable juice. Sign up for Booster Nation (their newsletter) prior to your birthday and you'll get a free smoothie certificate in your inbox.

Devour a free dessert on your birthday, no purchase necessary. Simply sign up for the MyBP promotional newsletter.

The smell of melting cinnamon and baking doughnuts is something that you can't say no to. And you don't have to on your birthday. They give out a free ... drum roll please ... you guessed it, a cinnabon for joining Club Cinnabon.

Join the Frequent Steeper club and sip on a complimentary cup of any tea, on your day of birth.

Chocolate lovers, get your free birthday brownie, no meal purchase necessary. I asked. They'll probably ask to see for ID though.

This coffee joint has been around for over 25 years and the coffee hasn't gotten old. It's still one of my favourite caffeine joints in the city. They serve up a free cup on your birthday, without joining an online club.

Enjoy a complimentary birthday pastry, or any other baked good, by signing up to their rewards program. You can never go wrong with Panera's Bear Claw.

Want that salon fresh look on your day of birth? Swing by Privé for a free blowout from a junior stylist, because you're worth it. ID required.

Visit any Rainbow Cinema or Magic Lantern Theatre (also known as Carlton Cinema) location and get a free movie ticket on your birthday. However, it doesn't always apply to super new releases. Call to make sure the movie you want to see is on them.

During your birthday month Sephora doles out a nice little complimentary gift package. Simply sign up for their Beauty Insider program. This year they gave out mini Marc Jacob products that feel like butter on your skin.

Need a morning, afternoon, afterwork or pre-party birthday pick me up? Starbucks offers a free drink and a 15% off birthday coupon for their online store; starbucksstore.com by joining their Starbucks Rewards™ program.

Owned by Starbucks, it's only right that they too offer a drink special like their sister coffee chain. Enjoy a birthday tea on the house. Plus, you can also collect stars (points) from both Teavana and Starbucks on the same card, since they entered into a joint venture.

Who doesn't love a free burger? Enrol in their WIP (Works Important Person) loyalty program and get a free juicy birthday burger on them.

Looking to get your birthday laugh on? Hit up Yuk Yuk's comedy club for a free show. No signing up, just make reservations online, using the promo code on their site, and show your ID when you get there. Free admission is valid the week of your birthday.

There are also birthday "freebies" that require some sort of purchase that are worth mentioning.

See below:

Pay a one time $10 fee (I know, super expensive) to become a member of their pure privilegeâ„  rewards program, and boom, you get a free birthday gift valued at $20. The rewards program offers goodies all year long, like access to invitation-only events, exclusive offers, free product samples and more.

Picture this, you're completely relaxed, feasting on a complimentary three course gourmet lunch, in a cozy robe, post massage. Sounds luxurious right? It is. The catch is you must spend $119 (or more) on spa service(s) or products.

I treat myself to Elmwood every year on my birthday, (benefits or no benefits.) I spend a solid three to four hours on water therapies, followed by a 90 minute aromatherapy massage, topped off with a fancy free lunch that sets the tone for a pretty happy birthday.

Craving some miso glazed cod on the side of jasmine rice, a coconut lemon broth with spinach, kale and red onions? You can have that for free on your special day. Enjoy a birthday dinner on the house, as long as three of your friends (or more) are paying for theirs.

Low on bagels? Don't fret. Buy six bagels on your birthday and get six free. No sign up required.

Enjoy a birthday brunch, lunch or dinner on the house, as long as you bring six (or more) friends that are buying meals. ID required. It's a great brunch spot. I sometimes dream about their Challah french toast with blueberries and caramelized bananas.

So there you have it! Your list of absolutely free birthday sh*! ... And a few freebies with spending strings attached.

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