If you're looking forward to your May birthday, but are budget-conscious and want to avoid wasting money, get ready to treat yourself for free.
Many stores and cultural venues have birthday perks that don't require loosening your purse strings. Most of them only expect you to sign up for membership or download an app.
Here are 14 places to score a nice freebie during your birth month.
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Ace Hardware
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May is officially the start of grilling and outdoor season in most of the country. As such, a great birthday treat would be a $5 gift certificate for Ace Hardware.
To qualify, become a rewards member. Membership is free, and you can join in-store or on Ace Hardware's website. Premier members, who must spend $750 at the store each year, receive a $10 gift certificate for their birthday and other perks like year-round exclusive offers and savings.
Best Buy
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If you're in the market for a new TV, Best Buy can make getting one for your birthday easier. To qualify for a 10% discount coupon off a regularly priced new TV or another appliance, you need to become a My Best Buy member.
Make sure your birthday is attached to your account by visiting the Birthday Coupon section of the Benefits page, and get ready to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on your new TV.
CVS
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CVS can also give you a little gift for your birthday next month. If you're an ExtraCare member, you can receive $3 in ExtraBucks Rewards.
To qualify, list your birthday in your Extra Care profile one month before the date. CVS will send you a text to notify you of your reward before your birthday. You'll then have 30 days to redeem your gift online or in a local store.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Kohl's
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If you enjoy discounted name-brand decor or apparel, take advantage of Kohl's special birthday offer. The store offers Kohl's Rewards members a special birthday gift (usually an additional discount) if they make a purchase before the end of April.
Becoming a member is free, and you can join online or in-store. Membership will also earn you a 5% reward on each purchase.
The Container Store
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Decluttering your home comes with perks on your birthday if you head to The Container Store. With an Organized Insider membership, you can save up to 25% on your purchase during your birthday month if you spend $1,000 or more in the store during the year.
To access this offer and other exclusive benefits like receipt-free returns, you simply need to sign up online to become a member.
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Pet Supplies Plus
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You may enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them. If so, gifting your beloved pet a present on your birthday is the way to go.
With a Pet Supplies Plus Rewards membership, you can get a special gift for your pet's birthday or Gotcha Day. Especially if your pet is a rescue, there's no better treat than celebrating both your birthdays on the same day.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:
- Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
- Spring clothing clearance
- Garden plants and outdoor furniture
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.
Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.
World Market
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World Market is a one-stop shop for interior decor, home goods and international food products. A free membership to the store's Explorer Tier gives you 15% off your first purchase and a free birthday gift.
Rewards are valid for 60 days, and you can enroll online.
Rams Hill Golf Course
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If you're a California resident or plan to visit California for your birthday, how about a free round of golf to celebrate the day? Rams Hill offers a complimentary round to all subscribers to its newsletter.
All you have to do is visit the website and subscribe—oh, and get ready for one of the best golf courses in the nation.
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Medieval Times
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You may have always wanted to feel like a knight or lady of old on your birthday. Celebrating your special day with a Medieval Times special meal will bring you closer to your goal.
To receive a free meal, join the Birthday Fellowship before your May birthday. Your ticket will be free, but buying a second ticket will also secure you a spot at the tournament.
Georgia Aquarium
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Are you a Georgia resident who loves the sea and marine life? The Georgia Aquarium wants to treat you for your birthday!
If a visit to the aquarium sounds like fun, you can do it for free on your special day. Just present a valid ID at the ticket window and you're good to go. Just bear in mind that you can only buy the ticket in person on the day of your visit.
Harkins Theatres
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Maybe your idea of the ideal birthday is dinner and a movie. Harkins Theatres can help with the movie part by giving you a $5 birthday treat award you can put toward a drink, snack or popcorn.
To partake, join the Harkins Awards program online. As a member, you'll get additional perks, including a $5 award for every 200 points you earn by buying tickets.
Swagbucks
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If one of your hobbies is to make money and get promotions from answering surveys and getting cash back from shopping, Swagbucks may be your favorite app.
For your birthday, Swagbucks gives you a Birthday Swag Up for a 55 SB rebate on a gift card redemption. To get it, activate the Swag Up link and redeem it within 30 days of your birthday.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Famous Footwear
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Famous Footwear can help you pick a comfy pair of shoes as a birthday gift in May. With a membership, you can get $5 in birthday reward cash and twice the points on all the shoes you buy next month.
To become a member, sign up in-store or online.
Express
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Getting new clothes for your birthday is one way to pamper yourself. Express makes it fun. Once you become a member, you can celebrate your birthday not just in May, but also six months later.
Express gives you a birthday gift twice a year because "celebrating you once a year isn't enough." We agree.
Bottom line
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Taking advantage of these freebies will let you keep more cash in your wallet while celebrating your May birthday in style.
Want another cool tip for an unforgettable birthday? Check out your local eateries. They'll likely give you a free dessert, drink, or discount on your meal. After all, every little bit helps these days.
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