In honor of a certain someone’s birthday today (ok, it’s mine) I thought I would share with you some of my favorite birthday deals. As you may or may not know, many restaurants and stores have “birthday clubs” where they will send you a deal on your birthday. Over the years I’ve signed up for several of these clubs in order to see just what these “deals” are. Some of them are very disappointing (buy one get one free with the purchase of two drinks – really Souplantation???) but others are surprising awesome.

Now, I’ve already told you about the World Market Explorer’s program.  But just to refresh, they give you a $10 gift certificate. To buy anything you want!! For free!!!

I also love the Sephora Beauty Insider. Not only do you collect points that you can turn in for sweet goodies every time you shop but you also get a birthday gift. And the cool thing is it changes from year to year. The first year I got a lip gloss trio, last year was an eye makeup kit, and this year? A Philosophy shower gel! Totally free! Huzzah!

Another of my absolute favorites is the Aveda birthday club. Betcha didn’t even know it existed. It does fly under the radar which is surprising cuz it’s totally awesome. Not only will they send you coupons throughout the year, but on your birthday they’ll give you a free customizable body product (shampoo, shower gel, lotion etc.) Basically, you go to the store, choose your scent, and get a full size product worth $25 for absolutely nothing. Have you fallen over yet? And better yet, you can sign up through the image below. How easy is that?

What about the food, you say? Well…in the past restaurants have given out some pretty good freebies but lately they’ve been scaling down. But no fear, there are still two that excite me.

When you register a gift card through the Starbucks website you’ll end up receiving a free drink for your birthday. What’s great about this is that once you register you’ll receive the free drink annually long after you’ve used up your gift card. Pretty sweet, huh? And what I especially love about it is that’s it’s no holds bar. You could get a venti trip shot Caramel Machiatto or a venti Mocha Frappucino with extra chocolate and caramel and whipped cream, or a grande soy milk extra pump Vanilla Latte. Whatever your heart desires, whatever size – totally free. Love it, love it, love it.

Now, the other great food reward is from Black Angus. Surprising, huh? I don’t eat there that often because, well, it ain’t cheap. But if you join their Prime Club, you will receive a free steak dinner for your birthday. Not just a dessert or a drink but a whole steak dinner! You do have to go with someone else, but who wants to eat there alone anyway? If you’re feeling generous you can even offer to split the meal with your companion. Then it’ll make a cheap dinner for the both of ya.

So there you have it, my recommendations for the best birthday clubs out there. Which ones will you sign up for? I suggest all five.