9 Things you Can Do for FREE on your birthday... and 1 you can't

Yesterday was my birthday!  I took the day off to try to squeeze in every free way to celebrate.  Keep in mind, the name of the game here is to be a "rewards member".  Don't fret, it only costs you your email address, but many of these offerings are exclusive for rewards members.  So read on to see some of the totally awesome free things you too could do to celebrate your special day.

1. Starbucks: First stop: caffeine.  As long as you are a member of the Starbucks rewards program (and come on, who isn't?) then you get a free drink or treat on your birthday.  Hello Pumpkin Spice Latte!! Yes, I'm basic... and proud.

2. Einstein Bros Bagels: Being a rewards member at Einstein Bros meant my second stop was for my free birthday bacon, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich. Just toss in an orange juice or another coffee to wash it down and this is the life.

3. Georgia Aquarium: All you have to do is show your ID at any ticket window to get FREE access to the world's largest aquarium! Which, by the way, is an amazing deal as tickets are usually $39.95!  Spend your special day chilling with the fishies, whale sharks, dolphins, and those ridiculously cute otters. (More pics below)

4. Au Bon Pain: For lunch you can have a sandwich or salad at this counter-service fresh spot.  Also, I don't think she was supposed to, but the lovely checkout girl also gave me the drink for free since it was my birthday and all. Yes, Please!

5. Chick-fil-A:  A Chocolate Chunk Cookie... it was warm... it was gooey... it was magic.  Also a perk for the people willing to surrender their email address to the Chick-fil-A App OR Cow Calendar peeps.

6. Sephora: Being a "Beauty Insider" (which is just a fancy way of saying "rewards member") at Sephora will score you some free products on your birthday. It changes every month and there are usually choices so this is definitely worth your time. This month's choices were blush and lip color, two skincare minis, or a facial cleanser.

7. Redbox:  You know the drill, if you're a rewards member you get a free rental for your birthday.  And it's your birthday, if you want a horrifically embarrassing romance movie... go for it!

8. Moe's Southwest Grill: WELCOME TO MOE'S!  With the Moe's app, you get a free burrito on your special day.  However, you will also need to show your ID.  With the high commodity of their burritos they want to make sure you're not bluffing.

9. Bruster's: Why not finish the evening with a free waffle cone on your birthday?  No email address or members only, and no counting calories.  It's my birthday. Yum!

Finally... the fail.  In the past, Bella Wax Center offered a free underarm wax on the day of your birthday.  (Ripping hairs out of my body on my birthday?  The things I do for you blog readers.)  And if that's not bad enough, they changed this policy.  Which means that not only did I let someone inflict pain on my birthday, but I also paid them for it.

End notes: This list hardly scratched the surface of all of the  free things you can get on your birthday.  However, since most offers were a free dessert, cookie, or cake, I tried to stick to things a little more substantial. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite free birthday surprises!