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Getting Free Goodies

Birthday goodies from restaurants and retailers abound, even in a tough economy, and they’re not just for kids.

There’s plenty of free food, free stuff and great deals for adults and kids on their special days, though, like senior discounts at restaurants, you may have to ask for them wherever you go.

We’re not saying you should pretend it’s your birthday to take advantage of these deals, but if it really is your birthday, here are some ways to celebrate for free or on the cheap.

Black Angus

Unless you’re a vegetarian or allergic to beef, you can’t go wrong with a free steak dinner at Black Angus for your birthday. The deal is good for the two weeks before and the two weeks after your birthday. It is for dine-in orders only, and you’ll have to show identification. You can use the deal at any U.S. Black Angus or Cattle Company Steakhouse location.

Age limit: 16 or older.

Red Robin

Red Robin patrons who join the restaurant chain’s eClub get a free gift for signing up as well as a free birthday burger (in addition to regular e-mail newsletters). When you register, you’ll have to fill out a survey asking what you order most often at the restaurant, when you go there, who you tend to go with and how often you go.

Age limit: None

Coldstone

What’s a birthday without ice cream? Thankfully, ice cream chain Coldstone understands the importance of this frozen treat on birthdays, so you can get “the sweetest birthday possible,” according to the company.

You’ll have to create an account on the company’s Web site and sign up to receive other promotions.

Age limit: None

Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins is another chain of ice cream shops with a birthday club. It entitles members to a free 2.5-ounce scoop of ice cream and discount on a birthday cake, that is, if you’re in charge of buying your own cake.

You’ll have to create an account at baskinrobbins.com, but you can opt out of e-mail newsletters and other offers unrelated to your free birthday ice cream and cake deal.

Age limit: None

TGI Friday’s

Free food at Friday’s may vary depending on your location, but some patrons of this restaurant chain have reported getting a free appetizer and a free dessert on their special day. Call ahead or ask your server what goodies you can get, and if they won’t give you free food, at least you’re likely to get a free birthday song out of it. If you’re 21 or over, you can get a “Give Me More Stripes” rewards card, which entitles you to a free appetizer or dessert once you join, an $8 coupon for free food for every $100 you spend and other benefits.

Age limit: None for the birthday deal.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster promises a birthday surprise for those who join its Fresh Catch Club. You’ll also be entered to win a trip to “one of the world's great seafood destinations” or another seafood-related gift.

Age limit: none

from: Mainstreet.com