At the beginning of each year, I like to remind everyone to sign up for birthday freebies. Doing so doesn’t cost you anything but a little bit of time. And it’s a wonderful feeling to get emails from all these companies offering you a free gift or discount if you visit them on or around your birthday. Read again next week for more clubs to join to help make your special day cost you nothing.

Restaurants

Applebee’s: Get a free dessert for your birthday.

BD’s Mongolian Grill: Get a free stir-fry around your birthday.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Join the Buffalo Circle club and get a free dessert on your birthday.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Get a special birthday surprise.

Denny’s: Get a free Grand Slam breakfast on your birthday.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Join the NUT-E club to receive a birthday surprise.

O’Charley’s: Sign up for the e-CLUB and get a $5 coupon on your birthday.

Olive Garden: Get a free birthday surprise.

Outback Steakhouse: Receive a free birthday surprise.

Perkins: Join the eClub to receive offers for your birthday and wedding anniversary.

Red Robin: Get a free burger on your birthday.

T.G.I. Friday’s: Join the Give Me More Stripes program and receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert, plus a one-time “Jump the Line” pass as a “Thank You” for signing up.

Other

Helzberg Diamonds: This is one of my favorites. Sign up to get the latest on new jewelry, offers and gift ideas, plus receive a free gift when you sign up. Also, you will get free gifts for Mother’s Day, birthdays and your anniversary.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza: Sign up and get a coupon for 50 percent off any pizza with a pizza purchase. On your birthday, you will receive free cookie dough.

Sephora: Receive a free birthday gift from the cosmetics company.