Loyalty schemes How to get the best birthday treats

From food freebies to fashion discounts, Mabel Banfield-Nwachi picks out the top deals retailers offer you on your special day

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Celebrating your birthday isn't just about getting presents and cards from family and friends. Signing up to loyalty schemes and newsletters can give you access to a host of freebies, deals and discounts from retailers to mark the big day.

With my birthday on the horizon, I decided to look at what was on offer, and see which gifts came with some small print. In one day in central London, I collected £10.15 of sweet treats from four retailers, although the sad thing was that no one actually wished me a happy birthday.

A further £44 of free goodies were available from skincare and chocolate brands, although they would have involved a minimum spend. Then there were money-off vouchers for items such as trainers.

Of course, unlike friends and families, firms are after something when they give us these gifts. Here's my guide to the deals worth signing up to before you get older.

Cakes and bakes Many restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and retailers offer a free treat on your birthday if you've signed up to their loyalty programme and entered your date of birth.

There are often conditions, such as the need to have signed up a certain number of days in advance. Some require you to spend a minimum amount, but here are some of the goodies you can grab without touching your purse or wallet.

Greggs Once you have downloaded and signed up to the Greggs app and added your date of birth, you will be offered a free treat on your birthday every year.

This can be anything from the confectionery range, such as a cookie or doughnut.

I chose a sugar-strand ring doughnut that would normally cost £1.40. Your birthday treat voucher will normally expire within a month. The voucher will appear in the wallet section of the app around the time of your birthday.