How to Enjoy a Zero Budget Birthday
Written by Sultana Patail

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

There's nothing better than receiving presents on your birthday – except receiving them for free! So what better way to spend your special day than to pamper yourself with a day of birthday freebies? Between loyalty programs, gift cards, and special birthday promos, it's easy to plan. All you need is a bit of research and saving. Take it from birthday budgeting expert, Lorita Ho, Tangerine's own Content Marketing and Design Specialist.

Saving Gift Cards for a Spending Spree

A few years ago, Lorita decided to do something different for her birthday. Realizing she had several gift cards set aside and a few loyalty cards un-stamped, she thought "why not put these toward a gift card spending spree day?" And that's exactly what she did.

Compiling all of her gift cards and certificates, Lorita set out on her day of pampering. She started her day by treating herself to a decadent Starbucks® breakfast, followed by a soothing full body massage. After her relaxing morning, lunch was on Tim Hortons®, followed by her favourite – a mango slush bubble tea – courtesy of an old loyalty card on its 10th stamp.

Having enjoyed a morning of relaxation and food, it was on to shopping! Any girl with a Sephora® membership knows that a birthday means a special birthday gift. Lorita was no exception. She ended up getting her free gift and buying a cute ring. In her specific case, she had also scored a few gift cards for Apple® and Holt Renfrew®, helping her to walk away with an iMac Pro® and an adorable purse! Finally, she ended off her day with dinner and dessert, compliments of her family and friends.

Finding the Right Birthday Deals

Lorita's story is one way to spend a relaxing birthday at zero cost. But what if you don't have 10 gift cards saved up? There are many companies that believe in celebrating your birthday. It's just a matter of finding the right deals for you.

Feed your inner foodie with restaurants that offer meals when you sign up for their newsletters or loyalty programs. Better yet, scour your city for places that promote buy-one-get-one deals and celebrate with a friend! Food not your thing? Try retailers that treat you with a complimentary birthday gift or discount when you join their membership. Whatever your indulgence is, there are many opportunities to take advantage of to help you enjoy your special day.

Whether you have gift cards saved for a rainy day, or you love to find deals in your city, you can definitely get creative when it comes to celebrating your birthday without breaking the bank. Take a page from Lorita's budgeting book and spend this birthday pampering yourself for free!

Starbucks is a registered trademark of Starbucks Corporation, doing business as Starbucks Coffee Company
Tim Hortons is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons Canadian IP Holdings Corporation
Sephora is a registered trademark of Sephora
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Holt Renfrew is a registered trademark of Holt, Renfrew & Co., Limited
iMac Pro is a trademark of Apple, Inc.

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