Written By: Sheree Cardwell, Public Affairs Marketing Coordinator

Twenty-one years ago, on my birthday, I received the best gift I would ever get, my son, Connor. Sharing a birthday was not something I planned, but it has become my favorite co-celebration. So, every year we honor our double day the only logical way possible: by letting restaurants treat us. Kindly. Legally. Through the magical power of rewards apps.

This year marked our fifth annual Great Birthday Freebie Tour, and the lineup was chef’s kiss.

Stop 1: Chick-fil-A

We opened strong at Chick-fil-A because nothing says “happy birthday” like God’s chicken. We had a free entree reward so Connor ordered a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit. I went with the grilled chicken breakfast bowl, proving that 43 year olds make responsible choices. We also happily accept bonus spicy chicken biscuits for the road because it was Freebie Tuesday. 

We left egg-stra thankful and fully fueled.

Stop 2: Starbucks

Next up was Starbucks for birthday reward drinks. Connor leaned into 21 with a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino, because calories mean nothing to him yet. I took a more calorie cautious approach with a Passion Tea sweetened with sugar free vanilla. Free caffeine just tastes better. 

Stop 3: Houston Museum of Natural Science (not free, but definitely fun)

We balanced out the calories with culture at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This was not a freebie, but we needed to kill time till lunch, with a little t-rex and space adventures.

Stop 4: Chipotle

By lunch, we were ready to roll into Chipotle. Connor scored a free burrito. I opted for a burrito bowl. We both added chips and guac because if loving free guac is wrong, I don’t want to be rice.

Stop 5: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Then it was time for a little bundt-day magic at Nothing Bundt Cakes. We picked up red velvet and white chocolate raspberry bundtlets. In a rare display of maturity and self control, we even saved a few bites for the next day. Why not extend the birthday celebration?

Stop 6: Buffalo Wild Wings

Dinner called for wings, so we answered at Buffalo Wild Wings. Six free birthday wings each? Yes please. I chose garlic parmesan, classy and savory. Connor went honey barbecue, sweet with a little swagger. It was saucy, slightly messy, and absolutely worth it.

Final Stop: Crumbl

We finished our freebie adventure at Crumbl because ending the day with cookies just felt right. I chose the s’mores, and Connor stuck with a classic chocolate chip. A sweet way to wrap up the birthday tour.

Twenty-one years ago, I became a mom on my birthday. This year, I got to celebrate 43 and 21 with my favorite human, driving around, flashing reward emails like pros, and stacking memories higher than a Chipotle burrito bowl.

Some families pass down heirlooms. We pass down reward points. And honestly, that’s a tradition that never gets old, even if I do.