By: Kelli B. Grant a reporter for SmartMoney.com.
You may send an email to: letters@smartmoney.com
No doubt about it, birthdays aren't as delightful for adults as they are for kids. Some adults even pretend that their birthdays aren't happening.
Still, there's that wistful memory of how much fun birthdays used to be. Corporate America knows this and has set up machinery to put a little fun back into your special day.
Through rewards programs and birthday clubs, you can get showered with small gifts and discounts.
These deals aren't huge. But what's not to like about, say, a free ice cream cone or a free movie rental? Round'em all up and you can feel like a spoiled kid all over again.
When it comes to these programs, use common sense. Sign up for programs only with retailers that you know and like. And read the fine print carefully. If you don't want spam or other marketing materials to be sent to you, there should be a way to opt out.
Avon A-List
Free shipping and 10% off your order. You'll receive the coupon close to your birthday, and the offer is valid for 30 days.
Baskin Robbins Birthday Club
Get a coupon for a free 2.5-oz. ice cream scoop, as well as one for $3 off of an ice cream cake.
The Body Shop Love Your Body Club
Present your membership card ($10 to join) at any store during your birthday month and receive a gift valued at up to $10.
Borders Rewards
You'll get two coupons emailed to you on your birthday: one for 15% off the regular price of one item, and one for a free dessert at the store cafe.
Cold Stone Creamery Birthday Club
Join the club online and get a free creation (the company's term for ice cream with mixed-in extras). You'll be emailed the coupon on your birthday.
Crabtree & Evelyn
Sign up for the site's email newsletter. During your birth month, you'll get a coupon code for 10% to 15% off your next order.
DSW Reward Your Style
You'll get a coupon for $5 off your next purchase.
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas Preferred Guest Program
When you spend $500 at the spas in the year preceding your birthday, you'll receive a birthday card for a complimentary manicure.
Friendly's Birthday Club
Birthday club members get a free ice cream cone with any food purchase. The offer will be emailed to you 30 days before your birthday, and expires after your birthday.
Hollywood Video
Get a coupon for a free rental on your birthday. No coupon? Just tell a store representative that you're celebrating.
New York & Company
Credit-card holders receive a birthday coupon for 25% off your next purchase. The coupon is valid for the month your birthday falls in.
Red Lobster Overboard Club
You'll be emailed a coupon for $5 off your next visit. The coupon expires two weeks after it's issued.
Wine.com Club W
Get a coupon for $10 off your next order. The coupon will be emailed to you around your birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!