Hopefully, you are having a birthday soon, but not too soon. You might need time to set yourself up for your free gifts. And if you don’t have time before this year’s birthday, it’s time to get ahead for next year.

Free dessert is common at many restaurants on your birthday. It is possible you may have to show ID, but most times I’ve seen the employees will take your word. This free dessert maybe something small compared to their regular dessert menu features, but sometimes it’s right off the dessert menu. Your dessert may come with some of the employees singing happy birthday to you, which can be embarrassing. I am on Olive Garden’s free birthday dessert list and they gave me from two weeks before my birthday to one week after, to redeem my gift.