I was surprised when I started working in the Netherlands with how many Dutch friends take their birthday date off. And what surprised me even more is that Dutch businesses love to celebrate your special day with generous perks. From free coffee and sweet treats to spa discounts and surprise gifts. Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Leiden, or anywhere in between, there’s a surprising number of birthday freebies waiting for you.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to unlock these celebratory deals. I’ll explain where to find them. You’ll learn how to make the most of your birthday without breaking the bank. Because who says you can’t treat yourself and stay financially savvy?
Sweet treats & snacks
Piece of birthday cake – IKEA (free)
On your birthday, you get a voucher. It entitles you to a free piece of DAIM almond chocolate cake or a Swedish apple pie. You have 30 days to use the voucher.
What do you need
- Sign-up for the IKEA family
- In the settings in your IKEA Family profile that you want to get emails from IKEA.
- The IKEA voucher you get in your email to scan it at the cashier
HEMA tompouce (free)
HEMA celebrates with you with a free piece of HEMA tompouce. You have 7 days to pick it up. The voucher is provided via the app.
What do you need:
- (Free) HEMA loyalty card
- Enter your birth date on your HEMA account
Birthday cake Jumbo (20% discount)
Planning a party? Jumbo gives a 20% discount on fresh pastries in the week before or after your birthday!
What do you need:
- Sign-up in Jumbo app
- ID card, to show it to the cashier.
LIDL free product, usually chocolate (free)
I have a soft spot for chocolate, so saying no is… well, not my strongest skill. Every year on my birthday, I make a little detour to Lidl to pick up my free treat.
What do you need:
- Sign-up in Lidl Plus app
- Do not forget to fill in your day of birth.
Gifts & discounts
Intratuin free product, usually a plant (free)
Not only you get a gift when it’s your birthday. You can also give Intratuin your pet’s date of birth. Then they also get a tasty snack on their birthday!
What do you need:
- Register via the website or via the Intratuin app
H&M (discount)
H&M offers you a 25% discount in one item.
What do you need:
- Be registered with the H&M app
- Do not forget to fill in your day of birth.
Praxis (discount)
Do you like DIY projects? Praxis gives you 25% discount on a product of your choice. You have 30 days to buy the product.
What do you need:
- Be registered with the Praxis Plus app
- Do not forget to show the discount code to the cashier.
Uniqlo (discount)
Uniqlo offers €5 discount when you spend €50 or more online or in-store. The coupon is available for the 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your birthday.
What do you need:
- Have a membership at Uniqlo.
Douglas (discount)
Douglas offers €5 discount when you spend €30 or more online or in-store. The coupon is available for one month from your birthday.
What do you need:
- Have a membership at Douglas.
Dining & Experiences
Eat for free at some Van der Valk hotels (free or discounted)
In some Van der Valk hotels you can eat for free at your birthday:
Do not forget to check the terms and conditions!
Mc Donald’s (free)
Mc Donald’s celebrates your birthday with you with a free hamburger, nuggets or McFlurry.
What do you need:
- Mc Donald’s app
Kinepolis ticket (free)
Kinepolis gives you a free birthday ticket! It is valid on the day of your birthday or the day after.
Conditions:
- Show the birthday voucher and your ID card at the ticket control.
- Your profile is created at least two weeks before your birthday.
- You are subscribed at the Kinepolis newsletter
- You have made an online buy in the 12 months before your birthday.
Sauna entry (free or discounted)
Many saunas in the Netherlands offer free or discounted entry or meal at the day of your birthday. Check at your favorite sauna for offers.
Do you have a favorite cafe, restaurant or even bookstore in the city you live? Do not forget to check with them if they have a membership card with perks for your birthday.
Do not forget to sign up early and check the terms and conditions for your birthday freebies!
