Last time, I talked about the so-called “turning 33 crisis” and all the thoughts and emotions that come with it. But today, let’s flip the script and focus on the fun side of birthdays—especially when it comes to celebrating in Canada.

Now, speaking of birthdays, I recently discovered something that really surprised me: the incredible world of birthday freebies. Yes, you heard that right! Here in Canada, you can actually get a bunch of stuff for free on your special day, thanks to various restaurants, service providers, and shops. It’s like everyone’s giving you a little gift just for being born, and honestly, I’m all for it!

So, let me share a few of these birthday freebies that I’ve come across, starting with one of the most famous ones in Vancouver. If you’re turning a year older and want to kick off your day with a delicious breakfast, head over to Denny’s. They offer a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast when you dine in on your birthday. This one’s really popular, and I’ve seen so many people posting about it on social media. It’s almost like a rite of passage for Vancouverites.

But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re a coffee or juice lover, you’re in luck. Starbucks and JUGO JUICE both give you a free drink on your birthday. So, after breakfast, you can grab a coffee from Starbucks or a refreshing smoothie from JUGO JUICE—whichever suits your vibe.

And for those with a sweet tooth, Baskin-Robbins offers a free scoop of ice cream. There’s just something about enjoying your favorite ice cream flavor without having to pay for it that makes your birthday even sweeter.

Now, here’s one for the beauty lovers out there. Sephora lets you choose a birthday gift from a selection of items, which can be anything from lipstick to mascara. It’s like getting a little beauty boost to make your day even more special.

So, I’ve actually decided to take full advantage of these freebies on my next birthday. I’m planning to take the day off and go on a little birthday freebie adventure. Here’s how it’s going to go down: I’ll start with a free breakfast at Denny’s, then swing by Starbucks for a coffee, followed by a stop at Sephora for some cosmetics. Next, I’ll grab a smoothie at JUGO JUICE, and a scoop of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. And to top it all off, I’m thinking of ending the day with a visit to The Keg Steakhouse, where I’ll get a free side menu item. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate, right?

Now, comparing this to Japan, where I’m originally from, the concept of birthday freebies isn’t as widespread. Instead, many salons and shops offer discounts, and it’s pretty common to request special treatment at a restaurant, like a birthday cake or a special dish. Both cultures have their own charm, but I have to say, I love the idea of completely free meals and drinks. It’s especially helpful for those of us who might be a little broke but still want to enjoy something special without spending extra.

So, that’s my plan—to make my birthday the best cost-performance day of the year and take full advantage of getting older. I’d love to hear from you—what are some fun or unique birthday traditions in your country? Do you have anything like these freebies? Let me know in the comments or on social media.