As a savvy shopper, you’re always looking for ways to save money on purchases for your home. One little-known secret is that many retailers offer a birthday discount for customers. This perk provides anywhere from 10-20% off a single purchase made during your birthday month. Knowing when to take advantage of this deal can put some extra cash back in your wallet.
What stores offer a birthday discount?
While not all retailers have a formal birthday discount program, many popular home goods stores do. Here are some of the major national chains that let you save on a special purchase for your special day:
- Bed Bath & Beyond – Get 20% off one item during your birthday month.
- Kohl’s – Take 15% off purchases for the entire month of your birthday.
- Macy’s – Enjoy 15% off one purchase made on your birthday.
- Michaels – Receive a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase that’s valid through your birthday month.
- Target – Get a one-time coupon for 15% off one purchase to use during your birthday month.
- Kirkland’s – Save 20% off one item within 7 days before or after your birthday.
Check the websites or ask customer service at your favorite stores to find out if they offer any birthday perks. Local small businesses may also be willing to provide a discount if you ask.
Big box discount retailers
Major discount stores like Walmart and Costco do not have formal birthday discount policies. However, they do offer significant savings on home goods year-round. Shopping sales events and clearance items at these retailers can feel like getting a birthday present any time of year.
Online retailers
Popular online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair and Overstock also generally do not offer birthday discounts. But they often provide sitewide sales and online codes you can use to save around your birthday. Sign up for email newsletters so you never miss a site promo.
How does the birthday discount work?
Retailers with birthday discounts all follow roughly the same guidelines, with some varying specifics:
- The offer applies to one single item or entire purchase.
- There is a specific discount percentage – typically 10%, 15% or 20% off.
- The discount has a valid timeframe during your birthday month.
- Some exclusions on premium brands or clearance items may apply.
- You must present ID showing your birthday to receive the offer.
Be sure to note the fine print for the store(s) you plan to shop. Some retailers require you to be a member of their loyalty program to get the birthday perk. You may need to use a coupon code online or present a coupon in-store to redeem the discount.
Stacking savings
The best part about birthday discounts is that they often stack on top of existing store sales or coupons. For example, if you use a 20% off birthday coupon when an item is already 25% off, you could potentially get 45% off that purchase!
However, some retailers do exclude premium or sale-priced brands from the birthday offer. Check whether you can “stack” a birthday promo prior to shopping so you can maximize savings.
When should you use your birthday discount?
Timing is everything when it comes to saving with a birthday discount. Consider these tips for when to use your birthday coupon:
- Shop on or as close to your actual birthday. Retailers are more likely to have sales running on and around major holidays and your birthday.
- Wait until a big sales weekend or special event. Pair your coupon with major sales like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day or Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
- Combine with a storewide promo code online. Stack your birthday savings on top of sitewide sales and site promo codes.
- Use it on a big-ticket item. Make the most of the discount by applying it to a large purchase like furniture or appliances.
- Shop end of season. Use your coupon to get discounts on items like summer furniture during August or holiday decor in January.
Avoid exclusions
Be aware that some brands or types of merchandise are excluded from birthday promos. For example, retailers may prohibit using the offer on:
- Apple, Samsung, LG, Sony products
- Luxury mattresses or furniture brands
- Gift cards
- Clearance items or out-of-season products
Review the terms so you don’t accidentally try to buy something that won’t qualify. Plan to use your birthday coupon on a full-price item you’ve had your eye on for maximum savings.
Tips for using your birthday discount
To make the most of retailer birthday coupons and perks, keep these tips in mind:
- Note retailer coupon terms. Policies vary, so know the expiration date, exclusions, online vs in-store use, etc.
- Have ID ready. Most stores require a valid photo ID displaying your birthday to approve the discount.
- Join loyalty programs. Signing up for store reward programs ahead of time may be required.
- Stack savings when possible. Use atop sales, promo codes and other coupons for maximum value.
- Shop online for convenience. Some retailers make it easiest to redeem your birthday offer online.
- Grab in-store deals. If shopping in person, ask about any unadvertised birthday perks available.
Maximize savings
To maximize the value of your birthday shopping trip, make a list of home needs and wants in advance. Browse current offerings and sales to comparison shop across retailers. Consider whether you require any specialty items that may be excluded from promos at certain stores.
If your birthday falls at a busy retail time like the holidays, you may want to hold off for end-of-season deals later in the year. Having a plan ahead of time ensures you can strategically shop your birthday discounts on ideal home goods.
Examples of birthday discount savings
Wondering how much a birthday discount could save you? Here are some examples of dollar values on sample home purchases:
| Item | Original Price | Discounted Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofa | $1000 | $800 | $200 |
| Mattress | $500 | $400 | $100 |
| Dining set | $2000 | $1600 | $400 |
| TV | $600 | $510 | $90 |
As you can see, discounts of 10-20% can add up, especially on big-ticket furniture or appliances. Waiting to buy major home items until your birthday month can result in huge savings.
Stacking savings example
Here’s an example of how a birthday discount can stack with an existing store sale for even more savings:
| Item | Original Price | Sale Price | Birthday Discount | Total Price | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio furniture set | $1500 | $1125 (25% off) | Extra 15% off | $956 | $544 |
By stacking a 15% birthday coupon on top of a 25% patio furniture sale, you could potentially save over $500! This demonstrates how using discounts and sales together can maximize value.
Get ready to save on home goods
Next time you need to make a big purchase for your home, keep your birthday discount options in mind. Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels and others let you unlock special savings in the month of your birthday. Just be sure to read the fine print so you can follow all coupon terms to score the best deal.
With a little strategic planning, you can potentially save hundreds on home goods by shopping your birthday discounts. Treat yourself to some home upgrades and decor and have fun saving on items you really want. Happy birthday shopping!