Birthday clubs with free gifts for kids

Birthdays are a big deal for kids, so it's nice when a restaurant or toy store or other company recognizes their birthday and gives them a present.  (As a parent, it's also nice for you, because if the present is a free meal, it's a little bit of money you get to save.)

Here are some birthday clubs that you can sign your children up for so they'll get a free gift on their birthday:

- Toys R Us

By signing your child up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club, they'll get several things for their birthday (until they turn 10).  They'll receive a card and a gift in the mail, a phone call from Geoffrey himself (if you want it), and even a little "in-store celebration" if you bring them in that day.  (You must sign up at least six to eight weeks before the upcoming birthday.)

- Chuck E. Cheese's

Chuck E. Cheese's has always been a popular spot for children's birthday parties.  When you register for the Chuck E-Club, you'll get discounts and free token offers, plus a digital Chuck E. Cheese's book for kids.  You may also receive coupons and special offers by email.

- Castaway Bay

Castaway Bay is a resort and waterpark located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  Children 12 and under enrolled in the park's birthday club will get a voucher sent by email (you must print out and bring the entire email) which can be redeemed for either a free day pass to the waterpark or a Birthday Fun Pack.  The Birthday Fun Pack consists of a free food item, an arcade card already loaded with money, and a free pass to "color your own t-shirt or backpack."  The Birthday Fun Pack can only be chosen if the birthday boy or girl is an overnight guest.

- Bob Evans

To join the exclusive Bob Evans Birthday Club, your child must be under 13 years old.  Once you sign them up, they'll receive a free kids' meal on their birthday (as long as an adult entree is purchased at the same time).

- Captain D's Seafood Kitchen

The Captain D's Seafood Kitchen has a Kid's Birthday Club which is open to children 12 and under.  By signing your child up, Captain D's will send them a coupon for a free kids' meal for their birthday.

(Originally published on Helium.com, July 2010; updated August 2015)