How to Spend Your Birthday When Broke In NYC

As my 20th birthday approached, I started to feel a sense of dread. Not only because I was relinquishing my teendom but also because I couldn't afford to throw a big party or even go out to dinner with friends. So how's a broke girl supposed to celebrate her birthday in style? By stocking up on birthday freebies of course! And New York City abounds in them.

I did a little research and found this website.: http://www.freebie-depot.com/birthday-freebie-list/
It lists hundreds of freebies you can get from various restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues on your birthday. It's an exhaustive list but I weeded through them until I found a few gems.

Some of the best for New Yorkers are...

• Au Bon Pain- which offers a free sandwich or salad during your birthday week
• Moe's Southwest Grill- I picked up a free burrito at their Penn Station location
• Sprinkles- who entitles you to a free cupcake of your choosing on your birthday. Combine that with their whisper word promotion and you'll get two free cupcakes!
• Rita's Ices- a free ice during your birthday week

And lastly, Big Daddy's Diner who will comp your meal on your birthday. With dishes on their menu like oreo pancakes and a burger stuffed with mac and cheese, it's the perfect place to indulge on your birthday. I went to their Gramercy Park location and special ordered their bran pancakes with chocolate chunks. My date (okay it was my dad who had spent the day helping me move into my new apartment) got the Grand Daddy Burger. The service was phenomenal and the atmosphere great!

When all was said and done, I was a happy (and stuffed!) birthday girl without spending a dime.