Birthday freebies: how to cash in on UK retailers’ gifts and discounts

Join a loyalty scheme and you often get a reward or discount on your special day - but it may have strings attached

Celebrating your birthday isn't just about getting presents and cards from family and friends. Signing up to loyalty schemes and newsletters can give you access to a host of freebies, deals and discounts from retailers to mark the big day.

With my birthday on the horizon I decided to look at what was on offer, and see which gifts came with some small print.