Leapling Freebies Guide Special Birthday Treats For People Born On February 29

Leap Day, occurring once every four years on February 29, presents a unique opportunity for businesses to offer special promotions and freebies. For individuals born on this rare date, known as "Leaplings," "Leapsters," or "Leapers," it's an opportunity to celebrate their actual birthday rather than the February 28 or March 1 dates they typically observe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the special freebies and discounts available exclusively to Leaplings, as well as some general Leap Day promotions open to all consumers.

Understanding Leap Day and Leaplings

Leap Day occurs every four years, with the exception of century years that aren't exactly divisible by 400. The purpose of Leap Day is to keep the calendar synchronized with the astronomical year, which is approximately 365.25 days, while our standard calendar year consists of 365 days. The next Leap Day after 2024 will take place on Tuesday, February 29, 2028.

People born on February 29, known as Leaplings, face the unique circumstance of only having their actual birthday once every four years. Famous Leaplings include rapper Ja Rule, the late actor Dennis Farina, soap opera star Antonio Sabato Jr., motivational speaker Tony Robbins, Foster the People lead singer Mark Foster, and the late Dinah Shore. While Leaplings typically celebrate on February 28 or March 1 in non-leap years, they get to celebrate on their actual birth date during Leap Years.

Food and Beverage Freebies for Leaplings

Numerous food and beverage establishments offer special treats for Leaplings on February 29. These promotions typically require presentation of a valid ID to confirm the Leap Day birthday.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme provides one of the most generous Leap Day offers: a free dozen regular-priced original glazed doughnuts, valued at $15.99. This offer requires no purchase and is available to Leaplings who present a valid ID. Friends of Leaplings who don't share the rare birthday can still take advantage of a special deal, purchasing a box of doughnuts for just $2.29, which represents 85% off the regular price.

Cowboy Chicken

Leaplings can receive a free wood-fire rotisserie chicken at Cowboy Chicken locations. To claim this offer, individuals must present a valid ID to confirm their February 29 birthday.

Insomnia Cookies

The cookie chain Insomnia Cookies offers Leaplings four free cookies and an in-store birthday party. Participants need to show an ID with their Leap Year birthday listed to receive this complimentary treat. This offer has been available during previous Leap Years and is expected to continue.

Main Event

During the last Leap Year, Main Event locations offered Leaplings a free Party Fun Sundae. This dessert featured four gelato flavors topped with brownies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate syrup, cinnamon-sugar donut holes, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and candy, representing a $15 value. Valid ID was required to claim this offer.

Villa Italian Kitchen

Villa Italian Kitchen has previously provided Leaplings with a free slice of Neapolitan Cheese pizza, regularly priced at $5.09. This offer required Leaplings to show their ID to verify their special birthday.

Jackson's Taziki's

For guests dining at Jackson's Taziki's locations in Tennessee, Leaplings with valid ID can expect freebies such as a pack of Taziki's cookies, a slice of baklava, or a slice of baklava cheesecake.

Milk Bar

Milk Bar has offered Leap Year babies a free 6-inch birthday cake along with discounted cereal milk soft serve. During the 2024 Leap Year, the soft serve was available for $2.29.

Oh My Cupcakes

In Sioux Falls locations only, Oh My Cupcakes has provided free cupcakes to individuals with Leap Day birthdays.

General Leap Day Food Promotions

While many Leap Day offers are exclusive to Leaplings, some promotions are available to all customers during Leap Year.

Starbucks

Starbucks has offered a special promotion where customers receive a free handcrafted drink when they purchase another, available through March 3. This offer was accessible to all Starbucks Rewards members through the app or by requesting it from a barista.

7-Eleven

The convenience store chain 7-Eleven has celebrated Leap Day by offering whole pizzas for just $2.29 in participating stores and through the 7NOW delivery app. Additionally, first-time users of the 7NOW app could receive a $29 discount on any delivery order over $50 using the promo code 29OFF50.

Denny's

Denny's has provided a free Grand Slam to anyone born on February 29 when they showed their photo ID at any location nationwide. This offer was limited to dine-in service only.

Home Run Inn

During Leap Day 2028, Home Run Inn is expected to give away pizzas to the first 29 leap year babies (18 years or older) who present a valid ID.

Experience-Based Freebies for Leaplings

Beyond food, several experience-based venues offer special deals for Leaplings.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving has provided Leaplings with the chance to experience two free flights through March 1 in its indoor wind tunnel that simulates skydiving. This offer allowed Leaplings to enjoy the sensation of skydiving without needing to leap from an actual plane.

Big Snow at American Dream

For free indoor skiing, Leaplings could hit the slopes at Big Snow, located at American Dream megamall. This venue features America's first real-snow indoor ski slope and has offered special access to those born on February 29.

STRAT Skyjump

Leaplings can expect to receive a free STRAT Skyjump (regularly priced at $129.99 in 2024) on the next Leap Day.

Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink in New York City is predicted to offer a free day of skating on Leap Day 2028.

Build-a-Bear Workshop

For Leaplings only, Build-a-Bear Workshop locations have offered the opportunity to pick up a Birthday Treat Bear at a discount. During the 2024 Leap Year, the bear was priced at $4 compared to its regular price of $14. Valid ID was required to receive this deal.

Other Notable Leap Day Offers

Hotels.com

Hotels.com has celebrated Leap Day by giving away 29 special discount codes worth $290 each for hotel stays. These codes were available to anyone born on February 29 who tweeted @hotelsdotcom on Leap Day to share the "biggest struggle" of being a Leapling.

Staples

Staples has previously offered 29,000 passport photos for free via their app during Leap Day 2028, and this promotion is expected to continue in future Leap Years.

Lay's

Lay's has engaged customers in Leap Day celebrations by offering a chance to win a free bag of chips. During the last Leap Year, Lay's announced their Leap Year Facebook post on February 28, and participants could leave a comment for an opportunity to win a free bag of potato chips (a $3 value).

Hoodie Allen

Brooklyn rapper Hoodie Allen celebrated the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed "Leap Day" mixtape by performing the mixtape live in full. This event was open to the public and not exclusive to Leaplings.

Marketing Insights Behind Leap Day Promotions

Brands have developed specific marketing strategies around Leap Day that capitalize on the uniqueness of the date and the special status of Leaplings. One common tactic is offering 29% discounts, which creates a clear and memorable link to the rare date of February 29. These number-based discounts stand out compared to traditional promotions and increase perceived relevance through creative taglines like "Leap into 29% savings."

The practice of offering freebies to Leaplings has proven effective for increasing brand engagement and generating free publicity. Stories about companies recognizing the rare February 29 birthdays often receive media coverage, creating shareable content that resonates with consumers. The uniqueness of Leap Day birthdays helps create a sense of an "exclusive club," which brands can leverage in their marketing campaigns.

Planning for Future Leap Days

For those born on February 29, planning ahead can maximize opportunities to celebrate their actual birthday. Many businesses announce their Leap Day promotions closer to the date, but based on previous years, certain chains are likely to repeat their offers:

• Food establishments like Krispy Kreme, Cowboy Chicken, and Insomnia Cookies have consistently offered treats to Leaplings
• Experience venues such as iFLY Indoor Skydiving and Build-a-Bear Workshop have provided special access
• Retailers like Staples have offered practical free items like passport photos

Leaplings should monitor official brand communications and promotional announcements as Leap Day approaches to confirm which offers will be available and any specific requirements for participation.

Conclusion

Leap Day presents a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with consumers through special promotions, with many establishments offering exclusive deals to those born on February 29. From complimentary food items to unique experiences, Leaplings have numerous options to celebrate their rare birthday. These promotions not only provide value to consumers but also create memorable brand experiences that generate positive word-of-mouth and media coverage. As Leap Day 2028 approaches, both Leaplings and the general public can look forward to creative offers that highlight the uniqueness of this quadrennial celebration.

Sources

1. The Krazy Coupon Lady - Leap Day Birthday Freebies & Deals
2. Syracuse.com - Leap Day freebies: How to get free food, more deals on Feb. 29
3. The Krazy Coupon Lady - Freebies for Leap Day
4. NY Post - Leap Day 2020: The best deals, freebies and things to do
5. Amra and Elma - Leap Year Marketing Statistics