It wasn’t a “significant” birthday, the kind that seems to require a super-size celebration to mark the transition from one decade to the next. It was just a birthday, and I like to spend the day doing anything I feel like doing whenever I feel like doing it. Of course, I’m not independently wealthy, so we’re not talking a private plane to the wine country.

I don’t like parties or hoopla. So, for this birthday, I lined up a day of delicious indulgence. It was a bit of modest decadence that would have set me back quite a bit had I done it any other day.

I began with a visit to the Olympus Spa in South Tacoma. There is also one in Lynnwood, which I went to courtesy of a gift certificate from dear friends marking a “significant” birthday last year. A woman in one of the relaxing pools had told me conspiratorially that you can use the spa free on your birthday, whether you book services or not. Just show photo ID – that means the day before or after won’t work.

When I’d explored all the rooms and pools at the Olympus, I knew exactly where I was heading next. I had received a $20 birthday coupon in the mail from one of my favorite clothing stores. $20 could be a pretty new top, so it was definitely worth a browse through the store.

Next, because it was right next door, I popped into See’s Candies. Of course, they give you a free sample just for walking in. They figure you’ll buy something, and most people do. So, along with the free dark chocolate hazelnut butter cream, I bought a coconut-filled truffle. I didn’t tell them it was my birthday.

I finished up with a spray tan at Desert Sun. I hadn’t planned on it, but I discovered this freebie last year when I was getting ready for a trip where I hoped it would be warm enough to wear shorts. I had purchased a series of three sessions so I could get a bit of color going, and the registration form asks for your birthday. The second time I went in, the girl looked at her computer screen and said, “Happy birthday!” So I got an extra visit out of that little splurge and cashed in on it again this year.

I could have taken it a bit further and gone out for dinner, but I didn’t. Quite a few restaurants will give you a free dessert on your birthday. Now they’re using birthdays as a marketing strategy, but you have to sign up online. For example, Duke’s Chowder House will give you two free dinners if you sign up for their email club, one free lunch or dinner on your birthday and a buy-one-get-one-free lunch or dinner for signing up.

There are even blogs and websites devoted to helping you find free stuff on your birthday. I did an online search of “birthday freebies Seattle” and turned up a plethora of ideas.

You don’t have to be independently wealthy to treat yourself – or a friend – to a pretty fabulous time when the next birthday rolls around. If you’re willing to divulge the day, usually without divulging the year, you can score some nice treats. I’ve always been on a budget, and getting something for free, particularly in this economy, gives me a little lift.

This article appeared in the November 2010 issue of Northwest Prime Time, the Puget Sound region’s monthly publication celebrating life after 50.