I guess this is the time when it pays off for all these stores and restaurants to have your personal information and email address on file. My birthday is on the 13th but I have been receiving coupons and "gifts' via email and regular mail for about 2 weeks now. Most restaurants just send a free dessert which I'll probably never use but I did score some good freebies that are worth visiting for lunch or dinner.
Free entree from Moe's
Free Bang Bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill
Free dinner from Texas de Brazil
Free Appetizer from Carrabbas
This is what my inbox looked like exactly 2 weeks before my birthday.