Leap Day, also known as February 29th, is an intriguing anomaly that occurs only once every four years. It is an additional day added to the calendar to align it with the Earth’s orbit around the sun. While most years consist of 365 days, Leap Years have 366 days. This additional day not only breaks the monotony of our regular calendar but also holds a certain mystique and magic. It is a day that symbolizes the extraordinary and offers a unique opportunity to indulge in special experiences and celebrations.
History and significance of Leap Day
The concept of Leap Day dates back to the time of Julius Caesar, who introduced the Julian calendar in 45 BC. However, the Julian calendar did not precisely align with the solar year, resulting in a discrepancy over time. To address this, Pope Gregory XIII devised the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which included the Leap Year system we still follow today. Leap Day holds historical significance as it ensures that our calendar remains synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun.
Leap Day freebies and deals
Leap Day presents a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with customers by offering special deals and freebies. Companies often take advantage of this rare occurrence to attract new customers, reward loyal patrons, or simply create a buzz around their brand. By offering exclusive promotions, businesses can generate excitement and increase footfall to their establishments. Leap Day freebies and deals not only provide customers with a chance to save money but also create a memorable experience that fosters loyalty and goodwill towards the brand.
Here are some special offerings from a variety of companies this Leap Year
Chipotle
Chipotle will host a special “Extra Day” promotion for its Rewards members: free guacamole on digital orders placed on the restaurant’s smartphone app or website. Rewards members just need to use the code EXTRA24 to get their free guac.
Also, from now through Feb. 29, Chipotle has a special “Extra Day” Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win free guac for a year.
How to play: Fans will be challenged to uncover 29 keywords hidden in the content and captions on @Chipotle on Instagram. Nine keywords will be available on Feb. 28. For each keyword, the 366th fan to text the keyword to 888222 will win free guac for a year from Chipotle. Three hundred and sixty-six represents the number of days in a Leap Year.
Hooter’s
If you’re a HootClub Rewards member with the smartphone app downloaded, you will receive an automatic reward to get one appetizer for $2.29. Choose from cheese sticks, fried pickles, chips and queso, lots-a-tots, pretzels and cheese, or 12 buffalo shrimp.
Insomnia Cookies
Who needs a birthday cake when you can get free birthday cookies and a small celebration? Insomnia Cookies around the U.S. will give anyone with a Feb. 29 birthday (with I.D. proof) four free cookies and a mini “birthday party” to celebrate their birth date.
Krispy Kreme
Feb. 29 transforms into doughnut day with Krispy Kreme’s $ 2.29-for-a-dozen deal. You do have to buy one dozen at full price, but customers will receive an entire dozen for just $2.29 more.
Long John Silver’s
Online customers of Long John Silver’s can take advantage of the “Add a Day. Add-A-Piece” deal. When ordering ahead online when using the code LEAPDAY, you’ll get a free piece of fish or chicken to your online order. The special is available now through Leap day.
Noodles & Company
Leap day is clearly a good time to order lunch or dinner out at a discount. Noodles Rewards Members get an extra 29% off any order of $29 or more on Feb 29.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness wants to promote an “extra day of energy” with a special deal. From now until Feb. 29, new customers can sign up for a 29-cent down payment and then $10 a month and pay nothing until March 17.
Staples
Staples is offering a special for Feb. 29. Staples is giving away 29,000 passport photos plus 29x rewards points on select travel and office supplies.
You need to sign up for the new Staples Easy Rewards Program to get your free passport photo and bonus points.
Wendy’s
On Leap Day, Wendy’s is highlighting their new Wendy’s and Cinnabon collaboration: the Cinnabon Pull-Aparts. You’ll want to leap over to Wendy’s on Feb. 29 to get a free order of this sweet treat. You can order them in person, on the website or through the app to get your freebie, no purchase necessary.
Build-A-Bear
Customers who have a Feb. 29 birthday can come into their local Build-A-Bear store and buy a Birthday Treat Bear for just $4 (a $14 value.). You must present proof of birth date to get the $4 special price.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering its popular Pizookies for just $2.29 with a minimum purchase of $10. Dine-in only.
Buffalo Wild Wings
On leap day, buy one order of boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings and get another order free.
Del Taco
Enjoy a leap day feast at Del Taco with 30 tacos for under $20.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Enjoy a medium Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee for just $2 via the Dunkin’ app. The offer is only available to Dunkin’ Rewards members.
Habit Burger Grill
Get a free Shake with any purchase from the Habit Burger Grill when you order online or in the app with a promo code. Use promo code SHAKE24 at checkout.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
Buy one large pizza at regular price, and get a large 1-topping pizza for just $0.29 with a Hungry Howie’s coupon code valid, February 26 -29. The offer is for carryout orders only.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Buy a sub in the Jersey Mike’s app and get a free sub later! The offer is valid for MyMike’s members (one time only) through February 29.
Kona Grill
On Feb. 29, 2024, enjoy the Surf & Turf for $29 from Kona Grill.
Panda Express
Panda Express rewards members can get an order of Firecracker Shrimp for free – for a limited time only.