This Is Why Some People Get Free Flowers at Trader Joe’s

Some stores know how to add sparkle to our day. From drawing smiley faces on receipts like Costco to a stuffed animal scavenger hunt with prizes at Trader Joe’s, the little things go a long way. Especially little free things.

Rumor has it, beyond free samples, customers can get free flowers at Trader Joe’s under certain circumstances.

Who gets free flowers at Trader Joe’s?

Some lucky customers have received flowers on their birthday at Trader Joe’s. According to TikToker Mary Rose DeMouy (@maryrosedemouy), her local Trader Joe’s is one of the stores that generously gives flowers in honor of the special day.

“This is a PSA,” Mary says, “did ya’ll know that on your birthday Trader Joe’s will give you a bouquet of free flowers?” she asks. She then proceeds to show her shopping trip to Trader Joe’s followed by a wrapped bouquet in her car. “It worked!” she beams.

@maryrosedemouy Thank you @traderjoes !!! 🥳 #traderjoes #birthday #freeflowers #29thbirthday ♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus

Others commented about their similar experiences. “They happened to check my ID (it was my 50th bday & bought tequila) and one of the mates came over & gave me flowers,” one user comments.

Beyond birthdays, a free Trader Joe’s bouquet can be given out for other reasons, like for major celebrations or if a customer has lost a loved one. It’s a generous gesture that certainly makes it onto the list of reasons to adore Trader Joe’s.

Does everyone get free flowers at Trader Joe’s for celebrations?

Before adding Trader Joe’s to the official list of places that offer birthday freebies, take note that fresh birthday flowers aren’t granted at every store. Many people in Mary’s comments quickly clarified that it’s not an official practice and depends on the store and cashier. One Trader Joe’s employee commented “as a crew member, it’s not 100% true, it all depends.”

On a Reddit post, a Trader Joe’s employee commented that “We have the freedom to do whatever (under like $5) we can to make you feel good about shopping at TJ by the time you leave… we can give away stuff. In a normal day I usually give away a bouquet of flowers, a few reusable bags and some 99 cent candy. It isn’t everyone with a birthday or every regular or a quota.”

And, as another TikToker, Macey (@allthingsmamamace) explains in a video, some employees have never even heard of the gesture. Macey says her mom called her local TJ’s to ask about the flowers. The Trader Joe’s employee “said he’s worked there for 27 years and he’s never heard of such things.”

If your local Trader Joe’s gives away free flowers on birthdays (or any celebration, for that matter) consider yourself fortunate. Like birthdays, free Trader Joe’s flowers are an occurrence that doesn’t happen every day. But chances are, there are plenty of ways Trader Joe’s employees will still go out of their way to make your day.