Leap Day Deals for $29 or Less

In anticipation of a day that comes only once every four years -- including this year -- take advantage of deals that are almost as rare as Leap Day itself. Lucky "leaplings" (people actually born Feb. 29) can indulge in their uniqueness with promotions ranging from free cookies to free entrées for a month. The rest of us can celebrate their uniqueness with deep discounts for products that all cost less than $30. As with Feb. 29, it could be a looooong time before prices this low come along again, so seize the day.

Why we love this deal: Lobster dinner for two at Legal Sea Foods for less than $30? Excuse us while we pick up our jaw off the floor. If you want this deal, pick up the phone pronto and make a reservation at your local Legal Sea Foods restaurant for Feb. 29. Once word gets out, it will be tough to get a table.

Who it's for: Some lucky 205,000 people in the United States who just happen to have been born Feb. 29.

How to get it: Visit any of 72 Houlihan's locations on Monday, Feb. 29, and show a valid photo ID with a Feb. 29 birth date. Your entrée (up to $15) that night is free, and you'll get 28 additional free entrées that can be redeemed during the month of March.

Who it's for: Anyone with $2.29 and a functioning pancreas (to break down all that incoming sugar).

Why we love this deal: This Krispy Kreme deal lets Leap Day babies share the love and guilt and 2,280 calories -- 4,560 with the first dozen -- adding up to that one-of-a-kind (and once every four years) indulgence.

Who it's for: Anyone and everyone (Except if you live in Florida or Alabama, apparently).

Why we love this deal: This special from Hungry Howie's not only lands diners a second large pizza for less than the cost of an additional topping, but extends the deal to March 1 for anyone who doesn't really get the whole Leap Day thing.

How to get it: Just ordering a large pizza with one or more toppings qualifies diners for a 29-cent price for the second.

Who it's for: Available to anyone -- no Leap Day birthday required.

How to get it: Just head to any of Schlotzsky's more than 350 bakery cafés and ask about Leap Day specials, which vary by location.

Who it's for: Any java junkie with a pulse and an extra 29 cents to spare.

How to get it: Simply order a favorite macchiato, Campfire Mocha, or just a cup of coffee, and pick up another for a buddy for 29 cents.

Who it's for: Available to anyone -- no birthday restrictions.

How to get it: Stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up at one of this chain's more than 1,000 locations and save 29 percent off a drink order.

Who it's for: Leap Day babies lucky enough to live near one of the 60 or so Hard Rock locations across the United States.

How to get it: Show a photo ID to prove your Leap Day bona fides, and choose from one of six entrées from a special "Leaplings Eat Free" menu.

Who it's for: Leap Day babies with a government-issued photo ID who are in the mood for Pizza Hut takeout.

How to get it: Show ID at participating locations and order a Personal Pan Pizza with the topping of your choice for carryout.

Who it's for: Leap Day babies looking for a slice before diving into their cookie cake (see the next deal).

How to get it: Show valid ID at any one of 60 Villa Italian Kitchen locations nationwide (mostly at the local mall food court), and enjoy a free slice.

Who it's for: Leap Day babies who aren't afraid to share with their best friends (hint, hint).

How to get it: Head over to the mall with a photo ID -- oh, and get there early, because Great American Cookies specifies that supplies will be limited, and there might be many lucky Leapsters competing for the goods.

Who it's for: Leaplings with a sweet tooth who showed up too late to get an entire cookie cake from Great American Cookie (see previous deal).

How to get it: Show photo ID at any of the 350 McAlister's locations in 26 states in exchange for a cookie.

Who it's for: Pasta-loving Leap Day babies.

How to get it: Just show ID at any one of more than 96 Buca di Beppo restaurants nationwide between Feb. 26 and the day itself -- and don't forget to tuck that napkin into your shirt.

Who it's for: Vegetarians with a sense of irony.

Why we love this deal: These meat-free menu items are actually four sandwiches with meat -- with the meat subtracted. It's mainly a display of Arby's sense of humor, though some of the items don't look too terrible. (The classic roast beef sandwich is just a bun.) And Arby's does have some vegetarian fare already.

How to get it: Visit Arby's on a day that comes only once every 1,460 days and enjoy a selection of menu items that you'll only see once every four years.

Who it's for: Leap Day babies who don't like to eat alone on their birthday (hint, hint).

How to get it: Show your ID at your local Olive Garden and enjoy a tasty array of desserts -- four Dolcini cups in various flavors normally a value of up to $17.16 -- big enough to share with dining companions ... right?