Of course, there’s often a trade-off. In many — but not all — cases, you’ll have to join a loyalty program or provide personal information such as your phone number or birth date to get the freebies. To keep your inbox from getting overloaded, it’s a good idea to set up a separate email account for online loyalty programs. “You can also use only your first initials or a shortened last name,” Cid says, to protect your privacy. “And many companies that tie rewards to birthdays no longer ask for your year of birth, just the month.”
Here are some of the many freebies available; use this list as a guide to help you find similar offers in your community.
Coffee grounds
Have you ever wondered what Starbucks does with its used coffee grounds? Many cafes (including those located in a supermarket or other retailer) give them away. They place used grounds in silver bags with a “Grounds for Your Garden” label and leave them in a basket or bucket. “The challenge is availability, because there’s no set schedule on when, or how much, will be available,” says Bryan K. Chavez, national deals editor for Living on the Cheap. “It’s hit-and-miss.” He suggests bringing a plastic or trash bag to transport the grounds. “Otherwise you may end up with a huge coffee stain in the back seat of your car,” he says.
Comic books
Whether you’re a casual reader or a collector, mark the first Saturday in May on your calendar. It’s Free Comic Book Day, when more than 2,300 shops around the world give away comic books to anyone who comes in. Major and independent publishers work together to select about 50 titles to make available for the event.
Movies
Free advance screenings are available for most new movies, usually to generate buzz before a film is released in theaters or on streaming services. To see free first-run movies, sign up with Gofobo or check out Advance Screenings, says filmmaker Neil Chase. Gofobo will email invitations to screenings based on your Zip code. Advance Screenings lists shows by city and state, with links to pass giveaway sites. “Film fans should also follow independent filmmakers and/or production companies on social media, as supporters are often invited to private screenings,” Chase says.
Energy efficiency kits
Some electric and gas companies offer energy conservation kits, either by request or for completing a home energy audit. Valerie Cannell, publisher of Columbus on the Cheap, noticed an offer for a free kit on her mother’s energy bill and ordered it. She says it included multiple lightbulbs, flashlights, weather stripping, a filter whistle to alert you when a clogged air filter needs to be replaced, a power strip and more. Search online for “energy company + free energy efficiency kit” or check your bill for information. Virginia Natural Gas customers who complete an online energy audit, for example, will receive one of three free energy-savings kits. The company’s Hot Water Conservation Kit includes a massage shower head, a kitchen swivel faucet aerator, a bathroom faucet aerator, pipe insulation, a shower timer and a hot water temperature card for your water heater.
Birthday gifts
While many popular chains have cut back on their birthday freebies, there are still plenty that offer gifts. During Cid’s birthday month, for example, her inbox was full of free products and restaurant offers. Her haul included three Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a mini-cake from Nothing Bundt Cake, a small Yankee Candle, a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, a Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast, and name-brand beauty products from both Sephora and Ulta. Some retailers email or text you a coupon; others automatically load it on your loyalty account. Carefully read the fine print to be sure you’re getting a real freebie — no purchase necessary. “Birthday rewards often change, so they’re difficult to nail down,” Chavez says. “The companies always use vague terms like surprise, gift, reward, et cetera.”
Baby products
If you are an expecting or new parent, you can score lots of free baby products. Target and Walmart give free welcome gifts to people who sign up for their baby registries. There’s no catch, and the boxes (some valued up to $100) may include wipes, diapers, bottles, lotion, baby wash, pacifiers, breastfeeding pads and coupons.
Automotive tools
It’s often not cost-effective for DIY-ers to buy tools for a quick car repair job. Instead, you can use AutoZone’s free Loan-A-Tool service. All you have to do is leave a deposit for any of almost 100 tools, including a disc brake caliper tool, an oxygen sensor wrench socket or a compression tester gauge, and you can keep it for up to 90 days. When you’re done, return the tool for a full refund of your deposit. You can pick up loaner tools in-store or order them online.
Libraries of things
Local libraries loan a lot more than books. Depending on where you live, you might be able to borrow a Chromebook, a wheelchair, snowshoes, an ice cream maker or any number of items. Many libraries also house seed libraries. They call it “borrowing” seeds, but it’s really a freebie, in which you can pick up a variety of vegetable, herb, fruit and flower seed packets. Contact your library for a list of things they make available to cardholders.
