I love scoring free stuff. And I’m not talking about those little foil sample packets. I’m talking about nice travel size and full size items that can be gifted without guilt. I’m talking about stuff people really want and appreciate. Freebies are a great way to save big money on your holiday shopping list. Stuff those stockings and take care of your office exchange this year at no charge.
Free Stuff 101
Gift With Purchase, or GWP – So maybe you don’t want that free polish your favorite store is giving away today. Don’t turn it down! Take it home and put it in your holiday goodie collection. Save up these items throughout the year and use for stocking stuffers, office Secret Santa exchanges and more. Free stuff = less spending, less stress. Some of my favorite GWP offers:
Bath & Body Works – This is one of my favorite stores. Ever. Not only do I love the amazing smells but they also offer so many ways to score freebies and near-freebies throughout the year. If you sign up for the mailing list – and every time you shop in the store – you will receive the latest coupons which are usually released every four to six weeks. There will always be a coupon for a free bonus item, usually a free travel item. Save them up.
Next up at Bath & Body Works is a magical little thing called VIP Totes. Every season they usually release a limited number of seasonal totes filled with the latest scents. Travel and full-size items are included and these usually have a retail value of $100+. You can pick one up for $15 to $20 with any $30 or $40 purchase. I love these! Break them down into smaller gift bags or use the individual items as stocking stuffers.
Sephora – Every week Sephora offers a new set of free GWP items. Some items are foil packets but much of the stuff is travel-size or deluxe samples.
Restaurants – Many of the big chains like Ruby Tuesday and Applebee’s offer free gift card GWP each year. Pick up a $50 gift card for the parents and get a free $15 card that can be given to a co-worker or teacher.
Just Pay Shipping – There are several online retailers that are always making these offers available. The item is free, you just need to pay the shipping. Vistaprint is a popular one and they make holiday items available for free every year. Just pay the shipping and you have a great personalized calendar or mug for gifting. Canvas People is another one.
There is a whole ‘nother category of JPS items that seems to be just for expecting and new moms. These are great not only during the holidays but also for baby showers. Here are a few things I see constantly available for free.
Free Belly Button Band – Use code ENBABY
Free Car Seat Canopy – Use code ENBABY
Free Baby Leggings – Use code ENBABY
Free Baby Sling – Use code ENBABY
Free Uddercover – Use code ENBABY
Free Nursing Pillow – Use code ENBABY
Coke Rewards – I have given up the soda but I see several bloggers recommending Coke Rewards for free gifts. Magazines are a popular suggestion here. Just enter those under-the-cap codes online and exchange them for some free stuff.
Stack Coupons – Every so often you will run across a Save $ coupon with no amount restriction on it. For example, you may be able to save $10 on a $10 purchase. That makes your $10 purchase free! If you happen to discover one of these during a free shipping sale you are golden. Pick up a few low cost items for holiday gifting.
Freebie Coupons – Again, watch your favorite manufacturers for freebie coupons. You can usually print these off and take them to the store to redeem. I prefer this route as opposed to filling out a form to have the sample mailed to you. For one, it’s quicker. The mailed offers can take 6 to 8 weeks and there is no guarantee you are getting anything but on their email list. Secondly, the coupon offers are usually full-size. A lot of the mailed-to-you things are those foilies. Those aren’t good for gifting.
Be wary of free online samples. While there are tons of legitimate free offers online, you always need to be skeptical if the offer isn’t through the retailer or manufacturer directly. Always check the URLs and contact information. Don’t disclose your personal information or credit card number to strangers.
Where do you score free gifts and stocking stuffers? Please share in the comments.
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