Black Friday is widely recognized as a major shopping event in the United States, characterized by significant discounts and doorbuster deals. Beyond price reductions, many retailers and brands use this occasion to distribute free promotional items, gift cards, and other incentives to attract customers and reward early shoppers. This article details the Black Friday freebies reported for 2025, outlining the specific offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes based on information from promotional news sources and retailer announcements. The focus is on in-store giveaways, purchase-required freebies, and bonus gift card offers from restaurants and other establishments.
Overview of Black Friday Freebie Trends
Black Friday freebies typically fall into several categories: early-bird in-store giveaways for the first customers, free items with purchase, and bonus gift cards when buying gift cards. These offers are often time-sensitive and limited in quantity. For 2025, reports indicate a mix of traditional retail freebies, such as mystery gift cards and branded merchandise, as well as restaurant promotions that provide bonus value on gift card purchases. The availability of these offers is generally tied to specific store locations, opening times, and sometimes loyalty program membership. Consumers are advised to verify details directly with retailers, as promotions can vary by location and are subject to change.
Major Retailer In-Store Freebies
Several national retailers are reported to offer free items to early shoppers on Black Friday. These are typically available in-store only and are limited to the first customers in line.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
For 2025, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are offering a mystery promo card to the first 250 customers at their stores on Black Friday. The value of this gift card ranges from $10 to $500. The offer is valid for redemption from December 5 through December 27. Stores are expected to open at 5:00 a.m.
Fleet Farm
Fleet Farm plans to give away a free plush moose to the first 500 customers at its stores on Black Friday. This offer is limited to in-store shoppers who arrive early.
JCPenney
JCPenney’s Black Friday freebies are distributed at specific times throughout the day, requiring customers to be in the store at designated hours for a chance to win. The schedule for 2025 includes: * 5:00 a.m.: A chance to win a coupon worth up to $500 off a $500 purchase and a free Snoopy snow globe. * 9:00 a.m.: A chance to win a free Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker. * 1:00 p.m.: A chance to win free 3/4 carat lab-grown diamond stud earrings. * 5:00 p.m.: A chance to win a free Sutra Aero Styler.
Target
Target’s Black Friday freebie involves two components. First, the first 100 shoppers to arrive at a Target store on Black Friday (when doors open at 6:00 a.m.) will receive a holiday-themed swag bag. The bag contains various goodies, and 10 of these bags include an additional prize valued between $99 and $350, which could contain items like gift cards, Target Circle 360 memberships, Ninja Slushi Makers, Laifen Hair Dryers, or Beats Solo 4 headphones. Second, Target offers free gift cards with select purchases, though the specific purchase requirements for 2025 are not detailed in the provided source material.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s is offering a free bucket of items to the first 50 MyLowe’s Rewards members in line starting at 6:00 a.m. on Black Friday. The bucket includes a Great Stuff Gap Canister, a Valspar Paint Brush, a WD-40 product, a coupon for a free paint sample, and one additional sponsor-chosen product. Additionally, one MyLowe’s member per store will have a chance to win an in-stock major appliance priced at $2,000 or less.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s opens at 5:00 a.m. on Black Friday and rewards the first 200 customers with Kohl’s Cash valued from $5 to $100. Furthermore, 10 shoppers nationwide have a chance to win $10,000 in cash.
Freebies with Purchase
Several retailers offer free items when customers meet a specific spending threshold. These promotions are generally available to all in-store shoppers during the promotional period.
Macy’s
Macy’s is providing a free reusable tote bag to in-store shoppers on November 28 and 29, 2025, for those who spend $100 or more.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta’s Black Friday promotion includes a free gift with a fragrance purchase. Customers who spend $75 on fragrance can choose between a free plush robe or a plush throw blanket. Ulta is also offering a free 9-piece gift with select online purchases of $65 or more, valued at $65.
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret offers a free tote bag and blanket to customers who make a purchase of $150 or more.
Restaurant and Bonus Gift Card Promotions
A common Black Friday and holiday season promotion involves restaurants and food establishments offering bonus gift cards when customers purchase gift cards. These bonus cards typically have a limited redemption window.
The following 2025 offers have been reported: * Applebee’s: Receive a $10 bonus card with a $50 gift card purchase. The offer is valid through January 4, 2026. * Auntie Anne’s: Buy $25 or more in gift cards and receive a $5 Auntie Anne’s reward card. This offer is valid through December 31, and the reward card must be unlocked in the Auntie Anne’s Rewards program. It is redeemable between November 11, 2025, and January 31, 2026. A special offer from November 24 to December 1 provides two $5 reward cards with a $30 gift card purchase. * Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Get $5 in bonus cards for every $25 spent on gift cards from November 28, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Bonus cards are valid from January 1 to February 28, 2026. * TGI Fridays: Get $5 in Elf Bucks for a $25 gift card purchase or $10 in Elf Bucks for a $50 gift card purchase. This offer is valid on in-store gift card purchases only. * The Brass Tap: Buy $50 in gift cards and get $20 in bonus cards; buy $100 and get $40 in bonus cards. * The Cheesecake Factory: Receive a $15 eCard with a $50 gift card purchase through December 31. The bonus eCard is valid from January 1 to February 28, 2026. * The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Purchase a $25 gift card through January 1 and receive a $5 coupon redeemable between January 2 and February 28, 2026. * The Greene Turtle: Buy $25 in gift cards and get $5 back, or buy $100 and get $30 back. This offer is valid between November 28 and December 24. * True Food Kitchen: Purchase $100 in gift cards online and receive a $30 digital bonus card valid from January 1 to March 31, 2026. * Via 313 Pizzeria: Get a $25 voucher with a $100 gift card purchase from November 24 to December 1. * Village Inn: For every $25 spent on gift cards, receive a $5 Holiday eBonus card through December 31. eBonus cards are redeemable from January 1 to March 31, 2026. * Wings and Rings: Receive a $5 bonus card for every $25 in gift cards purchased during the holiday season. On Black Friday, November 28 only, a $10 bonus card is available with a $25 gift card purchase. * Yogurtland: Purchase a $25 eGift Card on Cyber Monday (December 1) and receive a $5 bonus card.
Conclusion
The 2025 Black Friday landscape includes a variety of freebies and promotional offers, primarily concentrated on in-store early-bird giveaways and purchase-based incentives. Key retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Fleet Farm, JCPenney, Target, Lowe’s, and Kohl’s are reported to offer physical gifts, mystery cards, and store credit to the first customers. Additional freebies are available with spending thresholds at stores like Macy’s, Ulta, and Victoria’s Secret. A significant number of restaurant chains are also participating in gift card bonus programs, providing added value for those purchasing gift cards during the holiday season. Consumers should note that many of these offers are limited in quantity and time, and specific terms, such as store opening hours and exact purchase requirements, should be confirmed with the respective retailers or restaurants directly before planning a shopping trip.