The Ellen DeGeneres Show has built a reputation for generosity, particularly through its large-scale giveaway segments. For consumers interested in free products and promotional offers, the show represents a unique form of entertainment where audience members and viewers have opportunities to receive high-value items. Based on verified information regarding the show's practices, the following details outline how these giveaways function, the rules governing audience participation, and the types of freebies that have been distributed.
The show's most prominent giveaway event is the "12 Days of Giveaways" segment. This annual holiday tradition has been a staple of the program for 18 years, culminating in the show's final season. During this period, the show distributes an extensive array of prizes to the studio audience. Unlike traditional mail-in sample programs or online sign-up forms, these freebies are physically handed out during the taping of the show.
The "12 Days of Giveaways" Event
The "12 Days of Giveaways" is described as a gift-giving extravaganza. In this segment, Ellen DeGeneres and celebrity guests present prizes to the audience. The range of products distributed is broad, covering categories that appeal to a general consumer base.
- Prize Categories: Verified reports indicate that past giveaways have included travel packages, electronics, and gift cards. Specific examples include trips to Moon Palace Cancun and Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. Gift cards mentioned in reports include $300 Ulta gift cards and $500 Grub Hub credits. Other items have included flatscreen TVs and free 5-year Netflix subscriptions.
- Brand Participation: Brands often partner with the show for these events. For example, Nivea body wash and daily moisturizers have been stockpiled by audience members over the years. Additionally, Apple participated in a giveaway where iPhone XR handsets were distributed to the audience. This event occurred during the "12 Days of Giveaways" segment, with actress Julia Roberts assisting in the presentation.
- Viewer Opportunities: While the primary distribution occurs in the studio, there are occasionally opportunities for home viewers. The show has run sweepstakes that allow viewers a chance to win tickets to attend the show and participate in the giveaways. These sweepstakes typically have a 24-hour entry period for each day of the event.
Eligibility and Audience Rules
Attending The Ellen DeGeneres Show and participating in the giveaways requires adherence to a strict set of rules. These regulations are enforced by show staff to ensure safety and the smooth operation of the taping.
Ticketing and Attendance: * No Sale of Tickets: Tickets to the show cannot be sold or auctioned. The show's FAQ explicitly states that tickets have no cash value. If a ticket is transferred, the person attending must match the name on the ticket, or they will be denied entry. * Travel Expenses: The show does not reimburse travel expenses. This policy applies even if a taping is canceled; attendees traveling from out of town assume the risk of lost travel costs.
Conduct and Appearance: * Dress Code: Audience members must adhere to a specific dress code. Prohibited items include t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and hats. * Energy Levels: Producers check the excitement levels of the audience. To be considered for on-stage participation or giveaways, attendees are expected to display high energy and "chipper" attitudes. * Choreographed Response: Clapping and audience reactions are often choreographed by a designated staff member. Audience members are instructed on when and how to respond. * Gum Prohibition: Chewing gum is forbidden to maintain a clean visual appearance on camera and for ease of production cleanup.
Gifts and Freebies: * Gift Security: Fans are not allowed to hand gifts to Ellen DeGeneres directly. All gifts must be inspected by security at a checkpoint before being passed to staff. This is a safety protocol. * Freebie Policy: Audience members do not receive freebies simply for attending. However, they may have the chance to win giveaways. If a giveaway is won, the prize is provided to the attendee. * One Item Limit: There is a strict rule regarding the number of freebies an attendee can take. Reports confirm that attendees are allowed only one freebie. Attempting to take more than one item may result in being called out by Ellen or staff.
Production Restrictions: * Recording: Cell phones are allowed in the studio but must be turned off during the recording. * Gifts: Gifts intended for Ellen must be checked by security; hand-delivery is not permitted.
Types of Freebies and Consumer Value
The freebies distributed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show range from small souvenirs to major consumer goods. The value of these items is significant, often totaling thousands of dollars per audience member during the "12 Days of Giveaways."
Beauty and Personal Care: * Long-term accumulation of products, such as Nivea body wash and moisturizers, suggests that beauty brands frequently utilize the show to distribute full-size products to a large audience.
Electronics and Technology: * The distribution of Apple iPhone XR units demonstrates that high-value electronics are included in the giveaway rotation. This specific event highlighted the device's battery life and color options.
Food and Dining: * Gift cards for dining services, such as Grub Hub, are common. These provide immediate value to consumers for everyday expenses.
Home Goods and Entertainment: * Household items like flatscreen TVs and entertainment subscriptions (Netflix) are regularly featured.
Travel: * High-value travel packages to destinations like Cancun and Las Vegas are among the most coveted prizes.
Conclusion
The Ellen DeGeneres Show offers significant freebies primarily through its studio audience during the "12 Days of Giveaways" and similar segments. While home viewers have limited opportunities to win tickets via sweepstakes, the primary distribution of free products occurs in-studio. Participation is subject to strict rules regarding ticketing, appearance, and conduct. The show partners with major brands, including Apple and Nivea, to distribute a wide variety of consumer goods, making it a notable event for deal seekers and freebie enthusiasts.
Sources
- Flickr: Ellen Show Freebies
- The Ultimate Guide to Ellen TV Show Giveaways
- Cult of Mac: Attendees of the Ellen Show Given a Free iPhone XR
- ScreenRant: Ellen Degeneres Rules Audience Must Follow
- iHeart: List 30 Rules Ellen Makes Her Audience Members Follow
- E! Online: 12 Priceless Audience Reactions from Ellen Degeneres 12 Days of Giveaways Spectacular