September 2018 offered a diverse array of freebies and promotional deals for U.S. consumers, spanning food, beverages, beauty, household goods, and digital content. The month was characterized by significant national food holidays, including National Coffee Day and Moe’s Free Queso Day, alongside recurring events like Museum Day. Brands across the country utilized these occasions to distribute free samples, host sweepstakes, and offer discounted services. From free cups of coffee at major convenience chains to complimentary museum entry and beauty product samples, the landscape of free offers was extensive. This guide details the specific opportunities available during September 2018, focusing on the eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and participating brands as reported during that time.
National Food and Beverage Promotions
September is a prominent month for food-centric freebies, anchored by National Coffee Day on September 29. Numerous coffee chains and convenience stores participated in this event, offering free beverages to customers.
National Coffee Day Deals
On September 29, 2018, National Coffee Day was celebrated with various offers across the United States. Participating chains included: * Krispy Kreme: Provided free brewed coffee to all customers without a purchase requirement. Rewards members also received a free doughnut. * Pilot Flying J: Offered a free cup of Pilot coffee (any size) through the myPilot app. The offer was valid for cold brew, Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato, and bean-to-cup coffee. First-time app users received an additional free drink of their choice. * Sheetz: Offered a free cold brew of any size and flavor via the Sheetz app. * Wawa: Provided a coupon for free coffee to Wawa Rewards Program members via the Wawa app. * Barnes and Noble Bookstores: Offered a free tall hot or iced coffee at cafe locations. * Cinnabon: Gave away a free 12oz signature hot coffee at participating locations. * McDonald's: Offered a free hot or iced coffee with the purchase of any breakfast sandwich via the McDonald's app coupon. * Waffle House: Provided a free regular or large cup of coffee through October 13, 2018, via a printable coupon. * 7-Eleven: Offered a free coffee with the purchase of a breakfast sandwich over $2 through September 30, 2018.
Other Food and Dining Freebies
Beyond coffee, September 2018 featured other specific dining promotions: * Moe’s Free Queso Day: Held in late September (September 20, 2018), this event involved giving away free cups of queso. Moe’s also hosted a "Free Queso For Life" sweepstakes. * Free Shake Friday: Potbelly Sandwich Shop offered a free shake with an entrée purchase through September 30, 2018, when customers mentioned #FreeShakeFriday. Perk members had the perk added to their accounts. * Chick-fil-A: Offered free nuggets on September 29, 2018. To redeem, users had to download the app and create an account for the Chick-fil-A One rewards program. * National Taco Day: While falling on October 4, this day featured discounted taco deals from retailers like Baja Fresh, Chuy’s, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Taco Cabana. * National Dessert Day: On October 14, chains such as BJ’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Corner Bakery, Dairy Queen, and Wendy’s offered deals like BOGO sundaes and free pizookies.
Retail and Beauty Freebies
September 2018 also provided opportunities for consumers to obtain free products through retail channels and sample programs.
Beauty and Personal Care Samples
- Synora Beauty: A free sample was available.
- Elizabeth Arden: A free fragrance sample was offered.
- Walgreens: Offered a free 8x10 photo print through September 29, 2018, using the promo code FREEPIX.
Household and General Product Samples
- Free Dog Food and Treat Sample Box: A box containing 7 products was available.
- Free Electronic Scale: An electronic scale was offered as a freebie.
- Free Seafood Watch Consumer Guides: These guides were available for free.
- Free TreeStuff Shirt: A shirt from TreeStuff was offered.
- Free P&G Coupons: Procter & Gamble distributed coupons.
Events and Experiential Offers
Museum Day
Hosted by the Smithsonian Magazine, Museum Day occurred in late September 2018. Participating museums and institutions across the country provided free entry to patrons who downloaded an official "Museum Day ticket" from the Smithsonian Magazine website.
Digital and Educational Freebies
Various digital content and educational materials were available for free during September 2018.
Desktop Wallpapers
- Every-Tuesday: Released free September 2018 desktop wallpapers in two resolutions (1280x1024px and 1920x1080px), available with and without dates. The designs were created using Procreate and Photoshop.
Magazines and Books
- The Scientist: A free magazine subscription was available.
- GPS World: A free magazine subscription was available.
- Food Network Magazine: A free subscription was offered.
- Build a Business, Not a Job: A free book was available.
- Free Parenting Books: Various parenting books were offered.
Software and Kits
- VSDC Pro Video Editor: A free software download valued at $20 was available.
- The Essentials of B2B Marketing 2018 Kit: A free kit was offered.
- Free American Indian and Alaska Native Culture Card: These cards were available.
Stickers, Decals, and Miscellaneous Freebies
- LEGO Mini Model Build: On September 11 and 12, a free LEGO airplane mini model build was available.
- Trust Women: A free sticker was offered.
- Buddha Pants: A free sticker was available.
- Christian Coalition: A free window decal was offered.
- Glasshole or Not?: A free item or sticker was available.
- Free Yogurt at Yogurtland: A specific freebie was available at this chain.
Conclusion
September 2018 provided a wide range of freebies and promotional offers for U.S. consumers. The month was highlighted by National Coffee Day, which saw major chains like Krispy Kreme, Pilot Flying J, and Sheetz offering free beverages. Other notable events included Moe’s Free Queso Day and the Smithsonian’s Museum Day, which offered free entry to participating institutions. Additionally, consumers could access free samples of beauty products, pet food, household goods, and digital content such as desktop wallpapers and magazine subscriptions. Many offers required specific actions, such as downloading a mobile app, joining a rewards program, or printing a coupon, emphasizing the role of digital engagement in obtaining free products and services.