Free samples, promotional offers, and no-cost trials are available to U.S. consumers throughout the year, spanning categories such as food, fitness, entertainment, and beauty. Information regarding these opportunities is aggregated from various promotional calendars and reward program summaries. Availability often depends on geographic location, specific brand participation, and adherence to sign-up requirements.
January marks a significant month for health-focused freebies, coinciding with national resolutions. Participating 24-Hour Fitness locations across the country offer a free 3-day pass during this time. For individuals without a nearby 24-Hour Fitness location, a one-month free trial for ClassPass is noted as an alternative. Beyond fitness, January is also identified as a time for free access to national parks, bagels, and popcorn.
As the calendar moves into March, freebie days focus on events such as National Wedding Planning Day on March 1. Consumers planning weddings can utilize registry programs to secure freebies. Completing a registry with Crate & Barrel results in free products from brands including Le Creuset, All-Clad, Nespresso, and Wusthof. Bed Bath & Beyond offers a similar program with freebies from Lenox, Cuisinart, and Calphalon. March 14 is recognized as Pi Day, and late in the month, Dairy Queen hosts Free Cone Day at participating locations, offering vanilla soft serve. Additionally, Rita’s Italian Ice provides free Italian ice on select days toward the end of March to celebrate the first day of spring. Year-round, March serves as National Credit Education Month, during which consumers can monitor their credit reports and FICO scores for free.
June offers freebies related to moving, entertainment, and food. During the moving season, consumers can obtain free moving boxes, labels, and other supplies from the USPS. For larger boxes, local grocery stores are a resource, often available early in the morning or late at night. Entertainment freebies are available on Wednesdays throughout the summer via Showcase Cinemas’ "Bookworm Wednesdays" program. Participants who turn in a book report at a participating box office receive free admission to a children’s movie for themselves, siblings under 6, and a parent. Food freebies in June include National Donut Day on the first Friday of the month. Krispy Kreme offers a free glazed donut to members of their Krispy Kreme Rewards program. Duck Donuts also provides a free donut on this day, while Dunkin’ and the Chicago-area chain Stan’s Donuts offer a free donut with a purchase. Late in June, many states offer free fishing weekends, particularly around Father’s Day.
Birthday freebies are a prominent category, available through loyalty programs across various industries. Food and beverage brands offer significant rewards. Starbucks Rewards members receive a free handcrafted drink or food item on their birthday. Krispy Kreme Rewards members get a free doughnut of their choice and a small coffee. Taco Bell Rewards members receive a birthday surprise, which changes annually but often includes a free taco, drink, or dessert. Dunkin’ Rewards members get a free drink on their birthday. Panera Bread’s MyPanera members receive a free bakery item. Red Robin Royalty members get a free gourmet burger during their birthday month, and IHOP’s MyHop members get free pancakes. Auntie Anne’s Rewards members receive a free classic pretzel. For dessert, Baskin-Robbins offers a free scoop of ice cream through their Birthday Club, and Nothing Bundt Cakes provides a free Bundtlet to Bundtastic Rewards members. The Cheesecake Factory offers a free slice of cheesecake to Cheesecake Rewards members, though this requires a purchase.
Beauty and retail brands also participate in birthday reward programs. Sephora Beauty Insiders can choose from several mini sets of skincare or makeup each year. Ulta Beauty’s Ultamate Rewards program offers a free birthday beauty gift and bonus points during the birthday month. Chick-fil-A One members might receive a free treat, such as an ice cream or sandwich, though this varies by location.
Specific professional groups also have access to dedicated freebies and discounts. Nurses Week, observed May 6–12, features various offers. In previous years, Applebee’s has provided free appetizers to nurses showing a valid work badge. While 2025 offers are being announced, expectations based on previous years include free meals from chains such as Applebee’s (free meal from a special menu), Golden Corral (Military Appreciation Night with a free "thank you" meal), Denny’s (free Grand Slam breakfast), Chili’s (free meal from a selected menu), Outback Steakhouse (free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage), IHOP (free breakfast combo), Olive Garden (free entrée from a special menu), Texas Roadhouse (free lunch from a special menu), Starbucks (free tall coffee for veterans and active-duty military), and Dunkin’ (free donut for veterans and active-duty military). Most of these dining offers require dining in, and dates may vary. Year-round dining discounts for veterans and active-duty military include Cracker Barrel (15% discount at select locations with military ID), Texas Steakhouse (10% off with ID), Chick-fil-A (discount varies by location), and Chuck E. Cheese (discount varies).
The Fetch app is mentioned as a tool for earning rewards and free gift cards any day of the year by scanning receipts from shopping. Points earned can be redeemed for items such as coffee, beauty products, and food.
Conclusion
Freebies are available year-round across various categories, including fitness, wedding planning, food, entertainment, beauty, and healthcare. Access to these offers typically requires joining specific rewards programs or adhering to specific event dates. Consumers can utilize resources such as the USPS for moving supplies, state programs for free fishing days, and brand-specific loyalty programs for birthday rewards and professional discounts. Availability is subject to geographic restrictions and participating brand locations.