Black Friday promotions frequently include gift cards and instant rewards that function as immediate value incentives for shoppers who arrive early or meet specific participation thresholds. Based on the available promotional data, retailers distribute gift cards through multiple models: random drawings with variable values, guaranteed giveaways for early arrivals, and bonus cards tied to purchases or service activations. The gift card values range from modest $5 increments to high-value cards worth $500 or more, with some programs offering cumulative rewards. Participation typically requires arriving during designated time windows—often store opening or specific hourly intervals—and may be limited to the first 100 to 500 customers per location. Age restrictions, typically requiring participants to be at least 18 years old, apply to many giveaways, and most promotions are valid only at participating locations.
Belk operates one of the largest gift card distribution programs, giving away $1 million in gift cards with values ranging from $5 to $500. The retailer holds drawings at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 6 a.m. on Black Friday, awarding one $500 winner per store each day. This structure creates multiple opportunities for shoppers to win, though the random nature means participation does not guarantee a reward.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, which operate under common ownership, offer tiered gift card promotions. On Black Friday, the first 250 customers at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s locations receive a mystery promo card valued between $10 and $50. Additionally, the first 100 customers when stores open at 6 a.m. receive free coffee, juice, and donuts, with the first 100 also getting a gift card. Cabela’s specifically targets outdoor enthusiasts by offering the first 600 camp-loving customers at 6 a.m. the chance to win high-value items such as a Champion power washer, Zeiss telescope, Masterbuilt smoker, or store gift cards worth up to $100.
Costco’s Black Friday freebie requires a partnership-based activation. Shoppers who activate a new phone with a T-Mobile Go5G Plus or Go5G Next Plan receive an extra $50 Costco Shop Card on top of a $150 Costco Shop Card promotion. This offer links gift card value to a specific service provider activation rather than simple store arrival.
Fleet Farm distributes free plush toys and gift cards to early arrivals. The first 500 customers at each store on Black Friday receive a free plush penguin. Additionally, the first 500 customers at the 6 a.m. opening can obtain a free Mills Fleet Farm Plush Pillow Fox Toy, and the first 50 people in line outside stores on Thanksgiving (starting at 6 p.m.) receive a free foldable chair.
JCPenney’s approach combines coupons that function as gift cards with high-value prize drawings. Early shoppers on Thanksgiving (doors open at 2 p.m.) receive coupons worth $10, $100, or $500 off purchases, valid from November 22 to 24. The coupons provide $10 off $10, $100 off $100, or $500 off $500, effectively acting as immediate gift cards. At 5 p.m. on Black Friday, JCPenney gives away a golden tote that provides an extra 10% off through December. The retailer also holds drawings for high-value items including a Cuisinart stand mixer at 9 a.m., lab-grown diamond stud earrings at 1 p.m., and the $10/$100/$500 coupons at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Half Price Books offers a traditional early-bird gift card program. The first 100 customers through the door on Black Friday receive a tote bag and a $5 gift card, with one tote bag containing a $100 gift card. This creates a lottery element within the guaranteed giveaway.
Lowe’s provides both guaranteed and chance-based rewards. The first 300 customers when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive a coupon worth $10 off a $50 purchase. Additionally, one winner per store receives a $500 gift card through a drawing, with no purchase necessary for entry.
Gordmans offers a combination of immediate and chance-based rewards. The first 75 guests in line receive a free holiday tote bag and a mystery scratch-off worth either a $5 shopping card or a $100 gift card. This dual-reward structure provides both a guaranteed item and a chance at higher value.
Shoe Carnival distributes scratch-off cards to early arrivals. The first 100 people in line at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive a free scratch-off worth up to $100 or a free pair of Puma shoes. The value is determined by the scratch-off result.
Stage Stores (including Beall’s, Palais Royal, Goody’s, and Peebles) offers gift cards to early shoppers. At 1 p.m. on Black Friday, the first 100 customers in line receive a free gift card.
New York & Company ties gift distribution to purchase requirements. Customers who make a $75 purchase receive a free stuffed bear, with one per customer and supplies limited. This represents a purchase-dependent giveaway rather than a free-standing gift card.
Baskin-Robbins offers a digital promotion for free ice cream cakes. On Black Friday starting at 1 p.m. ET, customers who place an online order using the code “SNOWMAN” receive a free Brrr The Snowman™ cakes, with only 1,000 available. A bonus code “HOLIDAY” provides 20% off any online cake order through Cyber Monday.
Bed Bath & Beyond provides a bonus gift card with UGG purchases. Customers who spend $125 on UGG products online or in-store from November 25 to November 28 receive a $25 gift card. This promotion requires a minimum purchase threshold to unlock the bonus value.
Caribou Coffee offers a discounted beverage promotion rather than a gift card. On Black Friday only, participating locations offer a small Coffee of the Day or small Cold Press for $1.
CVS provides free after rewards items rather than gift cards. The Black Friday sale, starting Thursday, November 22, includes free after rewards items such as Colgate toothpaste, Orbit Gum, Green Giant canned veggies, facial masks, ibuprofen, pantiliners, baby wipes, and razors. These items become free after extracare rewards are applied.
Dunkin’ Donuts offers discounted espresso and latte promotions. On Black Friday, espresso shots in drinks are available for an additional 50 cents, and medium lattes or cappuccinos are priced at $2.
Macy’s operates a mail-in rebate program for free items. The retailer offers 12 free after mail-in rebate items including a slow cooker, pillows, glassware, watches, tote bag, graphic tees, Mickey or Minnie plush, thermal henley, Gold Toe slippers, freshwater pearl earrings, Giorgio perfume, and a bath rug. There is a limit of one per household, except for pillows which have a limit of two, and rebates are processed in 6 to 8 weeks.
Northern Tool & Equipment offers gift cards to early shoppers. The first 100 customers in line when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive free coffee, juice, and donuts, and the first 100 also get a gift card.
Sports Authority provides foldable chairs to early arrivals. The first 50 people in line outside stores on Thanksgiving starting at 6 p.m. receive a free foldable chair. Additionally, the first 80 customers earn Bonus Bucks to spend in-store on the day.
RadioShack offers a free accessory with smartphone purchases. Customers who purchase a new smartphone can receive a free pair of touchscreen gloves.
Participation across these programs generally requires arriving during specific time windows, with many promotions limited to the first 100 to 500 customers per store. Age restrictions of at least 18 years old apply to many giveaways, and most offers are valid only at participating locations. Some promotions require purchases or service activations, while others are contingent solely on early arrival. Shoppers should verify participation details at individual locations, as availability varies.
Conclusion
Black Friday gift card freebies and instant rewards operate through multiple distribution models, including guaranteed early-arrival giveaways, random drawings with variable values, and bonus cards tied to purchases or service activations. The most valuable opportunities—such as Belk’s $500 gift cards, JCPenney’s $500 coupons, and Cabela’s high-value outdoor equipment—typically require early arrival, often at store opening or specific hourly intervals. Participation is generally limited to the first 100 to 500 customers per location, and many promotions include age restrictions requiring participants to be at least 18 years old. While some offers provide guaranteed rewards, others include chance-based elements where the actual value received may vary. Shoppers seeking these incentives should plan for early arrival times and verify participation details at individual store locations, as offers are subject to availability and geographic variation.