Hip2Save serves as a central hub for consumers seeking legitimate freebies and samples across a wide array of categories. The platform curates offers ranging from beauty items and groceries to diapers, birthday freebies, and Veterans Day promotions. A core philosophy of the site is the verification of offers; the Hip2Save team personally tests freebies before sharing them to ensure they are legitimate and not spammy. This approach addresses a common concern among consumers about the reliability of freebie sites. The site also encourages user participation by inviting suggestions for new offers and provides a mobile app for on-the-go access to deals.
In addition to year-round samples, Hip2Save highlights seasonal and event-based freebies. A significant portion of the platform’s content focuses on Veterans Day, where numerous retailers and restaurants offer complimentary meals, beverages, and services to active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses. These offers typically require proof of military service, and participation may vary by location.
The Hip2Save Verification Process and Offer Categories
Hip2Save distinguishes itself from other freebie aggregators through a rigorous verification process. According to the platform, the team personally tests every freebie before posting. This ensures that users are directed to legitimate offers rather than "fake freebies" or spam traps. The site covers a broad spectrum of categories, including:
- Beauty: Free samples of cosmetics and skincare products.
- Groceries: Food and beverage samples.
- Baby Care: Diapers and other infant products.
- Birthday Freebies: Over 175 offers available on birthdays.
- Veterans Day Freebies: Special offers available in November.
The platform also features a section dedicated to companies that mail free products for testing purposes. These programs allow consumers to test items and keep them without cost, though specific details regarding these programs are limited in the provided documentation.
PINCHme: A Verified Sample Program
One specific free sample platform highlighted by Hip2Save is PINCHme. PINCHme is described as a site that offers legitimate samples without requiring users to complete surveys or navigate complex hurdles. To participate in PINCHme, users must follow a specific process:
- Sign up for a free account.
- Fill out the user profile.
- Take the shopper survey.
- Check back on "Sample Tuesdays" to claim available freebies.
This structured approach allows brands to target samples effectively while providing consumers with no-cost products.
Veterans Day Freebies and Offers
Hip2Save aggregates a variety of Veterans Day offers, including free meals, coffee, haircuts, and travel discounts. These offers are generally available to U.S. veterans, active-duty military members, and sometimes their spouses. Most participating businesses require proof of military service, such as a military ID. Consumers are advised to call ahead to verify participation at specific locations and to confirm ID requirements.
Free Meals and Dining
Several restaurant chains offer complimentary meals on Veterans Day.
- Applebee’s: In 2025, Applebee’s offered a free full-size entrée for veterans and active-duty military. This was valid for dine-in only and required proof of service.
- Bubba’s 33: Veterans could receive a free lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, or a voucher for a future visit.
- Chili’s: Provided a free meal to veterans and active military members.
- Golden Corral: Active, retired military, and veterans received a free "thank you" meal. Notably, no purchase or military ID was required for this specific offer.
- The Greene Turtle: Offered a free meal up to a $15 value for veterans at select locations, requiring a valid ID.
- Hooters: Veterans received a free entrée from a specific Veterans Day Menu, contingent on the purchase of a beverage.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active duty service members received a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries, valid for dine-in only.
- Salad and Go: Provided a free salad or wrap at drive-thru locations only. Online orders and third-party delivery were excluded, and a valid military ID was required.
Coffee and Beverages
- Starbucks: Participating locations offered a free 12oz Tall Hot or Iced Coffee to veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses. This offer was valid for café and drive-thru orders but excluded the Starbucks App. Add-ins cost extra.
Services and Retail
- Great Clips: Veterans and active service members could receive a free haircut or a haircut card for future use. Additionally, non-military customers receiving a haircut on Veterans Day were given a free haircut card to gift to a service member or veteran, redeemable through December 5, 2025.
- Target: Offered a Circle offer for 10% off two storewide purchases for veterans, military personnel, and their families.
- Academy Sports: Provided 10% off in-store and online purchases for all military and first responders on November 11, 2025.
Travel and Vacation
- Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC): This free membership travel club for U.S. military members and families offered limited-time Veterans Day promotions.
- Members could book seven-night stays at select "R&R" resorts worldwide for as low as $329 per week (booking available through November 14, 2025).
- New members joining by December 31, 2025, received a $65 discount on a seven-night booking, applicable for travel through spring 2026. Popular destinations included Orlando, Las Vegas, and the Smoky Mountains.
Context on Freebie Blogging
The provided documentation includes an interview with Collin Morgan, the founder of Hip2Save. Morgan started the blog to provide a legitimate alternative to "spammy" freebie sites. Her motivation was a love for freebies and a desire to protect users from spam. This background reinforces the platform's focus on verified, user-safe content.
Conclusion
Hip2Save functions as a vetted resource for free samples and promotional offers, emphasizing personal testing to prevent spam. The platform covers diverse categories including beauty, baby care, and food, with a special emphasis on Veterans Day deals. Verified programs like PINCHme offer structured sample opportunities, while seasonal events like Veterans Day provide significant value through free meals, haircuts, and travel discounts. Consumers are encouraged to verify offer details and ID requirements directly with participating businesses.