The provided source material details several instances of free promotional offers, giveaways, and fan events related to the Shopkins brand, primarily orchestrated by a content creator known as Cookieswirlc between May and June 2016. These offers included direct mail-in freebies, random drawing giveaways, and exclusive event-based promotions. The documentation highlights a variety of no-cost items such as Num Noms, Shopkins blind bags, custom collectibles, and event-specific merchandise. Participation in these programs generally required specific actions, such as being a verified fan, answering trivia questions, or attending physical retail events. The following article examines these specific promotional activities, eligibility requirements, and the nature of the free products distributed during this period.
Direct Mail-In Freebies and Random Drawings
During May 2016, Cookieswirlc conducted several direct-to-consumer freebie campaigns, distributing excess inventory and custom items to followers. These campaigns were characterized by specific entry requirements and global shipping offers paid for by the organizer.
Num Noms Freebie Campaign
In late May 2016, a freebie offer was announced for Num Noms products. The offer stemmed from excess inventory acquired during a "Num Noms blind bag truck video." The organizer offered to mail out 25 Num Noms packages to 25 different "cookie fans." * The Prize: Each winner received one Num and one Nom lipgloss, both described as brand new and sealed in their original packaging. * Eligibility and Entry: Winners were selected at random from the pool of entrants. The organizer specified that entrants must be over 18 years of age to claim the prize. * Shipping: The organizer explicitly stated they would pay all shipping costs to send the Num Noms "anywhere in the world."
Custom Collectible Giveaway
A separate giveaway was conducted for a custom-painted Cookie Pony. This item was a customized version of a "POP My Little Pony Fluttershy" figure, hand-painted by the organizer. * Entry Method: The giveaway utilized a "Rafflecopter giveaway" system for entries. * Eligibility: Participants were required to be over 18 years of age. * Timeline: The specific giveaway mentioned had a tight turnaround, ending at 12:00 am on the night it was posted.
Shopkins Plush Hanger Blind Bag Offer
Earlier in May 2016, an offer was made for extra Shopkins Plush Hanger blind bags resulting from a video project. * Entry Requirement: Unlike the random drawings, this offer required a specific action: potential recipients had to email the correct answer to a trivia question derived from a Cookieswirlc video. The question asked, "In the above Cookieswirlc video how many light blue paint pots does the set come with?" * Selection: The offer was limited to one winner, who was selected based on the correct email submission. * Deadline: Entries had to be submitted by 9:30 PM California time on the day of the post.
Event-Based Promotions and Retail Exclusives
The source material also details a significant promotional event hosted by Moose Toys at Toys R Us, known as the "Swapkins party." This event offered exclusive merchandise and trading opportunities for fans.
The Swapkins Party at Toys R Us
Held on May 28, 2016, the Swapkins party was a physical event where collectors could bring their Shopkins to trade with other fans. * Event Perks: Attendees received specific free items. Reports indicate that guests received a free Shopkins trading tray and a free Twozies blind bag upon attending. * Exclusive Merchandise: The event featured a retail exclusive: a Season 5 12-pack that contained a "Gold Kooky Cookie" figure. This specific item was described as only being found at the Swapkins party event. * New Reveals: Moose Toys utilized the event to reveal a brand new collectible item to the attendees. * Participant Experience: The organizer described bringing a bag filled with various Shopkins (including Apple Blossom, candy jar exclusives, and jumbo Shopkins) to trade. The report noted that while trading occurred, a significant portion of the inventory was given away for free to other fans in attendance.
Custom Treats and DIY Free Printables
While not direct brand giveaways, the source material includes references to DIY projects that result in free, personalized items for recipients. These projects utilize publicly available images and printable templates to create Shopkins-themed treats and party games.
Shopkins Lollipop Labels
A guide was provided for creating Shopkins-themed lollipops, intended as treats for school classrooms or personal gifts. * Process: The method involves searching for Shopkins images via Google, selecting favorites, and organizing them in a document (e.g., Microsoft Word). * Materials: Specific sticker paper (such as Avery sticker paper from Staples or Cricut sticker paper from Michaels) is required to print the labels for the lollipops. * Usage: These are intended for personal use, creating a "free" treat for the recipient by combining a generic lollipop with a custom-printed Shopkins label.
Party Printables
The documentation references free printable resources for hosting Shopkins-themed parties. These include: * Coloring Pages: Printable coloring sheets available for guests to use while waiting for a party to begin. * Bingo Cards: Free printable Shopkins Bingo game cards. * "Pin the Candle" Game: A downloadable game file allowing users to print the pieces needed to play "Pin the Candle on Wishes," a Shopkins-themed variation of "Pin the Tail on the Donkey." The instructions specify that the game is for personal use only.
Conclusion
The provided documentation from 2016 outlines a variety of free promotional opportunities associated with Shopkins and related collectible brands. These opportunities ranged from international mail-in giveaways of Num Noms and custom collectibles to exclusive in-store events at Toys R Us offering limited-edition figures and trading accessories. Additionally, the sources highlight how fans could create their own free items through DIY projects using printable templates and custom sticker labels. Participation in official brand giveaways typically required entrants to be over 18 years of age and, in some cases, to answer specific trivia questions or attend physical events.