Mother’s Day 2018 Freebies and Deals in Phoenix: A Guide to Complimentary Offers and Discounts

Mother’s Day 2018 in the Phoenix area offered consumers a wide variety of complimentary offers, discounted services, and special promotions designed to celebrate mothers without requiring a significant financial investment. The available deals ranged from free food and beverages at local restaurants to no-cost admission at cultural institutions and beauty services. These promotions were concentrated on Sunday, May 13, 2018, with several offers extending through the weekend or requiring specific actions such as making a purchase or visiting a specific location.

The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available to Phoenix-area consumers during that Mother’s Day period, categorized by the type of offer.

Food and Beverage Freebies

A significant portion of the available promotions focused on complimentary food and drinks. These offers were available at various restaurants, cafes, and dessert establishments throughout the Valley, often requiring specific conditions such as an accompanying purchase or the presence of the mother.

Restaurant and Cafe Promotions

Several restaurants offered free meals, desserts, or beverages to mothers on Mother’s Day.

Thai Chili 2 Go: This establishment offered a free meal to mothers with the purchase of an entree. This promotion was valid all day at locations in Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale.
Midici, Neapolitan Pizza Company: Mothers received a free margherita pizza with any pizza purchase. This offer was valid at the Phoenix location and accepted walk-in customers.
Wienerschnitzel: Mothers were eligible for a free chili dog, small fries, and soda. This offer was available at the Glendale location and other participating sites.
Texaz Grill: This restaurant provided mothers with a free slice of apple pie with ice cream. Reservations were recommended for this location in Phoenix.
Famous Dave's: Participating locations in Chandler, Mesa Riverview, Peoria, and Santan Village offered an early lunch option (opening at 10 a.m.) and provided mothers with a $10 gift card for a future visit.
Thirsty Lion: Mothers received a free box of chocolates at locations including Tempe Marketplace, SanTan Village, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
24 Carrots Natural Café and Urban Juicery: Located in Tempe, this vegan and gluten-free restaurant offered specials for Mother’s Day, including Veggie Quiche, chilaquiles, turmeric-tofu vegetable scramble, and apple sweet potato hash.

Beverage and Dessert Offers

Various establishments provided free drinks and desserts, often requiring a purchase.

Westgate Entertainment District: Multiple venues in Glendale offered specific promotions:
- McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon: Offered $1 mimosas and $5 select appetizers.
- Salt Tacos y Tequila: Provided free chocolate-covered strawberries or cheesecake mini chimis with no purchase needed.
- Fresh Healthy Cafe: Offered a free medium strawberry-banana smoothie with an entree purchase.
- Johnny Rockets: Provided a free shake with any purchase.
- Mama Gina’s Pizzeria: Offered a free dessert with an entree purchase.
- Opa Life Greek Cafe: Offered penny sangria.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Provided free strawberry shortcake with any purchase.
Gallo Blanco and Otro Cafe: Mothers received a free dessert sampler (a trio of mini tres leches cake, coconut pudding, and lime tart) with a $10 purchase. Margaritas were available for $3 all day.
Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen: Mothers received a 1-cent mimosa or sangria (limit one per mother).
Press Coffee: Mothers received a free drip coffee or a half-priced latte at all seven locations.
Wow Wow Lemonade: Mothers received a free signature lemonade with any purchase in Scottsdale.
Carlson Creek Vineyard: Mothers could enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of three-wine-infused cake for $10 (other guests paid $20) between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Nitro Live Ice Creamery: Buy any size ice cream and mom gets the same size for free.
Baskin Robbins: Offered $3 off an ice cream cake order of $15 or more.

Grocery and Retail Food Offers

Food City: All Arizona locations handed out a free carnation to mothers on May 10, while supplies lasted.

Entertainment and Activity Offers

In addition to dining, several entertainment venues offered free admission or activities for mothers.

Museums: Many museums offered Mother’s Day promotions where mothers received free admission. The Children's Museum of Phoenix specifically extended free admission to grandmothers as well.
Zoos: Various zoos across the country offered free admission for mothers. Specific examples included the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. Consumers were advised to check local zoos for participation.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Locations offered special movies paired with special menus.
Mamma’s Day Sing-Along: Free tickets were available on a first-come, first-served basis at theater box offices starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Laser Quest: Located in Peoria, mothers or fathers played for free with the purchase of a child's regular game.

Retail and Pampering Deals

Retailers and service providers offered discounts and free activities for mothers and families.

J.C. Penney: On Saturday, children could decorate Mother’s Day flowers during the Kids Zone program. Parents received an extra 10% off coupon to use that day.
Michaels: The arts and craft store offered two Kids Club "Flowers for Mom" programs on Saturday. The cost was $2 per project for children 3 and up, and $5 for children 6 and up.
Gourmet Gift Baskets: Offered 15% off using the promo code "MOM15" through May 13.
Spaweek.com: Offered 15% off gift cards using the code "MD2018" valid at over 9,000 locations.

Conclusion

The Mother's Day 2018 landscape in the Phoenix area provided a diverse array of free and discounted opportunities for consumers. The majority of food and beverage offers required the physical presence of a mother and often an accompanying purchase, while others, such as the meal at Thai Chili 2 Go, were directly tied to an entree purchase. Entertainment venues generally offered free admission to mothers, with some extending the courtesy to grandmothers. Retail promotions focused on children's activities and online discount codes. All offers were strictly limited to the 2018 Mother's Day period, with specific validity dates and location restrictions applying.