To celebrate the new Asian Market inside World Market, Explorer Members can receive a mystery gift today and tomorrow with any purchase- Make sure you check your email or your Explorer account on the World Market website.
I’m headed over there this afternoon. I’ve been craving digestive biscuits, and it’s the only place in town I can get them.
As most of us with kids get ready for the final stretch of the school year, I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with my kids this summer- and of course blogging!
This week, there are some pretty great freebies and deals. If you are going out, make sure to bookmark this post so you don’t forget anything!
I updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.
If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!
For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.
Freebies:
FREE $30 Purchase at Lowe’s After Cash Back
FREE Sample of Pedigree Pouches Dog Food & Drizzlers Savory Sauce
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE Pure Leaf Iced Tea
FREE Caudalie Beauty Elixir Sample Pack
FREE Netflix Family Magazine, Stickers & More
FREE Butterfly Bookmark Crafting Event at Lakeshore Learning
FREE Sample of Café Cielo Negro Coffee
FREE Water-Resistant Pouch Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Huel Daily Greens Drink 12-Pack, FREE T-Shirt + FREE Shipping
FREE Big Q Drink at QuikTrip
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE Smile Creature Starter Pack – Keychain, Stickers & More
FREE TENA for Men Sample Pack
FREE INITIO Parfums Privés Carnal Blends Collection Fragrance Samples
FREE Pack of Sliced Cheese at Stop & Shop
FREE Set of Fishing Hooks
FREE Entree at Chick-Fil-A Cow Appreciation Day
FREE Sample of Pink Zebra Fragranced Wax Melts
FREE Burt’s Bees Garden Party Lip Balm 4-Pack at Walmart
46 Companies That Send Free Products to Review in 2026
FREE Betty Buzz Sparkling Soda
FREE Sample of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
FREE Phyla Acne Products
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
1 Million FREE Cans of Friskies Cat Food Giveaway
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday at 3pm ET
FREE Goalie Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Krispy Kreme Donuts for A’s on Report Cards
Have a Crumbl Cookie Birthday with a Free Gourmet Cookie! Here’s How.
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
Take a Sip! Discover How You Can Get Free Drinks
Deals:
Anthropologie Dupes That Will Meet Your Style & Your Budget
Eucerin Sunscreen Lotion ONLY $6 on Amazon (Reg $16) + Free Shipping
Cottonelle 336-Count Flushable Wipes ONLY $7.90 (Reg $16)
Top Red Lobster Daily Specials Seafood Lovers Don’t Want to Miss
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas – Every Friday!
Top Subway Hacks for a Tastier and Cheaper Meal
Onlyone Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $8.99 on Amazon (Reg. $17.98)
The Best Handbag, Purse & Clutch Deals on Sale: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, MKF Collection & Coach Up to 80% Off
Perlecare 4 Inch Queen Mattress Topper ONLY $39.98 (Reg $100)
Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls ONLY $4.73 Shipped (Reg $8)
Keurig K-Mini Mate Coffee Maker ONLY $59.99 at Target (Reg $80)
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
All The Best Subway Coupons and Promo Codes: New for May 2026
Father’s Day Gifts as low as $3 at Target – Free Store Pickup!
10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Tent ONLY $69 at Walmart + Free Shipping!
Aerie: Up to 80% Off Clearance – Sweaters, T-Shirts, Skirts & More | Prices From $9.99
Crocs Clearance at Walmart – Prices From $14.99
Art & Cook 8-Pc Round Nesting Bowl Set as low as $9.93 (Reg $30)
Inflatable Pools as low as $9.92 at Walmart
Yaheetech 3-Piece Patio Bistro Set ONLY $99 (Reg $169)
Love samples? Check out PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.
PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.
Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offers samples just for you.
Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.
I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is what arrived at the end of September. Fiona really digs the Delectables Squeeze up Cat Treats- It’s like a gravy Capri Sun for cats!
What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!
Coffee cake is one of my favorite breakfast quick breads. I didn’t have time to whip up a batch, but if you are looking for a tried and true recipe, check out my post here. https://hewesfamilyfun.com/2021/02/10/simple-frugal-recipe-coffee-cake/
If you’ve got a boxed coffee cake mix (Bob’s Red Mill makes a great one) and want it to taste a little more scratch-made, check out my tips here for improving boxed cake mixes.
And if you are looking for some coffee to go with your cake, here are some easy coffee shop-style recipes you can make at home without any fancy equipment.
And if you want your coffee on the go, or any drinks for that matter, check out the Panera Unlimited Sips Club. New subscribers who sign up for a monthly Unlimited Sip Club subscription through May 31, 2026 and enter promo code SIP3 at checkout will receive three months of an Unlimited Sip Club monthly subscription for $3/month plus tax. Remember to use Promo code: SIP3 at checkout!
I love making cake and cupcakes, but sometimes I’m running low on eggs, butter, and milk. Sometimes I want cake, but I’m in a hurry. Enter the two-ingredient cake!
Any cake mix and any carbonated beverage- Soda (diet or regular) or carbonated water/club soda.
Above is an infographic I made with some options. My favorite combinations include Ginger Ale and Spice Cake, and Cream Soda and Yellow Cake.
Have you ever tried this before? It’s simple, easy, and if you are on a low sugar diet, this works well with lower sugar cake mixes and diet soda
I hope everyone has a great three day weekend! The big kid and I are off on a camping trip.
I updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.
If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!
For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.
Freebies:
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE Subscription to LEGO Magazine
FREE Grill Spatula Giveaway at Lowe’s on June 20th
$1 Million in FREE Domino’s Emergency Pizzas
FREE $20 Purchase at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday at 3pm ET
FREE Mesothelioma Cookbook + FREE Shipping
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Kids Bowl FREE All Summer
FREE Buffet & Beverage for Graduates at Golden Corral
FREE $25 Purchase at Target After Cash Back
Memorial Day Freebies & Deals RoundUp
FREE Hero Micropoint Patch
FREE Moonpig Greeting Card + FREE Shipping
FREE Grüns x Popsicle Gummies
FREE Sample of New Skin Kids Liquid Bandage Paint
FREE Planet Fitness Summer Pass for Teens
FREE Sample of Vagisil Coconut Water Lily Feminine Wash
FREE Pint of HALO TOP Ice Cream
FREE Ozark Trail Soft Cooler at Walmart After Cash Back
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
FREE Samples of YSL Myslf Eau de Toilette Intense & Y Iced Cologne
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
Deals:
Save With the Lululemon First Responder Discount: Get 15% Off
Carote 19-Piece Pots and Pans Set ONLY $39.98 (Reg $140)
50% Off Everything at Old Navy – T-Shirts, Shorts, Pants & More!
Aeropostale Jeans & Shorts Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Walgreens Photo Coupons & Promo Codes: 50% Off Gifts, 50% Off Posters & Banners, 50% Off Photo Books & More
Beautiful 4 Qt Digital Slow Cooker ONLY $25.97 (Reg $50)
Dollar General Coupons: Save Money on Gain, Dove Men+Care Body Wash & More
Disney Minnie Mouse Book & Toy Organizer ONLY $25 at Walmart
Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler ONLY $59 at Walmart (Reg $89)
Best Cheap Sewing Machines for Advanced and Basic Sewing Projects in 2026
P&G Rebates: Get Up to $15 For Buying Your Favorite P&G Brands
Thermos Funtainer Insulated Food Jar ONLY $10 (Reg $21)
P&G brandSAVER Coupons: Get Digital & Printable Coupons From Your Favorite P&G Brands
Tweezers Set ONLY $3.99 on Amazon (Reg $10)
Have you ever noticed that Walmart doesn’t offer a tap-to-pay option? They don’t support Apple Pay or any other card or phone tapping option.
Walmart does offer One Pay, which is an app that acts as a digital wallet. Add and use your debit or credit cards. Scan the QR code from your phone’s app- it’s easy.
Some of the features that I like about One Pay are:
Best of all- When you sign up, you can earn $50 cash back and unlock Cash+ within 45 days of joining. Cash back earned as points.
. To learn more and sign up, click here.
The First Book Marketplace is an exclusive, nonprofit online store for educators and program leaders who serve children in need. It provides brand-new books, school supplies, and educational resources at deeply discounted prices, as well as access to large-scale donated books for just the cost of shipping.
Now through May 31st, every new First Book Marketplace member who registers will receive a personal $35 credit following the MemBEAR Palooza, thanks to the Build-A-Bear Foundation.
First Book Marketplace offers a diverse selection of books on various topics for kids of all ages. I’ve gotten some great books for my kids, including books about dinosaurs, history, and music.
First Book also sells school supplies! They also offer free online resources and activities for the classroom or summer work to keep your kids’ skills sharp.
About Build-A-Bear Foundation
Build-A-Bear Foundation’s mission is to add a little more heart to life by sharing hugs, inspiring creativity, and supporting those in need. With a core focus on children’s literacy, Build-A-Bear Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that inspire a love for reading in all kids. First Book and Build-A-Bear Foundation are on track to deliver 1,000,000 books and 100,000 reading buddies to children in need by the end of 2027.
This is a heavy topic. If you are not in the headspace to read this, please scroll on.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health care is important to everyone, regardless of age or financial situation. Depending on your health insurance situation, most insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services.
In California, BrightLife offers free behavior coaching to kids. Learn more here.
If you are an educator, Headspace offers a free subscription for educators.
If you do not have health insurance or cannot afford your mental health copays, there is still help out there for you.
Crisis Support:
If you and your family are low-income, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal (Medicaid in California). To learn more about Medi-Cal eligibility, visit the DHCS website here.
PRC is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.
Topic: Home Builder & Design Professionals
Who: Adults, 18+
When: June 6-17, 2026
Duration/type: 60-minute online interview (webcam required)
Incentive: $400
Where: From the comfort of your home or office
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Pharmacists
Who: Pharmacists currently employed by Costco or CVS (must provide proof of company & occupation)
When: June 4th-9th, 2026
Where: Virtually, from the comfort of your home
Length: 45-mins
Incentive: $350
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Beauty products
Who: Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York women who use beauty products
When: May 26th-29th
Length: 90-minute webcam interview
Incentive: $250 total for pre-task + interview
Where: Online
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Car payments
Who: Nationwide participants who have purchased a vehicle or plan to purchase a vehicle
When: May 27th-May 28th
Length: 90-minute webcam interview
Incentive: $175 digital incentive
Where: Online
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: National Voters-June 2026
Who: Registered Voters 21+ (must provide proof)
When: June 3rd, 2026
Where: Online focus group from the comfort of your home
Length: 1.75-hours (plus 15-min early group check-in: by 5pm ET)
Incentive: $150
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Social Media
Who: Teens and adults who use social media, ages 13+
When: May 28th – June 12th, 2026
Length: 60-minute webcam interview
Incentive: $150 digital incentive
Where: Online
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Cooking Study
Who: Adults 18+ years of age
Date: May – June
Duration/type: 1-hour Webcam Interview
Incentive: $150 digital incentive
Location: From the comfort of your home
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Topic: Los Angeles Area Residents
Who: Adults, ages 18 and older
When: May 27 – 28, 2026
Where: Online, from the comfort of your home or office
Length: 90 minutes
Incentive: $150
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.
Hewes Family Fun 