kids

2026 Birthday Freebies!

Abby H.Leave a comment

This year, I focused on picking up birthday freebies that I really wanted. And that the kids would like too, because really, I couldn’t eat everything that was offered to me!

For those in CA, TX, NV, AZ, FL, NM, SC, or NC, check out eBirthdayClub. There are TONS of great freebies on this site.

If you live outside the San Diego, CA area, I recommend that you check out the birthday freebie list from MySavings. Their Freebies on Your Birthday list is pretty long. This list has a separate section towards the bottom of the page with Birthday Freebies for Kids, too!!!

Non-food Birthday Goodies:

  • Torrid: Members of the DivaStyle Club will receive $10 off their next purchase of $10+
  • Dave & Buster’s: $10 in free gameplay for those in the D&B Rewards Club.
  • Free goodies at Sephora (It changes every year)
  • DSW Shoe Warehouse: $5 off birthday coupon
  • Hot Topic:  Hot Topic Rewards members receive a $5 coupon for your birthday every year.

  • Bath and Body Works: Download their app and complete the Account Details section with your birthday. You will receive an offer for a free travel-sized item.

Free Food Birthday Goodies:

  • El Torito: A free entree for your birthday.

  • McDonald’s: Download their app and enter your birthdate when you sign up. You can get a free item for your birthday from a list of about 20 options. I chose the large iced coffee so that I could take it home and mix it with my protein shake for breakfast the next morning.

  • Jamba Juice: Download their app and enter your birthdate when you sign up, and receive a free Large Smoothie for your birthday! No other purchase needed. We have Jamba about once a month, so I’m not sure if a previous purchase is required.

  • Sombrero’s Mexican Food: Score a free burrito for your birthday!  

  • Starbucks: Download their app and get a free birthday handcrafted beverage of your choice on your birthday only.
  • Denny’s: Free Grand Slam for your Birthday. They also email out other freebies and coupons.
  • Bj’s Brewhouse: Rewards members receive a free Pizookie for their birthday.
  • Jersey Mike’s: Free Sub for your Birthday! (No matter what you read online, there is no Subway or Submarina birthday Freebies- Those deals are DEAD)
  • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: When you sign up for a Smile-age Account, you’ll score a free Fro Yo for your B-day!  (I love Menchie’s!)
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes: Join their email list and receive a FREE Bundlet on your Birthday. (look for the link at the bottom of their website)
  • Mary’s Donuts: East County peeps know what I’m talking about! Free drink and TWO Donuts! 
  • Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub: Score a free Charburger on your birthday.
  • Panera: Sign up for MyPanera and get a free pastry or sweet on your birthday.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get six free birthday wings during your birth month
  • Cinnabon: Download their app and sign up for Cinnabon Rewards to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.

Here are some offers that I did not include because I feel like they are a Freebie with a catch:

  • Dairy Queen: You must download their app and use it to make a purchase at least 30 days before your birthday. When you download the app, make sure to complete the section where it asks for your birthday.
  • Red Robin: You must spend at least $10 during the previous year to receive their birthday freebie.
  • Edible Arrangements: You must spend at least $29 during the prior year to receive their birthday freebie.

Places I read online that gave freebies, but I did not receive:

  • Dunkin’: I’m not a big Dunkin’ fan, so I was not upset to find that I did not get a free coffee or an offer with a % off for my birthday.

There are tons of other birthday freebie lists, but they may include offers that are not available here or may include stuff that I don’t consider worth it (like the Aveda “freebie”- pay $10 and receive a product valued at $23+… No thanks.)

Another deal that everyone and their mama goes nuts about is Benihana Japanese Restaurant – a complimentary meal up to $30 when you purchase an Adult meal at Regular Price (You must sign up for The Chef’s Table club). This used to be a FREE meal, no strings attached, but it has changed to basically a BOGO. That’s a no-go for me, but it may still get you excited.

I have not included Ulta in my list because you have to make a purchase the year previous (and it needs to be a certain amount- I’ve been told different amounts by various Ulta Employees, anywhere from $5-$50), so for me, that’s not a freebie. If I have to buy something to receive something, that’s a BOGO deal.

Remember to read the fine print for these offers. Most of them are for adults, ages 18+ (19 in some states). Some offers require the coupon/offer to be printed out, and for some, you can just show your phone.

 

 

Parents To Be: Free Breast Pump Resource!

Abby H.Leave a comment

This is a great offer for parents!

Most (if not all) insurance companies provide free breast pumps to mom to be, but navigating the insurance system to get one can be daunting.

Aeroflow Breast Pumps is here to help! Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow  Breast Pump through your insurance.

It’s super easy:

  • Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.
  • Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.
  • Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

That’s it! Pretty Sweet, right?

To get started, click here.  And if you know any mamas-to-be, please share this post with them!

Free- Wild Wonder Animal Encounter at San Diego Area Libraries

Abby H.Leave a comment

When my kids were little, they loved these events. Honestly, they probably still would be excited about seeing wild animals up close.

Wild Wonders will be visiting 23 San Diego County libraries this summer with their furry friends.

To learn more about Wild Wonders, visit their website.

And don’t forget- Summer Reading Programs from both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego libraries will start in the beginning of June. I’ll post more information as it becomes available.

Tryazon- Jasey’s Toy Chest Party

Abby H.Leave a comment

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

Bring home toys built for magical moments and a lifetime of memories with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Jasey’s Toy Chest! Jasey’s Toys Chest believes in joyful learning through toys that create open-ended play. The brand was created in loving memory of their son Jasey, who filled their home with creativity and adventure. Now they create sustainable toys that are built to last and spark learning, creativity, and connection. Explore the endless possibilities with Jasey’s Toy Chest!

They have 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of toys from Jasey’s Toy Chest to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/jaseys-toy-chest-party/

3/30/26 Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Looking for some birthday freebies? Check out my post here.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: 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 Custom Fido Alert Pet ID Tags
2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at CVS
FREE Man-i Pedi from Hard Mountain Dew
FREE Coffee at Dunkin’ on April 1st
FREE $25 to Spend at Walmart After Cash Back
Chipotle Burrito Vault – $2 Million in FREE Chipotle
FREE Care Mail Handwritten Letters
The Best Baby Registry Websites — Get Baby Freebies and Must-Haves
FREE Custom Tabby Alert Pet ID Tags
FREE AROMASE Psoriasis Scalp Care Products
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats – 10,000 Giveaway
FREE Sample of Wellness Protein Bowls Dog Food
FREE Sample of RoC Hydration+ Water Cream
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Svinka Hand-Drawn Art Postcard
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Conditioner After Walmart Cash
FREE e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint
FREE Sample of Edna Day Moisture Cream & Overnight Cream
FREE Easter Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE 24-Pack of Crayola Crayons from Staples

Deals

Majesty Palm House Plant 1.94-Gallon ONLY $14.98 at Lowe’s (Reg $25)
Macy’s Jewelry up to 70% Off – Prices as low as $29
40% Off Select Kids’ Ride-on Toys at Target – Stacks w/ $10 Off $50 Toy Coupon
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $8.98 Shipped – Now FULL Size Items Added
Latest Mixtiles Coupons and Promo Codes: Framed Wall Art Photos Up to 50% Off
BIG Home Event at Macy’s: Up to 60% Off Bedding, Kitchen, Luggage & More
Sta-Green Premium 2-cu ft Mulch on Sale for $2.00 at Lowe’s
JCPenney Spring Women’s Dresses From $19.99
CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – 70% Off 16×20 Canvas, BOGO Free Gifts & More
Dove Men+Care Bar 3 in 1 Cleanser for Body 8-Pk ONLY $9.67 Shipped
Top 15 Sam’s Club Hacks to Save More in 2026
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ONLY $49 (Reg $100)

Adding Whimsy To Your Life!

Abby H.Leave a comment

In today’s world, we could all use a little more happiness and simple joys in our lives. Here are just a few ways that I add a little bit of whimsy to my life. These are all simple and inexpensive.

I use “the good”: dishes, linens, vases, etc. Leaving items for a “special occasion“ that may never come, let’s leave that in the past. I’ve started replacing my household goods as they wear out with better-quality items. I’ve moved to 100% cotton, higher thread count sheet sets for our beds. 2 sets of better sheets per bed instead of 3 or 4 sets of mid-quality polyester blend sheets that inevitably pill (blech).

Speaking of “the good,” this goes with your clothes, too. I’m not suggesting you wear a ballgown to the grocery store, but your pearl earrings from Meemaw look great with jeans.

Go analog. Not for everything, have you seen the “analog bag“ trend? It’s basically a Mom purse. A puzzle book, journal, small craft like knitting, crochet, kumihimo, or lucet. Something to keep your hands busy and not mindlessly scrolling on your phone.

Spend time each morning unplugged. I tried to spend my first 30 minutes of each day without a screen. I make my protein coffee, finish making lunches, pack my bag, and the kids’ backpacks. And I checked my wall calendar for anything coming up, then it’s time to wake up the kids, and make breakfast.

Take care of Nature:

  • Go for a walk, and pick up trash along the way.
  • Hang a seed ball or a hummingbird feeder on your porch or patio.
  • Get a succulent or other low-maintenance plant.
  • Feed some ducks (not bread). Frozen corn or peas are better for them.

Make a beverage cart or a beverage corner in your kitchen. I moved some stuff around to make a coffee cupboard in my kitchen above my coffee maker. It has all of the shelf-stable coffee/cocoa/tea supplies on it, including my French press, my syrups that don’t fit there live under the cupboard next to my coffee machine.

I’m spreading the love and putting love notes in the kids’ lunches every day and cutting sandwiches into funny shapes. Just a little note and touches that show them I care.

Making fun desserts, and having yummy fruit on hand to snack on. Seasonal fruit is cheaper, but I do love me some berries.

Make something colorful: a fruit salad, a beaded bracelet, or plan a fun, colorful outfit with pieces you already own. Or draw a picture and color it. If you don’t have crayons, colored pencils, or markers, or you’re trying to lower your carbon footprint, there are plenty of free coloring apps online.

 

Talk Back: I’d love to hear about how you are taking time to make your life a little more whimsical?

My Laundry Favs: More than Good Smells.

Abby H.

Clean laundry is more than good smells.

Stain removal, like removing the deodorant residue on the underarms of shirts, can lead to a buildup.

Removing smells from body oil and dead skin flakes. Pretty gross!

Using the right kind of detergent, laundry booster, sand tain removal – These can all be hard to figure out.

These days, it’s three of us, plus the cat, but I do one load of laundry a day, sheets and blankets weekly. It’s a lot of work. Thankfully, I have a system worked out.

We’ve had hard and or mineralized water in our area, so I use the following:

Scent Booster. I use the Arm & Hammer brand. I avoid fabric softeners as they are waxy and can leave a film on your clothing that can capture dirt and dead skin flakes.

Laundry detergent. Right now, I am using Arm & Hammer liquid detergent. Some people prefer powder. I prefer Arial for powder. It cleans very well and does not have an overwhelming scent.

Stain Removers. There are many types of stain removal products; some are general-purpose, and there are also some that remove stains based on the type of stain.

  • For blood stains, I use this Carbona Stain Remover. It works better than saliva and hydrogen peroxide.
  • For general stains, I use Spray and Wash 
  • For greasy stains, I use a combination of Blue Dawn and a little bit of rubbing alcohol, scrubbed with a toothbrush. This really helps get grease stains out.
  • For General whitening/stain removal boosting, I add 1/4 cup Biz and 1/4 cup Oxyclean to my wash. Biz is great for overall stain removal. These two products cannot be used in conjunction with bleach products.
  • For my whites: I use bleach. This is usually only on my towels and sheets.

I do not use dryer sheets.

Beyond Laundry:

To maintain my washing machine, I clean it up once a month with these tablets. We don’t have a dog, but a couple of us have longer-ish hair, and Fiona the cat loves to shed. Another thing that helps keep your washing machine smelling fresh is leaving the lid open when it’s not in use. And wiping down the gasket inside the lid once a week.

I maintain my dryer by cleaning the lint trap after every load, and using a brush like this one in the lint trap about once a week. We get the dryer vent cleaned once a year. It is a little costly ($100), but it really cuts down on the time the dryer needs to dry the clothes, and it reduces fire risk in our home.

We also use cloth laundry hamper bags on a hanging system (similar to this one) in my closet. I wash those bags approximately once a month. And for the hard plastic laundry baskets, I wiped them out with a disinfecting wipe about once a week.

And as for all of the hangers, I use a hanger rack like this one.

2/7/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been a mixed bag- I’m out of town on a birthday trip with some friends.

My birthday is next week, and the freebies have started rolling in, and I’ll have an updated birthday freebie list compiled and updated by mid-next week.

In the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here, which I updated earlierthis week. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at Walgreens
$1 Million FREE Chipotle Entrees on February 8th
FREE Full-Size CeraVe Body Moisturizer – Every Weekday Through February 27th
FREE Tom Ford Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum Sample
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
Over 30 National Pizza Day Deals, Coupons and Freebies – Monday February 9
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Berry Crush Fragrance
FREE Tall Hot or Iced Coffee at Starbucks on February 9th
FREE Sample of Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Bandage Balm
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE McDonald’s McNugget Caviar Kit
FREE Kindle eBook This Month
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Penguin Mailbox Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Hydration Event at Target – FREE Samples, Game Day Party Pack & More This Weekend
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2025
FREE American Spirit Butt Pouches – Order Every Month
FREE Moonpig Valentine’s Day Card + FREE Shipping
FREE Simon Says: Dessert Party Pack
$25 Worth of FREE Books with First Book Marketplace
FREE Pizza or Pasta Sauce at Stop & Shop
2 FREE Ghirardelli Chocolockets on February 10th
FREE Friskies Wet Food and Lil’ Lickables Sample Pack + FREE Dentalife Sample Pack for New Members
FREE Limited-Edition Tote Bag at IKEA on February 14th
FREE Wooden Rose Bouquet at Lowe’s
FREE $25 to Spend on Super Bowl Gear at DICK’S After Cash Back
FREE Angry Orchard Ex-Change Kit + FREE $25 Venmo
FREE Sample of Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
FREE $15 to Spend on Books at Walmart After Cash Back
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Tickets to See the FIFA World Cup Trophy
How I Get Free Samples with Free Shipping
FREE Olympics Gold Pin for Xfinity Rewards Members
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
70 Million FREE Frontier Airlines Miles
FREE INITIO Parfums Privés Hedonist Collection Fragrance Samples
FREE Valentine’s Day Donut at Krispy Kreme

Deals:

Gold Bond Ultimate Men’s Essentials Hydrating Lotion, ONLY $10 (Reg $20)
Finish Line Sale: Up to 50% Off + Extra 20% Off Women’s Adidas, Nike & More
Apple AirTag 4-Pack ONLY $64 on Amazon (Reg $99)
See The Fashion & Beauty that’s Trending on Revolve + 10% Off Coupon & Free Shipping
JCPenney Boxed Jewelry on Sale from ONLY $5.39
Coach Perfumes as low as $10.89 at Walmart
Up to 70% Off Pandora Jewelry
7 Clever Ways to Get Cheap or Free Shein Items
Revlon Skin Reviving Roller ONLY $5 (Reg $15)

1/30/26 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week has been a mixed bag- I’m out of town on a birthday trip with some friends.

My birthday is next week, and the freebies have started rolling in, and I’ll have an updated birthday freebie list compiled and updated by mid-next week.

In the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here, which I updated earlierthis week. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

Order Your Free 2026 Wall Calendars
FREE Febreze Odor-Fighting Fade Defy Plug-In at Target
Lots of Freebies for Moms: The Freebie List I Wish I Had When I Became a Mom
Earn $2 to $75 per Completed Survey – Ages 16+ can Apply
10 Ways to Save Big on Pet Food Delivery Services + Get Free Shipping
FREE Movie Ticket to Dracula
FREE 30-Day Supply of Ritual Synbiotic+ Supplements
FREE PURELL Sanitizer Products
FREE Penguin Mailbox Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Sample of e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation
FREE Saltair Serum Deodorant
How to Score Free P&G Samples Like a Pro
FREE Gillette Venus Smoothing Exfoliant at Walgreens
Claim Cash in the $15 Million Dollar General Class Action Settlement
FREE Loaf of Canyon Bakehouse Stay-Fresh Sourdough-Style Bread
FREE $30 Purchase at Lowe’s After Cash Back
FREE Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
FREE Bottle of Native Pet Omega Oil + Free Shipping
FREE Pantene Fragrance-Free Shampoo
FREE Morning Made Electric Whisk
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
FREE $35 Purchase at Stanley After Cash Back
FREE Welch’s Zero Sugar Beverage – Up to a $5.99 Value
How to Get More Freebies Without Wasting Time – My Tried-and-True Hacks
FREE Colgate Toothpaste
FREE 2026 Oklahoma Transportation Wall Calendar
FREE Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at Whataburger on February 4th
FREE $20 Carl’s Jr. Promo Card Starting February 9th
FREE 3.5 – 4 lb. Bag of Zignature Dog Food
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE Full-Size CeraVe Body Moisturizer
FREE 1/2 CT Diamond Necklace at JCPenney
FREE Pair of Mack’s Ear Plugs – Every Weekday at 11am EST
Seeing Clearly Without the Cost: A Guide to Free Contact Lenses
FREE Amazon Prime for Students
FREE Sandwich at Jimmy John’s
FREE Bvlgari Man Collection Fragrance Samples
Claim Cash in the $2 Million Michael Kors Outlet Store Class Action Settlement
FREE Sample of Mugler Alien Hypersense Eau de Parfum
FREE Galentine’s Spritz with EOS Event at Target on January 31st & February 1st
FREE Bag of OMNI Creatine Gummies
FREE Royal Canin Fresh Health Nutrition Dog Food Chatterbuy Kit

 

Deals:

Save up to 70% on Kids Coats at Macy’s
Walmart HUGE Toy Clearance with up to 80% Off Savings
Subway BOGO Deal: Buy 1, Get 1 Footlong Sub – New Subway Coupons & Reward Program Changes
Intimates Sale at JCPenney – Up to 50% Off | Prices From $4.99
50% Off Everything at Old Navy – Sweaters, Coats, Pajamas & More!
Yankee Candle Clearance: Large Jar or Tumbler Candles as low as $8.75 (Reg $35)
Affordable Fleece Hoodies and Sweatpants Under $30 From Amazon, Walmart, & Target
Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin & Nails Supplement ONLY $3.49 (Reg $8)
Target Valentine’s Day Candles as Low as $3.50 – Limited Time Only!
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up To 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
Coziest Pajama Coupons and Deals This Week from Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, Walmart and More
Craftsman Industrial Fan ONLY $39 at Lowe’s (Reg $129)
PopCorners 20-Count Snacks Variety Pack ONLY $16 Shipped
UGG Winter Sale: Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off & FREE Shipping
Ninja Creami Sale: Save $30 or More on Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami Sale
Burt’s Bees Rescue Lip Relief Hydrating Balm ONLY $3 (Reg $6)
Moroccanoil Volume Travel Set ONLY $45 at Ulta (Reg $60)
Antemper 2026 Latest Android Tablet 10-Inch ONLY $89.99 (Reg $170)
How to Use Kohl’s Cash: Everything You Need to Know earn, use, and maximize
Sculpd Discount Codes – 10% Off Your First Order, 15% Off for You & a Friend, & More
Dealworthy Backpacks as Low as $3.50 at Target
Victoria’s Secret Gift Sets – Buy One Get One FREE

Do We Really Need 64 Ounces of Water!

Abby H.

Everybody knows the adage about drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day, but where did it come from?

According to this NPR article, in 1945, the US Food and Nutrition Board decided that 1 mL of water per calorie was what people needed to stay hydrated. This is approximately 64 ounces of fluid per day. And this stuck.

Per the Mayo Clinic, whats counts as water may surprise you: Any liquid, including foods that are high in liquid, like soups, smoothies, fruits, and vegetables like melons, citrus, and tomatoes, are excellent sources of liquid. This means you don’t need to chug a huge 64-ounce bottle of water every single day. As long as you are consuming foods that are high in liquid, you are getting enough hydration for your body

Too much of a good thing? Yes, you can be overhydrated, and that can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to cloudy thinking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even muscle cramps. This isn’t gonna happen unless you’re drinking over 4 L of water an hour. Overhydration does not happen often, but it can occur.

If you’re looking for ways to add hydration to your day, here are a few ways: