10/02/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

It’s finally Friday! Are y’all ready for some great freebies and deals?

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Sample of Queen of the Thrones Organic Castor Oil
FREE Coffee Every Monday for Teachers & First Responders at QuickChek
FREE Sample of DYNE Digestion & Immune Support Soft Chews
FREE Gerber Gerberlyte Rehydration Ready House Party Kit
Free Full-Size Products from Home Tester Club
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE $5 PayPal Credit
FREE Halloween Party Kit Giveaway & More at Target
2 FREE MrBeast Swarms at Lowe’s
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
FREE Bahamii Date & Almond Bar
FREE SeTú Skincare Starter Kit
FREE Aroma Passions Fragrance Samples
Save Big on the Latest Titles with the 30-Day FREE Kindle Unlimited Trial (Lots of Titles! $12/mo Value)
FREE Sample of Augustinus Bader Overnight Restorative Cream
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Santal Couture Fragrance
FREE Sample of AbsorbAid Digestive Enzymes Supplement
FREE Mainstays Faux Fur Throw Blanket at Walmart
Apply to Drive the Planters Peanutter NUTmobile & Get Paid $45,000
FREE Bvlgari Baciami Ancora Fragrance Sample
FREE Diesel Only Desire Fragrance Sample
FREE That’s Spot On! Game Night Party Pack
FREE Shout Stain Remover, NERF Darts & More for Target Circle 360 Members
FREE Sample of LUBELIFE Strawberry Flavored Lubricant
FREE Vanilla Bean Sample
FREE Nummy Tum-Tum Welcome Box
FREE Rhode Highlight Milk Luminizer at Sephora
FREE Witch Candy Box Workshop at Home Depot

Deals:

DeWALT Retractable Utility Knife ONLY $9.55 on Amazon (Reg $17)
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas Each Friday
2 in 1 Hair Straightener and Curler ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
Up to 60% Off Bras, Underwear, Pajamas & More
SpaceAid Toy Storage Organizer ONLY $77.97 (Reg $120)
This Week’s Top Coupons: Save Big at JCPenney, Macy’s and Beyond
Planet Fitness New Coupons & Promo Codes: Free Membership, $1 Enrollment and More
Kids Puffer Jackets ONLY $19.99 (Reg $60) + Hats or Pairs of Gloves for $5
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera ONLY $23.99 (Reg $40)

10/1/2026 It’s Sample Thursday with PinchMe!

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 a box that I recently received.

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!

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

I was so sick last week- I didn’t have the energy to post anything on the blog, or on social media. I’m finally feeling better, and now it’s time for some awesome freebies and deals.

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Hand-Drawn Postcards
FREE Guerlain L’heure Bleue Fragrance Sample
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
The Best Free Skincare Samples to Request Right Now
Free Dog Food Samples: Companies that Will Send You Free Dog Samples by Mail
2 FREE Nexxus Comb Thru Hairsprays at Walgreens
FREE Al Capone Koozies
FREE Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese
FREE Sample of Infiniment Coty Les Osiums Extraits de Parfum
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Mini Purées Chatterbox Kit
FREE Hayek for the 21st Century Book
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE $15 to Spend at CVS
FREE Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Roll Coupon
FREE BRG Skin Regeneration Ritual Sample Pack
FREE Sample of Momcozy Plus Wipes
FREE Vintage Postcard
FREE Taste Republic Refresh TryaBox
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
FREE Practical Magic Digital Movie Code
10 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at CVS
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Glue Dots Adhesives Samples
FREE Centellian24 Trial Kit
FREE Can of Talia Foods Beans
FREE Bring Fido Bumper Sticker & Door Hanger
FREE Beauty Sample Box Giveaway at Target
Get Free Beauty Product Samples With Topbox Circle
FREE Fabric Ghosts Craft Event at Michaels
FREE Custom Illustrated Greeting Card
FREE Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Boxes & Activity Poster
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE 6-Pack of BUBBL’R Antioxidant Water In-Store
FREE Sample of NewTrition Marine Collagen
FREE 2027 Steps to Living Healthy Calendar
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits

Deals: 

4-Pack Outdoor Chair Cushions ONLY $22.99 on Amazon (Reg $60)
Nike Reactx Women’s Slides ONLY $26 (Reg $65) + Free Shipping!
Target Circle Deal Days Are Back Starting October 6th!
Score Walmart+ Membership for ONLY $1.00 for 30 Days!
LOWEST Price Ever: Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Newest Model ONLY $15.99 (Reg $40)
Walmart Deals & More Are Coming October 5
Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is Coming: Get Ready for October 6-7!

2026 San Diego County Fall Fire Station Open Houses!

As someone who grew up in San Diego County, I know that it’s always fire season.

Teaching our kids fire safety is key. It’s more than stop, drop, and roll. I was so excited when I saw a PeachJar flyer about upcoming local fire station open houses. These are a great way for kids (and families) to learn more about fire safety and check out the local fire station.

Most of these dates coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026. This year, the theme is preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in everyday items like phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

City of Santee Fire Station 4:
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071

City of Carlsbad Public Safety Open House:
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: City of Carlsbad Safety Training Center- 5750 Orion St, Carlsbad, CA 92010
This event will feature live demonstrations and tours with the police, fire, and public works departments.

City of Coronado Fire and Police Departments
When and Where: Sunday, October 6, at their Public Safety Open House. The free event kicks off National Fire Prevention Week and takes place between 11 am and 2 pm around the main Fire Station (6th Street) and the Police Department (7th Street) on D Avenue.

City of Chula Vista Fire Station 5:
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 AM – 2 PM
Where: 341 Orange Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Deer Springs Fire Protection District (Station 3):
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026

 

Talk Back: If you know of any other Fire Station or public safety open houses in San Diego County, please leave a comment!

9/13/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals

This weekend has been busy with SCA events, the never-ending mountain of laundry, and meal prep for the coming week.

Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE Bad Sheep Yarn Birthday Mini + FREE Shipping
Free Chick-fil-A Birthday Item Every Year
FREE Full-Size BONKERS Surprise Dog Treats & Dog Toy
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE LEGO Batman Bust Build Event
Insomnia Cookies PJ Party: FREE Cookies, Merch & More
The Best Birthday Freebies and Free Stuff for Seniors
FREE Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese
FREE WHOOP Basic Health Panel – a $69 Value
FREE Fish or Chicken at Long John Silver’s on September 19th
6 FREE Cookies at Tiff’s Treats
FREE Davines Essential Haircare Samples
FREE Custom Bottle Label at Walgreens
FREE Confetti Bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes on September 15th
FREE 12-Pack of Pepsi Zero Sugar
FREE Movie Ticket to The Weight
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
FREE Fruit Snacks, Eucerin Samples, Hot Wheels Giveaway & More at Target
FREE $25 at Home Depot
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Tiny Fugitives
FREE ARM & HAMMER Fabric Rinse
FREE $5 Amazon Prime Video Credit
FREE Arey’s Proactive Haircare Solution Products
FREE Movie Ticket to Runner
FREE Smoke Alarm from Red Cross

Deals:

No Boundaries Women’s Beach Insulated Mini Tote Bag ONLY $7.97 (Reg $16)
Dollar General Coupons: Save Money on Gain, Dove, Snuggle & More
Flash Sale: Up to 70% Off Women’s Shoes, Handbag and More at Macy’s
Silicone Cooking Utensils Set ONLY $19.97 at Walmart (Reg $38)
Top Wednesday Food Deals: Midweek Dining Discounts to Devour
Wonder Nation Backpacks ONLY $1.99 at Walmart (Reg $5)
Halloween Candy: Buy 1 Get 1 50% off M&M’s, Skittles & More at Target
Aeropostale 2 Free T-Shirts when you buy 1
SKIMS Discount Codes & Coupons: Up to 30% Off an Order of Panties, Bras and Shapewear
Nike Promina Women’s Walking Shoes ONLY $48.97 (Reg $70)
Facial Cleansing Brush Face Scrubber ONLY $4.99 (Reg $13)
KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer ONLY $34.98 (Reg $60)
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Sale: Save 50% on Today’s Deals!
Thursday Food Deals to Kick Off the Almost-Weekend
Looking For An Alternative to Crocs? Check Out These Knock Off, Fake Crocs at the Lowest Prices
24-Pack Kitchen Dishcloths ONLY $5 on Amazon
Midea 0.9 cu ft 900W Microwave Oven ONLY $59.99 at Target (Reg $100)
Walmart has the VIZIO 65-Inch Class Quantum 4K Smart TV ONLY $328 (Reg $498)
Eastsport Backpacks as low as $7.99 at Walmart (Reg $25)
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2026 ONLY $25 at Walmart
Halloween Decor From $2.49 at Michaels
Bedsure Soft Fleece Throw Bed Blanket ONLY $9.98 (Reg $18)
Elle Roamer Vegan Leather Weekender Tote Bag ONLY $49.98 (Reg $88)
Chelsea Loft Pinsonic Floral Embossed 2-Piece Quilt Set ONLY $19.43 (Reg $65)
Eureka Max Swivel Deluxe Upright Vacuum ONLY $49.86 (Reg $90)
Semi-Annual Suit Sale at Macy’s: Up to 75% Off
Blink Video Doorbell + Outdoor 4 XR Wireless Smart Security Cameras ONLY $79.99 (Reg $140)
Amazon Haul Flash Deals: $2 & Under

9/4/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

It’s Labor Day Weekend! A lot of you have fun plans, trips out of town, and some of you (like us) are staying close to home and chilling out.

This week the freebie list is small, which is par for the course after the back to school rush is over. But here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

PinchMe has a ton of great freebies (sample and full sizes) right now. New Samples drop every Tuesday!
FREE $75 Amazon or Visa Gift Card for Test Driving a Cadillac
FREE School Bus Organizer Workshop at Home Depot
FREE VCF Sample
FREE BYOMA Skincare, Scunci Hair Items & More for Target Circle 360 Members
FREE Pembe the Pink Cat Party
FREE Sample of Heart Grown Wild Root Bath Soak
FREE Khloud Plus Protein Chips
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
The Best Free Sample Boxes to Request
2 FREE Advanced Screening Tickets to ONSLAUGHT
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE Sample of Hempz Serene Waters Lotion with Magnesium
FREE $10 Instant Bonus at Ace Hardware
FREE Shark Hair Styling Tools
FREE Haunted House Kit Workshop Event at Lowe’s
FREE Fidget Cube, Carabiner or Phone Stand
Get Free Nike Gear: How to Become a Nike Product Tester
FREE Depend Fresh Protection Advanced Sample Pack
Get The Top 17 Free Baby Boxes in 2026: Walmart, Target, Amazon
FREE Hape: Pixelz Little Rock Stars Party
FREE Bag of Real Good Breaded Chicken
Up to 4 FREE Movie Tickets to THE FIX
FREE Full-Size Snacks from TasteBud
The Ultimate Guide to Birthday Freebies for Kids and Babies
FREE Jose Cuervo Margarita + Win $1,500
Grubhub Labor Day Weekend – FREE Items, BOGO & More
FREE Mind the Skin Eczema Flare Patches – a $30.99 Value
FREE 2027 JDC Jewish Calendar
FREE Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Roll Coupon
FREE LEGO Harry Potter Micro Castle Build Event
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
FREE Creed Iris Debonair Fragrance Sample
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE Febreze Odor-Fighting Fade Defy Plug-In at Walgreens
FREE Sample of ECRU New York Luxe Hair Gloss
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s

 

Deals:

Kohl’s Labor Day Sale is LIVE – Save $10 Off, 15% Off & Kohl’s Cash
Best Target Dollar Spot Finds Today (Toys, Home Décor, and More)
LEGO City Advent Calendar 2026 ONLY $25 at Walmart
Gap’s Labor Day Sale – Up to 60% Off Select Styles + Extra 50% Off Sale
Crock-Pot Manual Design Series 4.5-qt Slow Cooker ONLY $15.49 (Reg $36)
BIC Xtra Smooth Bright Edition Mechanical Pencils ONLY $5.21 (Reg $16)
DSW Coupons and Promo Codes – Up to 60% Off Clearance Online, Up to 30% Off Select Adidas & More
Eddie Bauer Labor Day Sale up to 40% Off Including New Falls Arrivals
Petco 20% Off Site Wide Sale – Big Savings on Everything for your Pets
Buy 1 Get 2 Free Towels at JCPenney

Ripple Street: Apply to host a Color, Craft & Unwind House Party!

Y’all know I love Ripple Street (Formerly House Party).

Check out this new event they just posted-

Color, Craft & Unwind is all about bringing friends together for a relaxing night of creativity — no pressure, no perfection required. Just good conversation and something fun to show for it at the end of the night.

200 hosts will be selected to host a Color, Craft & Unwind House Party and explore creative projects inspired by an activity booklet filled with ideas—from colorful journaling and personalized décor to crafts designed to help you unwind and enjoy the moment.

Selected hosts will receive a Party Pack with a Target GiftCard™ plus products from Newell Brands, including Paper Mate, Sharpie, Elmer’s, Ball, and Chesapeake Bay Candle — all available at Target.

After the party, hosts share photos and social content from the experience and write reviews!

Ready to get creative? Apply now through September 16. 

I’ve already applied. Fingers crossed I get it- it would make a great theme for a fall potluck!

9/1/2026 It’s Sample Thursday with PinchMe!

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 a box that I recently received.

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!

Review Programs for Everyday People!

Recently, a few friends asked me about companies that offer programs for micro-influencers (usually defined as someone who has 10k or fewer followers) or everyday folks who want to try new products in exchange for their opinions.

I’ve posted about this before, years ago, but programs change and sometimes shut down completely.

If a company or brand offers you a freebie or a rebate to purchase an item on Amazon in exchange for a review- DECLINE THE OFFER. This is a common scam for new sellers on Amazon to receive reviews, which can put your Amazon account in jeopardy. 

Here are the programs that I have used, and a little bit about each one:

Stack Influence: Choose an item, purchase through their link. Once you complete the tasks (usually a social media post), you are refunded via Venmo or PayPal (your choice).

Glimmer Surveys, freebie offers, and community.

Maverly: This company works with a lot of larger brands. They send free products in exchange for social media posts and reviews.

Chimeable: Social Media posts and reviews in exchange for products.

She Speaks: Social Media posts and reviews in exchange for products.

Soapbox Influence: Social media posts and reviews in exchange for products. Sometimes you will be asked to purchase the product, and you will be reimbursed once the campaign has been completed.

The Insiders: One of my favorites. You will be asked to purchase the product, and you will be reimbursed once the campaign has been completed.

Bzzagent: I wrote a review of it here. I’ve been using Bzzagent for over 10 years.

Influenster: To get all of the products and free stuff offered by Influenster, you have to download the app.  When they send an offer for a free product, you have to jump on it right away. Their offers go fast! I’ve gotten clothing, cosmetics, perfume, and household appliances through Influenster.

Kitchen Insiders (Owned by Kelloggs): They send out full-size products in exchange for social media posts and online reviews.

Butterly: They send out full-size products in exchange for social media posts and online reviews.

The Pink Panel/Guys that Groom: Trying out new or existing health/beauty products, complete surveys regarding the products and your experiences with them. You are compensated in either Amazon Gift Cards or Gift Cards to the manufacturer’s website (the compensation is posted in the email you receive). I have done campaigns with them for skin care, SPF, and cosmetics.

Home Tester Club is pretty cool. They are one of my new favorites. You sign up to review items, and they send you something. A lot of the time, they don’t notify you before shipping. You’ll get a package in the mail, and a few days later, you’ll get an email notifying you that you were selected and a link to the survey to complete once you have sampled the product. I’ve received all sorts of great skincare, cosmetics, food, and clothing from Home Tester Club.

Tryazon: The kids and I have been participating in Tryazon events for 8-ish years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, organizational products, and food.

Ripple Street: This company rebranded recently and was previously known as House Party. You can learn about them here. 

Smiley360  is a word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing website. Sign up for campaigns, and you will receive samples to use and coupons to share with friends. Report your sharing and earn points! I’ve received Laundry detergent (full-sized bottles), vitamins, supplements, tampons, and razors in the past.

If you are looking for apps or companies that offer 100% rebates on food, check my post here.

Talk back: What is your favorite website for getting free stuff?

8/28/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

It was our first full week of back to school/work, and it was a hot one. So hot that many local schools called off PE and had lunch inside.

I’m looking forward to a weekend cool down- If it’s not over 100, I’ll be hopping into the pool.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found 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!

If your kids aren’t back to school yet and you need some adventures, here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here.  It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.

Freebies:

FREE 1-Hour of Topgolf for Verizon Customers
Claim Cash in the $18.8 Million O’Reilly Auto Parts Class Action Settlement
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Get a Free Birthday Dessert at Olive Garden
FREE Pokemon Trading Kit at Best Buy on August 29th
FREE 2027 EWTN Family Calendar
FREE Saffron Road Meal with Survey
Get Free Beauty Samples in the Mail From La Roche-Posay, Dove, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Others
FREE $25 to Spend at Staples
FREE Confetti Bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes
FREE Sample of Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks
FREE Full-Size PanOxyl Acne Mask or Spot Treatment
FREE 12 Count of Ball Mason Jars at Walmart
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
FREE Wendy’s 10-Piece Chicken Nuggets
FREE Marinela Hershey’s Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Fraga Farm Skincare Sample Bundle
FREE Maison Perrier French Kiss Sparkling Water
FREE 20 oz. Coca-Cola + Sweepstakes
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – FREE Kids Book Every Month
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026

Deals:

JCPenney Labor Day Sale: Up to 50% Off + Up to 30% Off Select Bedding, Bath, Rugs, Curtains
Hoover Dual Spin Pet Plus Carpet Cleaner Machine ONLY $90.88 (Reg $142)
Dollar General Clearance Event – Starts Tomorrow August 28th
Acrylic Photo Blocks ONLY $1.99 at Walgreens (Reg $10)
Nike Reactx Women’s Slides ONLY $26 (Reg $65) + Free Shipping!
Toshiba 75-Inch 4K Smart Fire TV ONLY $369 at Best Buy (Reg $730)
Beakey Makeup Sponge Set 5-Pack ONLY $3.84 (Reg $13)
Petco Sale – 50% Off Fish Tanks, $10 Petco Cash on Blue Buffalo & Free Tasting Event
Hot Deals at Amazon Haul Starting as Low as $1.00
Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $5.99 (Reg $13)
Vaseline Lip Therapy Jelly 2-Pack ONLY $2.98 on Amazon + Free Shipping
Fashion Nova Discount Code and Coupons: Save up to 80% Off on Dresses, Jeans, Tops, and Accessories
Best Cheap Sewing Machines for Advanced and Basic Sewing Projects in 2026
Sculpd Discount Codes – 10% Off Your First Order, 15% Off for You & a Friend, & More
Up to 65% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $4.67
Cute Heart Ghosts Friendship Duos ONLY $5 at Target
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change