offers

Free Educational Resources for Teachers and Home Schoolers!

Abby H.

I’ve been doing some research to find some fun resources for my day job, and I wanted to share because sharing is caring!

Here are just a few of the educational resources available from Canva.

First up is my personal favorite: Canva.  It’s a website where you can make all sorts of media- both print and digital! They have a lot of free worksheet templates for all grades.

I recently learned about Free Book Marketplace, which sells low-cost books to educators. Their Free Resource section is expansive. Their Free Resource section can be found here.

This resource won’t go live until next month, but I’m mentioning it now: Book It. For both home schools and traditional schools, this program is a great way to celebrate reading with tasty rewards for grades TK/pre-K up to 6th grade!

If Pizza isn’t on the menu, Panda Express has a program called Read with Me that is for TK/pre-K through 5th grade (ages 5-11).

Education.com has a plethora of lessons, worksheets, and educational supports in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language.

And don’t forget Teachers Pay Teachers. This site has a lot of free resources. Everyone who sells on this site must provide at least 1 free resource. I have a lot of free resources in my store. TPT frequently has sales and discount codes. I do my best to post these coupon codes and sales as they become available.

And not strictly educational, but… LEGO® Life Magazine offers free subscriptions.  Perfect for kids aged 5-9, this printed magazine is packed full of cool activities, fun comics, creative builds, posters, and so much more. We get it at my house, and I try to bring it to school to share with the kids after mine are done pouring over it.

Did you know that Michaels offers a Teacher Discount? Once you verify yourself as a teacher, you’ll receive 15% off everything (even sale merchandise!).

Save More with Walmart Cash!

Abby H.

Have you heard of Walmart Cash? I just learned about it today. I don’t shop there too often, and it seems like a good program for those people who shop at Walmart with regularity.

Similar to Ibotta, when you shop through the Walmart App, or on the website, visit the Walmart Cash page and clip any offers that appeal. When you purchase those items, you will receive Walmart Cash. Amounts vary by products, and offers change frequently. These offers cannot be stacked with Ibotta.

Here are a few of the current offers.

You can redeem your Walmart Cash on your next purchase, or you can head over to Money Center or Customer Service to cash out- you’ll need the Walmart app or be logged onto the website on your mobile device. More info can be found here.

Freebies and Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Abby H.

Teacher Appreciation Week starts on May 5th, 2025. It is always the first week in May.

This year, it seems there are a lot fewer straight-out freebies and more discounts and BOGOs. Most of them require downloading an app—keep this in mind and be prepared to do a little legwork. And have your staff badge with you to take advantage of these deals!

At the time this article is posted, many freebies and deals that were available in previous years have not yet been confirmed for 2025. Be aware that if you see other articles with information to double-check that they are confirmed for 2025. I spent a lot of time going down rabbit holes and ending up at dead ends.

My absolute favorite deal is one that you can combine with coupons, store deals, and rebates apps (like Ibotta, Fetch, etc.): Vons’s/Albertson’s is offering Teachers a discount of 10% off their groceries (exclusions apply), May 3-6. With the rise in grocery prices, this offer may be the most practical.

Join Sonic’s Teachers’ Circle via their app before May 5 to unlock a whole slew of freebies to use between May 5 and May 9. You’ll receive exclusive rewards like a BOGO Sonic Blasts, entrees, or cheeseburgers, free large drinks or slushies, and a free small side with an entrée purchase. This is a legit offer, and sometimes Sonic has other in app offer throughout the year for teachers too.

15% off at Michaels. This is another one that is valid all year. It’s perfect for all kinds of teachers. I love this because teachers need supplies all year, and Michaels has great deals. You can use this online and in-store. It takes a little bit to be verified, but it’s worth it!

Not a freebie for everyone, but if you like Chipotle, this one might be right up your alley.  Teachers who verify their employment status at teacherthanks.chipotle.com between April 30 and May 12 will be entered for a chance to receive a free entree e-card. Chipotle will choose 100,000 winners who will be notified the week of May 13.

Office Depot/Office Max: They offer Discounts and additional bonus offers when you sign up and verify your teaching status through their website.

Staples: Similar to Office Depot’s offer, Staples is offering 20% off in-store purchases with an app coupon and a teacher ID.

Apple: This is a great offer- Apple offers educators and support staff a discount on a new Mac or iPad through the Apple Education Store. To take advantage of this offer, verify your educator status to unlock the discounted pricing.

In past years, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Insomnia Cookies,  McDonald’s, and other restaurants have offered freebies or discounts for teachers with an ID. If you are looking for specific freebies, I recommend reaching out to brands or restaurants directly. For year-round discounts and offers, check out the NEA website. 

 

Buying Sewing and Craft Supplies Frugally

Abby H.

I love sewing. I have been creating clothing, costumes, and home goods for decades.

Losing stores like JoAnn Fabrics means turning to online retailers or looking for supplies in thrift stores, apps like OfferUp, or even on Facebook marketplace. 

Brick and mortar fabric stores have been disappearing for about the last 10 years, and for some of us stores like JoAnn fabrics were the last place that we could go in person and buy fabric to make clothes, notions like thread and sewing machine needles, and patterns.

I love shopping at thrift stores for fabric and notions, but it can be hit or miss.  I frequently pick up flat sheets to make mock ups for fitted clothing, as they are less expensive than muslin by the yard. When I need something specific, I look online for deals.

Did you know that apps like Temu and Alibaba partner with small and local businesses in addition to large overseas factories? On Temu, you can select “local warehouse stores” to shop local companies. Not only will you be shopping locally but you may experience faster shipping times. 

I recently purchased bias tape, which I needed for some upcoming projects, and I was able to find a local warehouse store that had two of the colors that I needed. And in less than five days, I had two spools of black and white biased tape in my hand. And it was shipped from Indiana, which isn’t local to me, but was at least purchased by a company in the US.

In fact, if you look at the bottom of the front page of Temu, it has a link to click where you can learn more about selling your products on Temu. It’s not just gigantic faceless mass manufactured factories overseas, anyone can sell their products on Temu.

I have purchased T-shirts in the past that have come from a small business in Orange County California through Temu. I’ve also purchased 3-D printed items from a small company in the Midwest that sells via Temu.

Where do I find good, quality freebies?

Abby H.

I’m always on the lookout for good, quality freebies. What I mean by that is items that have value. Not just monetarily, but items that I will use. That can be anything from free food to a brand new washing machine and dryer.

A lot of of the freebie programs I have used in the past are no longer around (Example Tryit berged with Influenster), so those are not included in my list; however, here are some that I use today and recommend to others.

This list does not include rebate apps or anything where there is any sort of out-of-pocket where you are reimbursed later.

JCPenney All-Star advisors: While this program is around, I don’t think they are currently accepting any new members. I couldn’t find any info online about how to sign up or join their waiting list.

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 prior to 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 5-ish years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, organizational products, and food.

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.

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?

Save with Target Circle!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-10-16 at 10.04.12 PM.pngTarget is at it again! First Target RedCard (learn about it here as well as my other tips for saving at Target), and now Target Circle!

How it works: When you check in with Target Circle™ and pay with RedCard™, you’ll earn one vote to help direct where Target gives for every eligible purchase and continue to save 5% right away. Plus, you’ll redeem your saved offers if you check-in before your purchase.

Not using your RedCard? When you check in with Target Circle™ you’ll earn 1% to redeem at Target later instead of saving 5% right away.

It works online and the Target App too!

In addition to saving, you’ll earn a birthday surprise, and special deals and offers tailored to you and your previous purchases. All the details can be found here.

Weekend Freebies!

Abby H.2 Comments

8101f95433a1458fa8c2371f3b11b849I didn’t get a chance to post my usual Freebie Friday Round up- I was busy doing other stuff (mostly making costumes for an upcoming production of Treasure Island at Pickwick Players in Santee).

But it’s never too late for fun free stuff!

Samples

Food

Magazines

 

Freebie Roundup!

Abby H.

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It’s that time again! Let’s dive into spring with some new samples!

Free Color Sample of Kelly-Moore Paint (these samples are great for small projects, like painting wooden craft kits)

Free Sample of Natures Design Supplements (They have a limit of two samples per household!)

Free Bottle of Diet Standards Prenatal DHA

Free Samples of Seni Pads & Briefs

Free Sample of Naked Essentials Jerky Bites or Kibble
Free HydroMassage Massage on April 15th-22nd

Free Comic Book Day on May 6th

Free 2017 National Parks Entrance Days (there is only 1 National Park in San Diego county- FYI)

LEGO Monthly Mini Build – Free LEGO Race Car

If you are going to be near a Penzey Spice store tomorrow, here is an awesome freebie! Free Penzeys Embrace Hope Spring/Easter Mini Gift Box In-Stores

Another program that I love is Social Nature. They offer coupons for free natural products in exchange for honest reviews. I’ve sampled many really tasty products, including Ezekiel products (they have yummy high protein English muffins).

Here is my post all about how I score free stuff, beyond finding cool samples like these online. There are a lot of programs that are looking to share full size products with you for free!