shopping

5/22/26 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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)

Attention Walmart Shoppers: One Pay

Abby H.

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:

  • Cash back 3-5%, depending on your funding source.
  • 1 free year of Walmart+ when you sign up for and receive a One Pay Credit card (terms and restrictions apply).

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.

 

Educators and Parents: $35 in Free Books and School Supplies from First Book Marketplace!

Abby H.

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.

5/15/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

The countdown to my trip out of town has commenced. Next week at this time, I will be camping!

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:

Get Free Beauty Samples in the Mail From Dove, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Others
FREE Sample of AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Hydro Soothing Cream
FREE Movie Ticket to In the Grey
FREE Garden Basket Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Kim Crawford Club Kim Party Kit
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE Modelo Best Seat in the House Fútbol Watch Party Kit
FREE Sample of Sustain Sport Performance Hydration Drink Mix
FREE $40 Worth of Batteries from Staples
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Power Ballad
FREE PRÉS Clean Protein Coffee
FREE Neutrogena Face & Body Sunscreen Pack at Walgreens After Cash Back
FREE Ensure Max Protein Shake After Walmart Cash
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
FREE $30 to Spend at BEIS Travel After Cash Back
FREE Dior Fragrance Sample
FREE Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch Sample
Kids’ Summer Reading Programs – FREE Books, Pizza, Push Toy & More
FREE Microchipping for Cats & Dogs at Petco
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday at 3pm ET
Claim Cash in the $2.5 Billion Amazon Prime Class Action Settlement
FREE Goalie Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Sample of Dove Amino Curl Repair Mask
FREE Cone Day at Haagen-Dazs – Today Only
FREE MARÉE Beauty Products
FREE Dog or Cat Giveaway Kit & More at Target
FREE Planet Fitness Summer Pass for Teens
Top Freebies and Rewards for Good Report Cards
FREE Sample of L’Oreal Age Perfect Le Duo Serum
FREE 20 oz. Pepsi-Cola Product at Circle K
FREE Moving Box Labels from Progressive
FREE Catify Climb ‘n’ Scratch Post

Deals:

Celebrate Fri-Yay with These Fun Friday Food Deals
Char-Griller Barrel Pro Charcoal Barrel Grill ONLY $98 (Reg $130)
This Weekend Only: Underwear, Socks & Bras – Buy 2 Get 2 FREE
CAROTE Ceramic Cookware Set 16-Piece ONLY $69.99 (Reg $200)
Thursday Food Deals to Kick Off the Almost-Weekend
Macy’s 10 Days of Glam: Save 50% Off Tarte, MAC & More
How Does GoodRx Work? An Inside Look at Prescription Savings
Miracle-Gro Garden Soil On Sale for $2 at Home Depot
Our Favorite Places to Score Cheap Baby Clothes + Shop Great Deals Happening Now!
Puma Club 5v5 Animal Print Women’s Shoes ONLY $46.99 (Reg $100)
Save on 12-Pack Coca-Cola & Pepsi with These New Soda Deals For as Low as $0.41/Can
Up to 70% Off Nike Backpack – Prices as low as $9.99
Under Armour Men’s Fleece Hoodie ONLY $22 (Reg $55)
Astercook Knife Set ONLY $24.98 (Reg $79.99)

05/09/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I’ve spent time this week getting ready for a family trip at the end of the month. All sorts of list-making, planning, and washing of camping bedding.

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 Bottle of Lactaid Creamer at Publix
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 11+ Chatterbox Kit
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE $25 to Spend on Fragrance at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Sample of OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Shampoo & Conditioner
FREE Car Wash for Community Heroes at GO Car Wash
FREE $35 to Spend at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Sample of T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Medicated Cooling Foam
FREE Saffron Road Meal Coupon for Roadies Members
We Rounded Up The Best Free Samples for Men: Check Them Out
Mother’s Day Freebies & Deals RoundUp
Claim Cash in the $750,000 Sealy Bedding Products Class Action Settlement
FREE Great Minds Think Differently Poster
FREE Order of Pita Chips at CAVA
FREE Sample of Ex Nihilo Lust in Paradise Extrait de Parfum
FREE Pollinator Flower Seed Packet from National Geographic
FREE Sandwich During Armed Forces Week at Mission BBQ
FREE Sol de Janeiro Mini Body Cream Duo at Ulta After Cash Back
FREE DocuPet Tag + FREE Shipping
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday
FREE Chocolate Dipped Fruit Cone at Edible
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
FREE Movie Ticket to The Wizard of the Kremlin
FREE Garden Basket Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Full-Size Products from Home Tester Club
FREE Full-Size Hair Gloss or Anti-Frizz Spray
These Are the Best Websites to Get Free Samples & Freebies
FREE 3 lb. Bag of Cuties at Kroger

 

Deals:

New Bath & Body Works Coupon Policy: What You Need to Know
High-Speed Ionic Hair Dryer ONLY $79.99 (Reg $230)
Loungefly Pochacco & Friends Mini Backpack ONLY $29.94 (Reg $50)
Outdoor Patio Umbrella Shade with Auto Tilt ONLY $20 at Walmart
5 Tips to Find the Cheapest Oil Change + Get Oil Change Coupons and Savings
lululemon Belt Bags From $29 + Free Shipping!
Candle Warmer Lamp ONLY $10.49 on Amazon (Reg $25)
Kate Spade Staci Mini Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $279)
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas – Every Friday!
Home Office Computer Desk with Drawers ONLY $35.98 (Reg $60)
Coach Perfumes as low as $11.99 at Walmart
Luggage Sale at Macy’s Up to 74% Off – Prices From $79.99
10 Bogg Bag Dupes on Amazon That Are Just as Great as the Real Bogg Bag
Mother’s Day Gifts Under $25 at Belk + Free Store Pickup!
Mother’s Day Gifts Under $25 at Walmart + Free Store Pickup
Kohl’s Mother’s Day Gifts Under $25 + Free Store Pickup

Shopping Smarter Matters: Rae’s Way Overdoing It Birthday Video

Abby H.

I saw this video before, but it showed up on my FYP, and while I know it’s supposed to show how crazy the costs of everything have become, I watched it and saw a chance to show everyone how to shop for a birthday party on a budget. No slight to Rae- I love her content and think she is hilarious.

In the video, Rae is at a big box store (Walmart) with a budget of $50 for a friend’s birthday.

Her shopping list included:

  • Cake
  • 2 frozen pizzas
  • 2 suitcases of mini soda cans
  • Candles
  • Plates
  • Cutlery
  • 2 pkg streamers
  • Balloons
  • Plastic tablecloth
  • Banner

At her first go round, she is over budget, so she decides to make the cake from a mix, and proceeds to finish her shop. She does end up over budget by $1.

If our friend Rae started at Dollar Tree…. It would be much different.

For a total of $22.50. With the leftover cash, pick up 2 Costco pizzas, and if there is any leftover, maybe grab 2 pints of store-brand ice cream at Dollar Tree!

I love Dollar Tree for party supplies. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on disposable party supplies. I’ve always done birthday parties on a budget!

2026 Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

May 4-8, 2026  is Teacher Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, there are some freebies and deals around.

I have only included those in my local area, but if you are outside the Southern CA area, a quick Google search can find you some local freebies.

Chipotle: This one is pretty popular. Chipotle is saying “thank you” by giving away 100,000 FREE Burrito Cards. Enter to win by 5/12.  

Shake Shack: Teachers receive a free ShackBurger or Veggie Burger with a $10 purchase. Must show school ID.

Some Raising Cane’s locations are offering free drinks (excluding lemonade) in May. My local Raising Cane’s is not participating.  Here is the list of participating locations. 

I’ve read online that some Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s locations may do freebies or deals next week; however, I couldn’t confirm anything online.

If you are a Sonic Drive-In fan, download their app and sign up for an account. When you go to account settings and select “I’m a Teacher” to join the Teachers’ Circle.  You will be asked to verify that you are an educator. Update your profile to verify your status as faculty or staff at a K-12 school or degree-granting university. Once you verify, there will be freebies and deals added to your account throughout the year.

These next freebies are not tied to Teacher Appreciation week- these are available year-round and are pretty amazing.

Canva is free for teachers. Canva for Education

Headspace offers a free subscription for educators.

We are Teachers has free printables!

If you are looking for year-round deals, check out ID.me.

May 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

This month, there aren’t a ton of free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.

Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
Multipack Sparkling Water by Sanzo

There are a lot more offers for BOGO or a percentage off, including brands like Daiyo, Ripple, Calafia Farms, SunButter, Back to Nature, and Javvy Coffee, to name a few.

If you are looking for other rebate sites, similar to Social Nature, check out Aisle,  WeStock, or Peekage.

5/1/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week has been wild. I’ll post a separate update tonight, but needless to say, I am so glad it’s Friday.

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 Pokemon Button, Photos & More at Target
FREE Sample of Ralphs Club New York Eau De Parfum
FREE Movie Tickets to I Love Boosters
FREE John Frieda Mousse, Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle, or Frizz Control Serum
FREE Blue Square Pin
FREE Hers Hair Care Products
FREE Service of Palm Beach Tan
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – FREE Kids Book Every Month
FREE Breakfast for Teachers at Whataburger on May 7th
FREE Mother’s Day Flower Bouquet Craft Kit at JCPenney
2026 National Pretzel Day Freebies and Deals
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
Score a Free Babylist Hello Baby Box Filled with Samples & Full Sized Products
Free Kids’ Magazines: A Gateway to Fun and Learning
FREE Sample of SHEBA Bisque or Purée Cat Treats
FREE Movie Ticket to The Story of Everything
FREE Sample of Love, Nala Cat Food
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher at Target
FREE Sample of Breathe Right Extra Strength Strips
FREE Ensure Max Protein Shake After Walmart Cash
FREE Petco Mother’s Day Photos + Blue Buffalo Pet Food Samples
FREE Sub at Firehouse Subs for Those Named Mike, Michael, Miguel, Michelle & More
FREE Bvlgari Eau Perfumee The Imperial Eau de Toilette Fragrance Sample
$35 Worth of FREE Books with First Book Marketplace
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE LEGO Star Wars Starfighter Build Event
FREE Haircut at Sport Clips If You Have a Mullet
FREE $30 to Spend on Adidas After Cash Back
FREE Sample of Pink Zebra Fragranced Wax Melts
FREE Samples of SheaMoisture Curl Stretch Collection
FREE Summer Fridays Sweet Pink Duo Lip Butter Balm at Sephora After Cash Back
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE Movie Tickets to Young Washington
FREE Pack of Stonyfield YoBaby Multipack Cups or Pouches
FREE Jackson’s Summer Snacking Party Pack
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Get Free Beauty Product Samples With Topbox Circle

 

Deals:

Subway BOGO Deal: Buy 1, Get 1 Footlong Sub – New Subway Coupons for May
Kohl’s Up to 85% Off Clearance Sale is LIVE – Deals Start at $0.72
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas – Every Friday!
Kobalt Portable Mini Toolbox ONLY $16.98 at Lowe’s (Reg $22)
11 Things Costco Members Can Get for Free Included In Their Membership
Miracle-Gro Garden Soil On Sale for $2 at Home Depot
The 12 Best Stanley Cup Dupes You Can Buy Online on a Budget (Durable & Affordable)
Macy’s Jewelry up to 70% Off – Prices as low as $29 | Mother’s Day Gif Ideas!
The Big One Bath Towels and Pillows for $2.39 at Kohl’
CHI Infra Thermal Care Kit ONLY $17.74 Shipped (Reg $47)
Libman Spin Mop With Bucket ONLY $19.98 (Reg $40)

Q-Insights Online Shopping Study – Pays $125

Abby H.

QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County and less often in San Diego County. Currently, they are conducting an online study regarding online shopping using your mobile phone.

Who: Looking for people 18 and 65 to participate.

Length: 60-minute online interview: Nationwide

Dates: May 1st through May 14th

Incentive: $125

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here. A recruiter will contact you if you pre-qualify and ask additional screening questions.