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There’s nothing better than free stuff, and we’re on a mission to spread the goodies. This winter, snag everything from free food to free entertainment at spots across the country.
FOOD
Free Bagels
Head over to your local bagel spot on January 15 — National Bagel Day — and you’ll most likely score something gratis. Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving Rewards members a free egg sandwich with purchase when ordering ahead in its app or online; Bruegger’s Bagels offers a free bagel and cream cheese if you sign up for its app; MyPanera members who purchase an Asiago Bagel Stack between January 15-21 will receive a reward for a free bagel on their next visit and Dunkin’ often has a free bagel with a drink purchase for DD Perks members.
Free Popcorn
On National Popcorn Day, January 19, score free or super-cheap popcorn. AMC offers unlimited refills for any size popcorn, while Cinemark fills up a bucket you bring for $5 (maximum size is 400 oz.). We recommend bringing your biggest soup pot. Regal Crown Club and Showcase Cinemas offer a complimentary small popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket.
Free FroYo
It may be cold outside, but that’s not stopping frozen yogurt spots from handing out free froyo on February 6. TCBY, Yogurtland and Menchie’s are offering BOGO deals at participating locations.
Free Pizza
On February 9, National Pizza Day, Domino’s and Pizza Hut usually do a buy-one-get-one deal, and Papa John’s throws in some free sides like garlic knots.
Free Pie
National Pie Day is on January 23, so you can snag a free piece as long as you order an entree at Village Inn. This is valid at select locations, so call before you go (the Country Apple pie is incredible).
Free Slurpee
Check out the 7-Eleven beat the winter gloom promo. On January 31, celebrate the end of the month with a free small Slurpee. Pro tip: These items sell out quickly, so stop by as early as possible.
ENTERTAINMENT
Free Entrance to National Parks
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), the public is invited to visit national parks, monuments and historic sites, including the Grand Canyon, Everglades, Yosemite, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and more. Please note that while the entrance fees are waived, you may still incur additional costs for camping, tours, and food.
Free Organized Hikes
Start the year off right with a hike on January 1. America’s State Parks program organizes hundreds of hikes at state parks nationwide. Bonus: Hot chocolate is usually tossed in as an extra special freebie. Check out stateparks.org for more information.
Free Polar Bear Plunges
Sure, it may be free on a daily basis, but taking the Polar Bear Plunge is extra fun with groups of people. Many beaches throughout the United States host Polar Bear Plunges on January 1.
FREE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
From January 26 to February 1, parents and educators can sign up for a week of activity videos, coloring sheets and creative challenges during Crayola Creativity Week. Sign up at creativity-week.squarespace.com.
RANDOM FREEBIES
Free Shipping
Many retailers already offer this perk (Amazon Prime, Target for members, etc.) but if you’re still paying for shipping — then save all your orders for December 14, when many retailers offer this deal.
BIRTHDAY FREEBIE
Spend your special day collecting gifts! If you’re a Beauty Insider at Sephora (sign up free on their site or in-store), you get a free gift — and you don’t even need to make a purchase. These vary by what’s in stock, but you can typically expect a few smaller sized skin or hair-care items.
Hungry? Chipotle will give you free chips and guacamole with a purchase, Auntie Anne’s does a free pretzel and Buffalo Wild Wings offers six free wings. Next, head to Starbucks for your free drink (any size!) or food item, as long as you’re part of their free rewards program. If you get a coffee, you’ll probably want a donut to go with it. Thankfully, Krispy Kreme offers a free glazed donut on your special day. Not a fan of donuts? Portillos gives out a free slice of their famous chocolate cake for birthdays.
FREE PET PRODUCTS
Your pets deserve some love, too. In December, Starbucks offers free Pup Cups daily (homemade whipped cream), and PetSmart has free pet photos with Santa during its Paws & Claus event (make a reservation to secure your space).
*While supplies last. Check with retailers for participating locations and giveaway updates.
Which of the above would YOU love to take advantage of? Let us know in the comments below.
Natalia Agatte
