Freebies

For the past couple of months, I've been signing up with companies to have free samples sent to me.  I mean, why not?  If the company (or store) is offering something for completely free, and it's something I'd use, I think it's awesome! Of course, everything takes somewhere in the 6 - 12 week range to get, so most of the time, I don't even remember what I've signed up for!


A couple of months ago, I got the "quickest" sample I've ever gotten...some tampons!  This was a Costco giveaway (one of the few they do where you do NOT have to be a member to get it), and they sent 5 tampons in what felt like 3 - 4 weeks.  Quite a generous freebie!  After I got that in the mail, I was even more hooked than before!


So, for the past couple of weeks, some of the freebies that I've signed up for have started rolling in, so I took a picture!  And there's really quite a funny story that goes along with this.

From left to right: Poise pads and $2 off coupon, $1 off milk coupon, samples of L'Oreal hair products with a $2 off coupon, a "Respect the Roll" toilet paper cover, 4 sample packets of Splenda with two $1 off coupons, and some Post-It samples with several $2 and $3 off coupons.

You're probably looking at the Poise pads, and wondering why I got those.  Well, it just pays to really READ before you sign up.  I didn't realize that they were for "bladder leakage" and not for my menstrual woes.  LOL.  So if anyone needs some, I have 2 samples and a $2 off coupon I can send you :)


The milk coupon is really cool, as you can use it on any milk.  I'm hoping that includes lactose-free, since that's what we typically get.  The toilet paper roll cover...I just thought it was a hilarious idea.  I think I had to show proof that I had bought Cottonelle over the past however many weeks, and since that's usually what we get, it didn't cost me any extra (pretty sure we got a really good deal on TP that week, too).  The Post-It samples are kinda lame, but they did send some high-value coupons, so that was worth it.  And I always love trying new hair products...especially since my hair has been weird ever since we moved to Charlotte.  Oh, and the Splenda.  Not sure how I ended up with two, as I only signed up for one, but I won't complain.  4 little packets (how cute) and 2 coupons (obviously 2 packets and 1 coupon per sample).


We also had a free 6oz steak and side for Outback, but we used that this week.  Jeremy ended up with a 6oz steak, baked potato and chicken breast for $4.  Pretty good deal :)

I know I have plenty more coming to me, I just can't necessarily remember what.  :)  I hope to be able to take pictures of more goodies soon!


Some of my favorite sites to get/learn about freebies:

• http://moneysavingmom.com/  I've talked about this website several times.  She has all sorts of info about coupons, freebies, sales and so much more!
• http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/index.jsp  You can sign up every quarter (I think) for a free product, coupon booklet, etc.  They take a long time to get to you, but can be very worth it.
• http://samples.target.com/  These go very quickly.  You can usually find out about these on blogs (like the MoneySavingMom blog linked above)
• http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples-and-Savings.aspx  These usually go pretty fast, too
• http://www.costco.com/  If you search "free samples" or something like that, you'll get a list of what they're offering.  Some of their stuff is only for Costco members, so just pay attention to that.

It can also pay off to "like" your favorite companies on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter, as they sometimes advertise free samples or coupons on those pages.