Black Friday 2024 Freebies Online And In-Store Promotions How To Get Them And What To Expect

Introduction

Black Friday remains a peak period for retailers to offer promotional giveaways alongside major discounts. The pattern in 2024 shows a familiar mix of in-store perks—such as free gift cards, doorbuster gifts, and high-value coupons—alongside select online-only promotions. While many high-value offers are still anchored to physical locations, several retailers provide parallel online deals or web-based loyalty programs that deliver digital value. Shoppers who understand where to look, how to qualify, and when to act can effectively combine freebies with broader Black Friday savings.

What Are Black Friday Freebies and Why Retailers Offer Them

Black Friday freebies are promotional offers retailers run alongside discounted merchandise. These can include free gift cards, merchandise samples, or items that become free when a purchase meets defined criteria. Retailers use these giveaways to drive early foot traffic, reward loyal customers, and create a buzz around their Black Friday events. Some freebies are distributed in limited quantities to the first customers, while others are unlocked through specific purchases or membership actions. According to multiple sources, these freebies range from low-cost “swag” to high-value items such as kitchen appliances and jewelry. [1][3]

Availability: Online vs. In-Store

The availability of Black Friday freebies varies by retailer. Some promotions are exclusively in-store to drive physical traffic, while others are available online. For example, Target and Kohl’s often run online-only promotions alongside in-store offers, but the majority of high-demand, physical freebies are reserved for early in-store shoppers. Specific redemption methods (e.g., printed coupons at checkout, online codes, or loyalty portal claims) are typically explained within each retailer’s Black Friday ad or promotion page. [3][1]

Retailers Offering Black Friday Freebies

The following retailers are reported to have Black Friday freebies in 2024, each with distinct offer types and requirements. The descriptions below summarize what’s known from the available sources.

• Target: Target Circle Members can pick up a free Holiday Bear on November 29 with no purchase necessary, available at participating locations while supplies last. Additionally, Target typically offers free Target Gift Cards with the purchase of select items, as advertised in the weekly circular. [6]
• Kohl’s: Be one of the first 200 customers at a local Kohl’s store on Black Friday to receive prize pieces that can include instantly redeemable Kohl’s Cash, Sephora at Kohl’s gift cards, LEGO products, Samsonite luggage, Draper James holiday gift boxes, and a family beach vacation to Florida. Early arrival is essential due to limited quantities. [4][3]
• JCPenney: Be at your local JCPenney store at the specified times on Black Friday for a chance to win high-value freebies:
  • 5:00 a.m. – A coupon for $10 off $10, $100 off $100, or $500 off $500
  • 9:00 a.m. – A free Cuisinart stand mixer
  • 1:00 p.m. – A free pair of lab-grown diamond stud earrings
  • 5:00 p.m. – A free golden tote providing an extra 10% off through December 24 [4]
• Fleet Farm: Be among the first 500 customers at your Fleet Farm store on Black Friday to receive a free plush penguin. [4]
• Meijer: Purchase one Xbox Series X console for $499.99 to receive a coupon printed at checkout providing $50 off the next in-store purchase. [4]
• Costco: Activate a new phone with a T-Mobile Go5G Plus or Go5G Next Plan to get an extra $50 Costco Shop Card on top of a $150 Costco Shop Card promotion. [4]
• Macy’s: The week of Black Friday includes several items free with purchase, such as $29.99 diamond studs with any qualifying $25 purchase, available both in-store and online. [2]
• Big Lots: Historically, freebies have been offered on Thanksgiving day only, such as mini Christmas lights or BOGO clothing items. [2]
• Ace Hardware: Freebies have included free gift cards, grill accessories, and Christmas lights; typically runs promotions mid-to-late November. [2]
• Belk: Offers freebies such as buy 3 get 3 free panties during the Black Friday period (e.g., November 22–30). [2]
• Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, Walmart: Included among retailers where shoppers can find freebies, with high-value coupons and other promotions commonly highlighted. [1]

A broader list of retailers that often run freebies—department stores, home improvement stores, and specialty retailers—is available in curated sources. [1][3]

In-Store Giveaways and Early-Bird Perks

Many retailers position high-value freebies for early arrivals. JCPenney’s time-based event highlights how the first few hours of Black Friday can yield significant value, from instant-off coupons to appliances and jewelry. Kohl’s similarly limits certain freebies to the first 200 customers, while Fleet Farm caps its freebie distribution to the first 500 customers. Meijer’s offer requires a specific purchase to unlock a high-value checkout coupon, illustrating the common pattern of freebies tied to qualifying buys. [4][3][2]

Online-Only Freebies and Digital-Only Perks

While in-store promotions dominate the highest-value freebies, several online options exist. Macy’s and Target provide promotions accessible online, and some retailers operate digital-only loyalty or membership programs that provide online benefits. However, many physical freebies—such as swag bags, gear, or large-scale prize pieces—are reserved for in-store shoppers, reflecting a continued focus on driving foot traffic during Black Friday. [3][6][1]

How to Qualify and Redeem Freebies

Qualification rules differ by retailer and may require one or more of the following: - Membership: Target Circle membership for the free Holiday Bear. [6] - Loyalty sign-ups: Opt-in to email lists or coupon programs to receive digital codes or mailed coupons. [2] - Specific purchases: Meijer’s Xbox Series X purchase unlocking a $50 off coupon. [4] - Phone plan activation: Costco’s extra $50 Shop Card for activating a T-Mobile Go5G Plus or Go5G Next Plan. [4] - Time-based participation: JCPenney’s structured early-morning distribution for coupons and free items. [4] - In-store attendance: Kohl’s and Fleet Farm freebies for the first N customers, requiring early arrival. [4][3]

Redemption methods are typically specified in the retailer’s Black Friday materials and may include: - In-store claim at checkout with printed coupons (e.g., Meijer’s $50-off coupon). [4] - Physical distribution to early customers (e.g., Kohl’s and Fleet Farm). [4][3] - Digital code or membership claim via the retailer’s site or app (e.g., Target Circle). [6] - Purchase-based incentives applied automatically or via redemption at the register. [4][2]

Timing and Store Opening Windows

Many Black Friday freebies begin when stores open in the early morning. For promotions that are limited to the first customers, arriving as early as possible is advisable. JCPenney’s defined 5:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. distribution windows illustrate a structured approach that rewards punctual shoppers. Kohl’s and Fleet Farm impose caps on the number of freebies, reinforcing the importance of early arrival to secure offers. [4][3]

Combining Freebies with Other Discounts

Some freebies can be paired with other promotions, while others may be restricted. For instance, JCPenney’s 5:00 p.m. free golden tote provides an extra 10% off through December 24, effectively stacking value over a broader redemption period. However, not all freebies are stackable, and the ability to combine offers will depend on the specific terms of each promotion. Shoppers should review the fine print for each retailer to determine eligibility and stacking rules. [4][1]

How to Stay Updated

Promotions are frequently updated as Black Friday approaches. Consumers benefit from regularly checking retailer ads, official pages, and reputable freebie sites. As specific offers can change or sell out quickly, monitoring multiple sources improves the chance of securing high-value freebies. Early planning, including mapping store visits and confirming store opening times, helps shoppers maximize the benefit of time-sensitive offers. [1][5]

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Plan arrival times for early-bird freebies. Many retailers distribute high-value items shortly after opening, and some impose caps on quantities. [4][3]
• Bring required documents or proof of purchase. For purchases tied to freebies (e.g., consoles), ensure the transaction qualifies as stated. [4]
• Verify eligibility for membership-only freebies. Target Circle membership is required to claim the free Holiday Bear. [6]
• Watch for purchase thresholds and coupon stacking rules. Macy’s “free with purchase” offers require qualifying transactions, and JCPenney’s tote provides an extended discount window. [2][4]
• Consider in-store versus online strategies. Use online promotions for convenience and digital value, and visit stores for physical freebies and first-customer perks. [3][6]
• Monitor updated ads. Retailers may adjust offers closer to Black Friday, so revisiting ads and store pages is important. [1][5]

Limitations of the Available Information

The provided source material is robust on examples and retailer approaches but lacks official, retailer-specific terms for stacking, geographic availability, and exact shipping policies. Detailed eligibility criteria (e.g., ID requirements, regional participation), precise ad links, and fully enumerated online-only offers are not comprehensively covered. As always, shoppers should consult the latest retailer ads and terms to confirm the latest conditions. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Conclusion

Black Friday 2024 freebies span both in-store and online channels, with high-value items often concentrated among early in-store participants. Retailers like Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Fleet Farm, Meijer, and Costco provide clear examples of how freebies are structured—ranging from loyalty-driven claims to purchase-tied incentives and time-based distributions. Success depends on understanding qualification rules, planning early arrival, and tracking official ads and reputable freebie sites for updates. With careful timing and preparation, shoppers can turn these promotions into meaningful additions to their Black Friday savings strategy.

Sources

1. TVGist
2. FreeBFinder
3. ClosetSamples
4. BlackFriday.com
5. The Freebie Guy
6. MySavings.com