How To Score Free Gift Cards And Other Black Friday Freebies In 2025

Black Friday has become synonymous with significant discounts and doorbuster deals, but for budget-conscious shoppers or those simply looking to maximize their holiday spending power, the real treasures might be the freebies. Among the most sought-after Black Friday freebies are gift cards, which can provide immediate purchasing power without requiring an initial investment. This guide examines the landscape of gift card freebies and other promotional offers available from major retailers during the Black Friday shopping season.

Understanding Black Friday Gift Card Freebies

Retailers have increasingly used gift cards as promotional tools to attract customers during the competitive Black Friday shopping period. These free gift cards range from small denomination promotional cards to substantial value cards worth hundreds of dollars. The distribution methods vary, with some requiring customers to be among the first in line, others requiring purchases, and some available through special promotions.

Many Black Friday gift card offers come with specific eligibility requirements and limitations. Most participating retailers require recipients to be at least 18 years old, and offers are typically valid only at participating locations. The availability of these freebies can vary significantly by store location, with some offers limited to specific regions or individual stores.

Major Retailers Offering Gift Card Freebies

Belk

Belk has established itself as one of the most generous retailers when it comes to Black Friday gift card giveaways. The department store chain plans to distribute $1 million in gift cards, with values ranging from $5 to $500. Each store will award one $500 gift card winner daily, with the giveaways beginning at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Thursday and continuing at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.

The gift card distribution at Belk represents one of the largest publicly announced Black Friday freebie programs, offering substantial value to early shoppers. The tiered approach to gift card values ensures that multiple customers can benefit from the promotion, not just those who might win the top prize.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's

Outdoor retailers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's have become known for their Black Friday freebie programs, which typically include mystery gift cards valued between $10 and $50. To receive one of these promotional cards, shoppers must be among the first 250 customers at their local store on Black Friday.

In addition to the mystery gift cards, Bass Pro Shops offers several other freebies throughout Black Friday weekend. From Thanksgiving Day through Sunday, children can receive a free photo with Santa, with the first 100 children photographed also receiving a free plush toy. On Saturday and Sunday only, customers can receive a free photo package (valued at $20) when they donate a new toy.

Cabela's, which is owned by Bass Pro Shops, offers its own Black Friday freebie program. The first 600 customers in line at 6 a.m. on Black Friday have the chance to win substantial prizes including a Champion power washer, Zeiss telescope, Masterbuilt smoker, or store gift cards worth up to $100.

JCPenney

JCPenney has developed a tradition of offering high-value coupons that function essentially as free money for early shoppers. Those who line up early on Thanksgiving (when doors open at 2 p.m.) receive coupons worth $10, $100, or $500 off their purchases, with the coupons valid for November 22-24.

At specific times on Black Friday, JCPenney distributes additional 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 that provides an extra 10% off through December

The $10 off $10 coupons are particularly valuable as they essentially provide shoppers with free merchandise up to $10 in value, making them one of the most sought-after Black Friday freebies.

Lowe's

Home improvement retailer Lowe's offers a practical freebie to early Black Friday shoppers. The first 300 customers when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive a coupon worth $10 off a $50 purchase. Additionally, shoppers have a chance to win a $500 gift card, with one winner selected per store (no purchase necessary).

This offer provides immediate value through the discount coupon while also offering the potential for a substantial gift card prize. The combination of a guaranteed discount and a chance at a larger prize makes this an attractive proposition for early shoppers.

Half Price Books

Bookstore chain Half Price Books maintains a tradition of rewarding early Black Friday shoppers. The first 100 customers through the door on Black Friday receive a tote bag and a $5 gift card. In an added twist, one of these tote bags will contain a $100 gift card, creating an element of surprise alongside the guaranteed freebies.

This approach combines a guaranteed small gift with the possibility of a substantially larger prize, encouraging early arrival while maintaining excitement throughout the morning as customers discover whether they've received the special tote with the $100 gift card.

Gordmans

Apparel and home goods retailer Gordmans offers Black Friday freebies to those willing to brave the early hours. Stores open at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 6 a.m. on Friday, with the first 75 guests in line receiving a free holiday tote bag and a mystery scratch-off card worth either a $5 shopping card or a $100 gift card.

The dual freebie approach provides both an immediate tangible item (the tote bag) and the potential for additional purchasing power through the scratch-off card. This strategy has proven effective in drawing customers to Gordmans locations during the competitive Black Friday shopping period.

Shoe Carnival

Footwear retailer Shoe Carnival offers Black Friday shoppers a choice between two types of freebies. The first 100 people in line at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive either a scratch-off card worth up to $100 or a free pair of Puma shoes.

This approach gives customers flexibility in how they benefit from the promotion, with some preferring the immediate gratification of free footwear while others might opt for the chance at a higher-value gift card that could be used for future purchases.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond offers a conditional gift card promotion. Customers who spend $125 on UGG products online or in-store receive a $25 bonus gift card. This deal is valid from November 25 to November 29, extending beyond Black Friday into the early part of Cyber Monday week.

This promotion requires a minimum purchase but provides a substantial percentage back in the form of a gift card, effectively reducing the net cost of the UGG products while providing additional purchasing power.

Ace Hardware

While specific details about Ace Hardware's Black Friday freebie program are not provided in the source materials, the retailer is listed among those offering free items during Black Friday. Interested shoppers should check with their local Ace Hardware store for details on any gift card promotions or other freebies available during the Black Friday shopping period.

Other Notable Black Friday Freebies

While gift cards are among the most popular Black Friday freebies, many retailers offer other valuable items that can provide significant savings or immediate value.

Baskin-Robbins

Ice cream retailer Baskin-Robbins offers a sweet deal to Black Friday shoppers. Starting at 1 p.m. ET on Black Friday, customers who place an online order using the code "SNOWMAN" receive a free Brrr The Snowman™ ice cream cake. The promotion is limited to the first 1,000 customers, making it essential for ice cream enthusiasts to act quickly.

Additionally, Baskin-Robbins offers a 20% discount on any online cake order through Cyber Monday using the code "HOLIDAY," providing ongoing value beyond the initial freebie promotion.

New York & Company

Fashion retailer New York & Company offers a free stuffed bear with any $75 purchase, starting from store opening through Black Friday. The offer is limited to one per customer and while supplies last, making it both an attractive promotion and potentially collectible for holiday shoppers.

Sports Authority

While Sports Authority has faced financial difficulties in recent years, the retailer has historically offered notable Black Friday freebies. According to past promotions, Sports Authority outlets gave the first 50 people in line outside its store on Thanksgiving (starting at 6 p.m.) a free foldable chair. Additionally, the first 80 customers earned Bonus Bucks to spend in-store on the same day.

Barnes & Noble

Book retailer Barnes & Noble offers a beverage promotion on Black Friday, with Buy One Get One Free Starbucks® coffee available until 10 a.m. EST on November 23 at participating locations. While not a gift card, this offer provides immediate value to shoppers taking a break from their Black Friday shopping.

Caribou Coffee

Coffee chain Caribou Coffee offers a special Black Friday deal, providing a small Coffee of the Day or small Cold Press for $1 at participating locations on Black Friday only. This represents a substantial discount on regular coffee prices.

Dunkin' Donuts

Coffee and donut chain Dunkin' offers Black Friday specials including espresso shots in drinks for an additional 50 cents and medium lattes or cappuccinos for $2. While not free, these represent discounted pricing on popular items.

CVS

Pharmacy chain CVS offers numerous free items after rewards during its Black Friday sale, which starts Thursday, November 22. Free items include Colgate toothpaste, Orbit Gum, Green Giant canned veggies, facial masks, ibuprofen, pantiliners, baby wipes, razors and more. These items are available after applying rewards, effectively making them free to qualifying customers.

Macy's

Department store Macy's offers 12 Free After Mail-In Rebate items including a slow cooker, pillows, glassware, watches, tote bag, graphic tees, Mickey or Minnie plush, thermal henley, Gold Toe slippers, freshwater pearl earrings, Giorgio perfume and a bath rug. There is a limit of 1 per household (except the pillow which has a limit of 2) and customers should allow 6-8 weeks to receive their rebate.

Northern Tool & Equipment

The first 100 customers in line when Northern Tool & Equipment stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday receive free gift cards. While specific values are not mentioned in the source materials, this early bird promotion guarantees some value to the earliest shoppers.

Strategies for Maximizing Black Friday Freebies

To make the most of Black Friday gift card freebies and other promotional offers, shoppers should consider several strategies:

1. Arrive Early: Many gift card freebies are limited to the first X customers in line, sometimes as few as 50 or 75. Shoppers should plan to arrive well before store opening, potentially camping out overnight for the most sought-after offers.

2. Check Store Websites: Retailers often provide specific details about Black Friday freebies on their websites, including exact times, quantities available, and any special requirements.

3. Bring Identification: Since most gift card offers require recipients to be at least 18 years old, shoppers should bring a valid photo ID to verify their eligibility.

4. Understand the Terms: Freebies often come with specific terms and conditions, including expiration dates and usage restrictions. Shoppers should familiarize themselves with these details to ensure they can fully benefit from the offers.

5. Consider Regional Variations: Black Friday freebies can vary significantly by location, with some offers available only at specific stores or in particular regions. Shoppers should confirm which promotions are available at their local stores.

Conclusion

Black Friday gift card freebies represent an attractive opportunity for shoppers to obtain purchasing power without an initial investment. From substantial $500 gift cards at Belk to smaller denomination mystery cards at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, these offers can provide immediate value during the holiday shopping season.

The most valuable freebies typically require early arrival, with many limited to the first 100 or fewer customers. Shoppers willing to brave the pre-dawn hours or wait in line on Thanksgiving evening can potentially save significant money through these promotions.

While gift cards are among the most popular Black Friday freebies, retailers offer a wide range of promotional items, from free food and beverages to clothing, toys, and household goods. By understanding the landscape of available offers and employing strategic planning, shoppers can maximize their benefits during the Black Friday shopping period.

As Black Friday approaches, retailers will announce their specific promotions for 2025. Shoppers should monitor store websites and promotional materials for the most up-to-date information on available freebies and gift card offers.

Sources

1. Black Friday Freebies and Giveaways
2. Black Friday Freebies
3. Black Friday freebies: Early shoppers can score free gift cards, toys, and more
4. List of Free Stuff in Pennsylvania This Black Friday
5. These Stores Will Hand Out Free Stuff to People in Line on Black Friday