Complete Guide To Free Things For Kids From Birthday Treats To Educational Samples

Free activities, samples, and gifts for children can provide entertainment, learning opportunities, and essential items without straining family budgets. This comprehensive guide explores the variety of freebies available for kids across different categories, including birthday treats, educational trials, craft workshops, baby products, mail-in offers, and restaurant deals. Parents and caregivers can leverage these opportunities to provide children with enriching experiences and useful items while saving money.

Birthday Freebies for Kids

Many businesses offer special promotions for children's birthdays, ranging from free food to discounts and gifts. These offers typically require signing up for rewards programs or email clubs, with age restrictions varying by establishment.

For food and beverage establishments, several options provide birthday treats for children. Denny's offers a unique combination of everyday savings and birthday rewards. Children can eat free at Denny's with the purchase of a $6 adult entrée, making it a 365-day-per-year freebie. Additionally, anyone with a photo ID can receive a free Grand Slam breakfast on their birthday, which could be particularly appealing for older children who have obtained their learner's permits.

Several dessert and snack establishments also provide birthday incentives. Dippin' Dots offers a free cup of their signature treat on birthdays through the Dot Crazy! email club. Parents can register using their own email address to claim this freebie for their child. Jamba Juice provides free small smoothies on birthdays for children 13 and older through their My Jamba Rewards program. Similarly, IHOP rewards children aged 13 and older with 5 PanCoins on their birthday, which equals a free stack of pancakes.

Fast-casual dining options also participate in birthday promotions. Applebee's offers children aged 13 and older a free meal on their birthday through their Email Club, which also includes a free appetizer upon signup. Auntie Anne's provides free pretzels on birthdays for kids 13 and older through their Pretzel Perks program. Crumbl Cookies allows children 13 and over to join their loyalty program, earning a free cookie each year on their birthday.

For clothing retailers, American Eagle offers teens aged 15 and older 15-25% off on their birthday through their AEO Connected Rewards program. Members also earn points toward $10 off coupons and participate in a "buy five get one free" program for jeans and bras.

Parents should note that some birthday freebies require children to be 13 or older to participate in rewards programs, which may necessitate creating email addresses for younger children. Additionally, while most offers don't require a purchase to qualify for birthday gifts, some promotions are contingent on making a purchase, such as the Denny's kids-eat-free deal with an adult entrée.

Educational and Digital Free Trials

Digital learning platforms offer valuable free trials that provide children with educational content without upfront costs. These trials can help children develop new skills in coding, writing, and creativity, making them particularly appealing for parents seeking educational entertainment.

CodeSpark Academy provides a 14-day free trial for children ages 4-10. This STEM program introduces computer science concepts through games and activities that help children develop problem-solving skills. The platform offers over 1,000 activities designed to be engaging and educational, with minimal adult supervision required. After the free trial, the annual plan costs $90 ($7.50 per month), while a monthly option is available at $15.99 with a 7-day free trial.

For children interested in creative writing and storytelling, Night Zookeeper offers a 7-day trial for kids ages 6-12. This online platform encourages creativity by allowing children to create their own virtual zoo and write stories about their animals. The trial period gives families an opportunity to assess whether the program aligns with their child's interests and learning style before committing to a subscription.

These educational free trials provide structured learning experiences that can supplement traditional education during school breaks or as extracurricular activities. Parents should be aware of the subscription details and cancellation policies to avoid unexpected charges after the trial period ends.

Free Craft Workshops and Activities

Retailers and financial institutions regularly host free craft workshops and special events for children, providing hands-on activities that promote creativity and skill development. These events typically occur on specific dates and may require advance registration.

Home Depot offers monthly Kids' Craft Workshops with free projects for children. In September 2025, children can build a crop duster during a workshop on September 6. The event features three one-hour time slots between 9 a.m. and noon, with advance registration recommended to secure a spot. These workshops provide children with opportunities to learn basic building skills while creating take-home projects.

Lowe's also hosts monthly Kids' Craft Workshops. In September 2025, children can build a football spirit board craft on September 20. The workshops are designed for children ages 4-11, with one-hour sessions available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration is required for these events, which typically fill up quickly due to their popularity.

JCPenney conducts monthly Craft Kits for Kids Events on the second Saturday of each month. For September 2025, children can make a football tic-tac-toe board craft starting at 11 a.m. Unlike some other workshops, this event doesn't require registration, and parents receive a 10% off JCPenney coupon for attending with their child.

Financial institutions also provide free educational activities. Bank of America offers Free Museum Days on September 6-7, 2025, available to anyone with an active Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card. These cultural experiences can be both educational and entertaining for children.

These craft workshops and special events provide structured activities that keep children engaged while developing fine motor skills and following instructions. Many parents appreciate that these events are free and offer opportunities for quality time with their children.

Free Baby Items and Samples

For parents of infants and toddlers, numerous companies offer free baby samples, trial products, and welcome gifts. These freebies can help families try products before purchasing full-size versions and provide essential items for newborns and young children.

Enfamil Family Beginnings® offers one of the most comprehensive baby freebie programs. Parents who join can receive up to $400 in free gifts, including coupons, formula samples, Belly Badges™, and other baby care items. This program is particularly valuable for expectant parents or those with newborns, as it provides essential baby products at no cost.

Your Baby Club US delivers a complimentary box of baby care items directly to parents' homes. The contents of these boxes vary but typically include samples of diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby care essentials. The convenience of home delivery makes this program especially appealing for busy parents.

Companies specializing in baby care products also offer free samples. Rascal + Friends provides free sample packs of their baby diapers and diaper pants through mail-in requests. These samples allow parents to test the products with their children before committing to full purchases.

Baby registry programs frequently include welcome gifts. Expecting parents who create a baby registry are eligible for special free gifts, though the specific items vary by retailer. These registry freebies can provide valuable starter items for newborns without additional cost.

Telecommunications companies occasionally offer family-oriented freebies. Verizon has provided free school backpacks filled with essential school supplies as part of their school-related promotions. While not specifically baby-focused, these items can be valuable for families with children of various ages.

These baby freebies help reduce the financial burden of raising young children by providing essential products and the opportunity to test different brands before making purchasing decisions.

Free Things by Mail

Children enjoy receiving mail addressed specifically to them, and numerous companies offer free items that can be requested through mail or online forms. These freebies range from educational materials to entertainment items and typically arrive with standard shipping times.

Several companies offer free magazine subscriptions for children. The LEGO® Life Magazine is available for free to children between the ages of 5 and 9. This quarterly publication includes comics, activities, competitions, sneak peeks of new LEGO sets, and the latest LEGO news. Parents need to create an account to subscribe, and the magazine is delivered to their home four times per year.

Compassion Explorer Magazine offers complimentary copies for children. This educational magazine provides content that can supplement children's learning at home. Netflix Jr. Magazine is also available for free subscription, offering content related to the streaming service's children's programming.

Publishers occasionally offer free children's books. The Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills Children's Book is available for free with shipping, providing reading material that can help encourage literacy and a love for books.

Health and wellness companies sometimes provide free items for children. Folia Health offers a free Health Tracking Sticker Book + Disney Stickers with free shipping. These items can make health monitoring more engaging for children while incorporating beloved characters.

When requesting free items by mail, parents should allow several weeks for delivery, as some items may take months to arrive. The anticipation can be part of the experience for children, who enjoy checking the mailbox for surprises addressed to them.

Restaurant and Food Freebies

Many restaurants and food establishments offer free items for children, either through regular promotions or special birthday offers. These freebies can make dining out more affordable for families with children.

Denny's provides consistent value for families with children. Kids can eat free at Denny's with the purchase of a $6 adult entrée, making this a year-round freebie rather than a limited-time promotion. Additionally, anyone with a photo ID can receive a free Grand Slam breakfast on their birthday.

Dessert and snack establishments participate in children's freebies as well. Dippin' Dots offers free cups on birthdays through their email club. Parents can use their own email address to claim these birthday treats for their children. Jamba Juice provides free small smoothies on birthdays for children 13 and older through their rewards program.

IHOP offers birthday rewards for older children through their PanCoins system. Children aged 13 and older receive 5 PanCoins on their birthday, which can be redeemed for free pancakes. Applebee's provides free meals on birthdays for children 13 and older through their email club, which also offers a free appetizer upon signup.

Auntie Anne's offers free pretzels on birthdays for kids 13 and older through their Pretzel Perks program. Crumbl Cookies allows children 13 and over to join their loyalty program, earning a free cookie each year on their birthday.

These restaurant freebies can help families enjoy dining out experiences without breaking the budget, particularly when celebrating birthdays or special occasions. Parents should be aware of age requirements for participation in rewards programs, as many require children to be 13 or older.

Tips for Safe Freebie Requesting

When requesting freebies for children, parents should take precautions to protect their personal information and ensure a positive experience. Several best practices can help families navigate the world of freebies safely.

First, legitimate free samples should never request sensitive personal information such as driver's license numbers, social security numbers, or credit card details. If a freebie offer asks for this information, it should be considered suspicious and avoided. The freebies mentioned in this guide do not require such sensitive information.

Parents concerned about their child's privacy can use alternative information when completing requests. Instead of using a child's full name, parents can use middle names, initials, or pseudonyms. This approach still allows parents to track which companies are sending mail while protecting the child's full identity.

When creating email accounts for children to participate in rewards programs, parents should consider whether they're comfortable with their children receiving marketing emails from companies. Many rewards programs allow users to adjust email preferences to minimize promotional communications.

Patience is important when waiting for free items by mail. Some freebies may take weeks or months to arrive, and the delay can be challenging for excited children. Parents can manage expectations by explaining that the wait is part of the surprise and that good things come to those who wait.

Parents should also be aware that freebies are subject to change and may end without notice. Companies may discontinue programs or modify their offers, so it's helpful to check the original request links periodically. If a link appears expired, parents can look for updated information on the company's website or contact customer service for current offers.

Finally, parents should teach children about privacy from a young age. When requesting freebies, it's an opportunity to discuss what information is appropriate to share and what should be kept private. These conversations can help children develop healthy digital habits that will serve them throughout their lives.

Conclusion

Free activities, samples, and gifts for children can provide valuable experiences and resources without straining family budgets. From educational trials and craft workshops to birthday treats and mail-in offers, numerous companies provide freebies that can enrich children's lives while helping parents save money.

Parents can take advantage of birthday freebies from restaurants, dessert shops, and retailers to celebrate special occasions without additional expense. Educational free trials like CodeSpark Academy and Night Zookeeper offer opportunities for skill development and creative expression. Craft workshops from retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and JCPenney provide hands-on learning experiences that keep children engaged and entertained.

For parents of infants and toddlers, baby freebies from companies like Enfamil Family Beginnings and Your Baby Club US can provide essential care products and the opportunity to test different brands before purchasing. Mail-in freebies like children's magazines, books, and stickers bring joy to children through the excitement of receiving mail addressed specifically to them.

When requesting freebies, parents should prioritize safety by protecting their children's personal information and being patient while waiting for deliveries. By following best practices for freebie requesting, families can enjoy these benefits while maintaining privacy and security.

The world of kid freebies continues to evolve, with new offers regularly becoming available. By staying informed about current promotions and following safe practices, parents can provide their children with enriching experiences and valuable resources without financial strain.

Sources

1. Krazy Coupon Lady - Kid Freebies
2. Freeflys - Baby Freebies
3. SheKnows - Birthday Freebies for Kids
4. Two Kids and a Coupon - Free Things for Kids by Mail