Black Friday Retail Freebies How To Get Free Items And Gift Cards From Major Stores

Black Friday has evolved beyond mere discounts to include numerous freebies and giveaways that savvy shoppers can leverage to maximize their holiday shopping experience. From free coffee and plush toys to mystery gift cards worth hundreds of dollars, retailers offer various incentives to attract early customers. This comprehensive guide examines the types of freebies available across different retail categories, how to access them, and strategies for maximizing your Black Friday freebie haul.

Overview of Black Friday Freebies

Black Friday freebies have become an integral part of the holiday shopping season, with retailers using these giveaways to drive foot traffic and create excitement around their sales events. The freebies typically fall into several categories: mystery gift cards or scratch-off cards, free products with purchase, free food and beverages, and chances to win high-value items. These offers are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, often limited to the first 100-500 customers at each location, which means arriving early is crucial for securing these benefits.

The freebies also vary by retailer, with some stores offering straightforward giveaways while others implement more complex promotions that require specific timing or additional purchases. Many of these freebies are tied to Thanksgiving Day or early morning Black Friday hours, creating opportunities for shoppers who are willing to brave the crowds before the main sales events begin.

Department Store Freebies

Department stores consistently offer some of the most generous Black Friday freebies, with many providing mystery gift cards or scratch-off cards that can result in substantial savings.

Belk

Belk stands out for its consistent offering of mystery gift cards across both Thanksgiving and Black Friday. On Thanksgiving Day, the first 200 customers when stores open at 4 p.m. receive mystery gift cards worth between $5 and $500. The following morning on Black Friday, Belk continues this promotion with the first 100 customers at 6 a.m. also receiving scratch-off cards with values ranging from $5 to $500. Additionally, during Black Friday weekend, Belk stores distribute 175 gift cards per day, with values ranging from $5 to $250, valid only in-store.

JCPenney

JCPenney has developed a reputation for its multiple-time-slot freebie distribution on Black Friday. The retailer offers giveaways at four specific times throughout the day: - 5:00 a.m.: Free coupon worth up to $500 off a $500 purchase - 9:00 a.m.: Chance to win a free Cuisinart stand mixer - 1:00 p.m.: Chance to win free lab-grown diamond stud earrings - 5:00 p.m.: Golden tote giveaway including a coupon for 10% off JCPenney purchases through December

Historically, JCPenney has also offered Disney snow globe giveaways at 3 p.m., though this appears to have been discontinued as it was noted as "the last year for the giveaway" in previous years.

Kohl's

Kohl's attracts early Thanksgiving shoppers with its freebie offering, providing two free Fandango movie tickets to the first 100 customers when stores open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. This offer provides immediate entertainment value that can be used well after the holiday shopping season concludes.

Bealls

Bealls offers scratch-off cards to the first 75 customers, each containing at least $10 in Bealls Bucks. Among these, three cards will feature higher-value gift cards worth $50, $75, or $100, providing substantial purchasing power for lucky early shoppers.

Gander Mountain

Gander Mountain presents an interesting choice for its first 100 customers: either a chance to win a $500 gift card or 50 percent off their purchase. This option allows shoppers to select the benefit that best aligns with their shopping plans.

Home Improvement and Specialty Retail Freebies

Home improvement and specialty stores typically offer practical freebies that shoppers can use immediately or for future projects.

Lowe's

Lowe's has been particularly generous with its Black Friday freebies. In previous years, the retailer provided free buckets filled with tools and supplies valued at $80, along with coupons for 20% off a purchase and a free can of paint. On Black Friday morning, Lowe's typically offers the first 300 shoppers a $10 off $50 coupon to use in-store that day, along with a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Fleet Farm

Fleet Farm consistently offers a free plush toy to the first 500 customers when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. This simple yet appealing freebie provides a tangible souvenir from the shopping experience.

Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer combines multiple freebies for its earliest customers. The first 100 shoppers receive a free gift card of unspecified value, along with complimentary coffee, juice, and doughnuts, creating a complete breakfast package for early risers.

Gordmans

Gordmans offers scratch-off cards to its first 75 shoppers on Black Friday, with 74 receiving $5 off and one shopper per location getting a $100 gift card. Additionally, these early shoppers can enter a drawing for a chance to win a giant FAO Schwarz bear, adding an element of excitement beyond the immediate freebie.

Shoe Carnival

Shoe Carnival provides scratch-off cards worth up to $100 off to the first 100 shoppers when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. The variable nature of these cards means shoppers could receive anywhere from a small discount to the maximum $100 off their purchase.

Book and Office Supply Store Freebies

Half Price Books

Half Price Books offers a combination freebie for its earliest customers. The first 100 shoppers aged 16 and older receive a free tote bag and a $5 store gift card when stores open at 9 a.m. on Black Friday. Additionally, one random winner at each location receives a $100 gift card, providing an opportunity for even greater value.

Office Depot

Office Depot offers member-exclusive freebies through its rewards program. Select Duracell batteries and K-Cup coffee pods are available free after rewards, though these offers are subject to availability and valid through Saturday. This targeted approach rewards loyal customers with practical household items.

Specialty Retail Freebies

PetSmart

PetSmart recognizes that pet owners are an important customer segment by offering a free movie rental to the first 100 customers on Black Friday. This practical freebie provides entertainment that can be enjoyed at home with family and pets.

Sam's Club

Sam's Club members can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on Black Friday from 7 to 11:30 a.m., featuring orange juice, biscuits and gravy, fruit, and muffins. This substantial offering provides sustenance for early shoppers and demonstrates the club's appreciation for its members.

Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's offer multiple freebies. Historically, the first 250 customers on Black Friday received mystery promo cards worth $10 to $50. Additionally, both retailers offer free photos with Santa through December 24, including on Black Friday, requiring advance sign-up and booking of specific time slots.

Restaurant and Food Freebies

Coffee Shops

Dunkin'

Dunkin' capitalizes on Black Friday being National Espresso Day by offering multiple promotions. Reward members can get a free Lyft ride to a Dunkin' restaurant from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST Friday with promo code SipDunkin, though this is limited to 25,000 redemptions. Additionally, espresso shots in drinks are discounted to 50 cents, and medium lattes or cappuccinos are $2 all day through Sunday.

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee provides a straightforward freebie for reward members: a free flavor shot, whip, or espresso shot on November 25. This offer is valid one-time only at participating locations on Black Friday and does not apply to orders from delivery services.

Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms offers free coffee, both hot and iced, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on Thanksgiving at its nearly 600 locations, providing a convenient perk for travelers and those preparing for early shopping.

Fast Food and Restaurant Chains

BurgerIM

BurgerIM offers a free Impossible Burger with the purchase of any Big BurgerIM on Black Friday at all 212 U.S. locations, while supplies last. This offer is not valid for delivery orders and is limited to two free Impossible Burgers per transaction.

Checkers and Rally's

Checkers and Rally's runs a sweepstakes where customers can enter to win free fries for life through Sunday, November 27. Entry requires visiting the chain's Instagram post and making a comment, leveraging social media for promotion.

DoorDash

DoorDash has promoted "Black FRYday" by giving away 15,000 orders of free fries. Customers can use code BLACKFRYDAY on an order of $5 or more from participating restaurants including Wendy's, Wingstop, Jack in the Box, Applebee's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Five Guys, while supplies last.

Retail Food Freebies

Walmart

Walmart hosts "Light Up Black Friday" parties from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day before its in-store sale begins, featuring free coffee and cookies. This hospitality-oriented approach creates a positive shopping experience before the main sales event.

How to Maximize Your Freebies

To maximize your Black Friday freebie haul, consider the following strategies based on retailer practices:

1. Arrive early: Many freebies are limited to the first 100-500 customers, so arriving before store opening is essential for securing these offers.

2. Check timing: Some retailers offer freebies at specific times throughout the day (like JCPenney), so plan your schedule accordingly to hit multiple time slots.

3. Bring ID: For offers like the gift card drawings at Half Price Books, having proper identification may be required to claim your prize.

4. Join loyalty programs: Some offers, like Caribou Coffee's free flavor shot, are exclusively available to reward members, so sign up in advance.

5. Follow retailers on social media: Some promotions, like Checkers and Rally's fries sweepstakes, are announced through social media channels.

6. Read the fine print: Note any restrictions such as purchase requirements, delivery exclusions, or expiration dates.

7. Bring reusable bags: Stores like Five Below offer deals where you can stuff multiple items into a bag, making carrying capacity an advantage.

Tips for Success

Based on retailer practices, here are additional tips for successfully securing Black Friday freebies:

1. Plan your route: Map out multiple stores offering freebies and create an efficient route to maximize your time.

2. Dress for the weather: If camping out overnight, dress appropriately for potentially cold conditions.

3. Bring entertainment: For long waits, bring entertainment like books, games, or streaming devices.

4. Stay hydrated: Bring water bottles to stay hydrated during long shopping excursions.

5. Bring friends or family: Some offers allow multiple free items per transaction, so bringing others can increase your haul.

6. Check return policies: If freebies are tied to purchases, understand the return policies to ensure you can return unwanted items if needed.

7. Be prepared to spend: Some freebies may require a minimum purchase, so bring appropriate payment methods.

Conclusion

Black Friday freebies offer substantial value for early shoppers willing to brave crowds and arrive at stores when they open. From department stores offering mystery gift cards worth hundreds of dollars to coffee shops providing complimentary beverages, these promotions can significantly enhance the holiday shopping experience. By understanding the types of freebies available, planning strategically, and arriving early, shoppers can maximize their Black Friday freebie haul and enjoy additional savings beyond traditional discounts. As retailers continue to compete for holiday shoppers' attention, Black Friday freebies are likely to remain a popular feature of the post-Thanksgiving shopping landscape.

Sources

1. Black Friday Freebies Overview
2. Palm Beach Post Black Friday Freebies
3. The Public Opinion Thanksgiving and Black Friday Freebies
4. USA Today Black Friday Freebies
5. WRAL Black Friday 2022 Freebies
6. Krazy Coupon Lady Black Friday Freebies