The year 2019 offered a variety of free opportunities for U.S. consumers, ranging from scheduled promotional days at national restaurant chains to community-driven item exchanges. Information regarding these offers was aggregated by several online resources, including deal blogs and community sharing platforms. These sources categorized freebies into two primary types: time-specific promotional events offered by brands and businesses, and peer-to-peer giving facilitated by digital platforms.

One major category of freebies involved food and beverage promotions tied to specific calendar dates. Various sources highlighted "national" food holidays as occasions for restaurant chains to offer complimentary items. For example, July 11th was noted as Free Slurpee Day, and March 5th was identified as National Pancake Day, during which IHOP offered a free short stack. Other specific dates included January 19th for National Popcorn Day, February 6th for National Frozen Yogurt Day, February 9th for National Bagel Day and National Pizza Day, and March 14th for Pi Day. Additionally, Krispy Kreme was mentioned for offering free donuts on National Talk Like A Pirate Day in September.

Beyond food, freebies extended to other sectors such as eco-conscious retail and outdoor recreation. Earth Day was cited as a time when stores like Whole Foods might offer freebies. Furthermore, National Park days were identified as opportunities for free admission to federal parks.

A distinct category of free items emerged from community-based sharing economies. Platforms like Trash Nothing facilitated the exchange of unwanted items, significantly reducing waste. Analysis of data from such platforms indicated that furniture was the most frequently given category nationwide, accounting for approximately 20% of all listings. In terms of regional generosity, the San Francisco Bay Area was identified as the most active region, with its Trash Nothing community giving away 4,300 items over the course of a year. Specific neighborhoods within that area, such as Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Rafael, Belmont, and Rancho Rinconada, were highlighted as prime locations for finding free items.

The types of items available through these community channels were diverse. Beyond standard categories like furniture, clothing, bedding, household electronics, beauty products, kitchen equipment, toys, and computer equipment, listings included unique items such as a piano, an air conditioner, a rocking horse, a Leonardo Da Vinci costume, a hydroponic grower, a pumpkin spiced latte, a Guatemalan nativity scene, rollerblades, and a surfboard.

Geographic trends regarding the types of items given away varied by metropolitan area. Data analyzed from the Trash Nothing platform revealed the top five categories of free stuff in major U.S. cities:

• San Francisco Bay Area: Furniture (20%), Electronics (15%), Books (12%), Clothing (11%), Baby items (8%)
• New York City: Clothing (18%), Furniture (16%), Books (14%), Toys & games (10%), Kitchenware (8%)
• Los Angeles: Furniture (19%), Electronics (14%), Clothing (12%), Books (10%), Toys & games (9%)
• Baltimore–Washington DC: Furniture (20%), Books (14%), Clothing (12%), Baby items (10%), Toys & games (8%)
• Portland: Furniture (21%), Garden & tools (15%), Books (12%), Clothing (10%), Electronics (9%)
• Minneapolis: Furniture (19%), Books (15%), Clothing (12%), Toys & games (10%), Kitchenware (8%)
• Chicago: Furniture (18%), Clothing (14%), Books (12%), Electronics (10%), Toys & games (9%)
• Seattle: Furniture (20%), Books (14%), Clothing (12%), Electronics (9%), Garden & tools (8%)
• Boston: Furniture (19%), Books (15%), Clothing (11%), Kitchenware (9%), Toys & games (8%)
• Denver: Furniture (21%), Books (14%), Clothing (12%), Garden & tools (9%), Electronics (8%)

In addition to these broad categories, some online resources provided information on other types of free offers. These included free online educational courses, such as Ivy League university courses available online, and digital services, such as free credit score reports provided by services like Credit Sesame. Regarding beauty and personal care products, specific freebies were noted, such as free ice cream offered by Marble Slab upon downloading their Slab Happy Rewards app.

The availability of these free samples and offers was often facilitated through affiliate marketing models. Websites that aggregated these deals, such as Free Stuff World, utilized affiliate links. When a user clicked an affiliate link and completed a qualifying action, the website earned a commission. These sites generally operated as resources for American citizens to find free samples, competitions, and paid survey offers.

Sources

1. Ranker: Freebie Days 2019
2. Free Stuff World
3. Trash Nothing: Free Stuff USA
4. The Frugal Prof: 313 of the Best Totally Free Stuff Ever