Comprehensive Guide To Black Friday Freebies And Promotional Giveaways For Us Consumers

Jan. 29, 2026, 8:55 a.m.

Tags: blackfriday

Black Friday represents a significant opportunity for U.S. consumers to access free products, gift cards, and promotional items alongside traditional sales discounts. Based on current data regarding the 2025 holiday shopping season, numerous major retailers plan to distribute high-value freebies to early-morning shoppers. These offers range from mystery gift cards and household product buckets to luxury items such as diamond earrings and home appliances. Understanding the specific timing, eligibility requirements, and limitations of these promotions is essential for consumers aiming to maximize value during this competitive shopping event.

Major Retailer Freebie Programs

Several prominent national retailers have confirmed plans to offer free items on Black Friday, primarily targeting the first customers to arrive at physical store locations. These promotions are frequently designed to incentivize early attendance and increase foot traffic.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are offering a highly anticipated promotion for the first 250 shoppers at each store location. Doors are scheduled to open at 5:00 a.m. on Black Friday. These initial customers will receive a mystery gift card. The value of these cards ranges randomly from $10 to $500. The gift cards are valid for use from December 5 through December 27. Additionally, these locations are hosting a Santa’s Wonderland Event, where children can receive a free photo with Santa and complimentary gifts.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is providing a specific promotion for members of their MyLowe’s Rewards program. Starting at 6:00 a.m. on Black Friday, the first 50 MyLowe’s Rewards members in line at each store will receive a holiday bucket filled with various products. This "free bucket" includes a Great Stuff Gap Canister, a Valspar Paint Brush, a WD-40 product, a coupon for a free paint sample, and one additional product determined by the sponsor. Furthermore, one MyLowe’s member per store will have the opportunity to win an in-stock major appliance priced at $2,000 or less.

JCPenney

JCPenney utilizes a timed giveaway structure on Black Friday, with festivities starting at 5:00 a.m. Shoppers have opportunities to win free items at four specific intervals throughout the day. The giveaways include: * 5:00 a.m.: A chance to win a $500 off $500 coupon and a Snoopy Snow Globe. * 9:00 a.m.: A chance to win a free Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker. * 1:00 p.m.: A chance to win free Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings (3/4 ct. t.w. in 10k Gold). * 5:00 p.m.: A chance to win a free Sutro Aero Styler.

Fleet Farm

Fleet Farm targets early shoppers with a tangible free gift. The first 500 customers at each store location on Black Friday will receive a free plush moose toy.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s combines instant winning with sweepstakes opportunities. On Black Friday, the first 200 customers in stores will instantly win up to $100 in Kohl’s Cash, subject to availability. Additionally, all shoppers during this event have a chance to win $10,000 in cash.

Target

Target offers a "swag bag" promotion for the very first guests to arrive. The first 100 guests at each store on November 28th, starting at 6:00 a.m., will snag a free swag bag filled with goodies. Notably, 10 of these bags will contain an extra prize worth $99 or more, alongside other small surprises.

Macy’s

Macy’s offers a free reusable tote bag to customers who meet a purchase threshold. On November 28 and November 29, customers making any $100 or more in-store purchase will receive a free reusable tote bag. This offer is limited to one per customer and is available only while supplies last.

Bealls

Bealls has a history of distributing gift cards during Black Friday events. Based on past performance, it is predicted that Bealls will give away a limited number of free gift cards valued at $50, $75, and $100.

Food, Beverage, and Beauty Freebies

While the majority of high-value freebies are found in hardlines retail, there are also opportunities in the food and beauty sectors, though often tied to specific purchase requirements.

BIGGBY Coffee

BIGGBY Coffee offers a scratch-and-win card promotion tied to a spending requirement. Customers who spend $20 will receive a Black Friday scratch-and-win card. Potential rewards include Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers, $1 off any drink, 50% off any item, 25% off the entire order, or a free beverage.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty typically structures its Black Friday promotions around free gifts with purchase. While specific 2025 items were not detailed in the source data, historical patterns indicate that Ulta frequently offers items such as free blankets or robes with select fragrance purchases, or free Ulta Beauty Collection items when a customer spends a certain amount.

Meijer

Meijer utilizes a register coupon system. When customers purchase select items, a free coupon reward (offering a chance of up to $80 off) will print at the register for use on a future purchase. They may also offer free mPerks Rewards points when purchasing gift cards.

GameStop and Home Depot Promotions

GameStop

GameStop is participating with a "Golden Ticket" style promotion. Five Golden Tickets are scattered across GameStop stores nationwide. Customers who discover one of these tickets will be rewarded with a year of free Pokémon drops.

Home Depot

Home Depot’s Black Friday freebies generally consist of items with purchase offers. Shoppers can expect to see multiple free items available with the purchase of select power tools.

Strategic Tips for Securing Black Friday Freebies

The nature of Black Friday freebies requires a strategic approach to ensure success. Because these items are often limited to the first customers or specific time slots, preparation is key.

Arrival Times and "Early Bird" Requirements

Most high-value freebies are strictly limited to the first customers in line. For example, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s limit their gift cards to the first 250 shoppers, while Lowe’s restricts their product bucket to the first 50 MyLowe’s members. Target limits their swag bags to the first 100 guests. Shoppers aiming for these specific items must be prepared to arrive significantly before store opening times—often hours early—to secure a position in line.

Membership and Loyalty Program Requirements

Certain freebies are exclusive to loyalty program members. Lowe’s requires shoppers to be MyLowe’s Rewards members to claim the holiday bucket and appliance chance. Consumers should ensure their loyalty accounts are active and that they have their membership cards or apps ready for scanning upon entry.

Validity and Expiration

Understanding the terms of free items is crucial. For instance, the Bass Pro Shops mystery gift cards are valid from December 5 through December 27, meaning they cannot be used immediately on Black Friday. Conversely, instant win items like the JCPenney coupons or Kohl’s Cash are typically intended for immediate use or future visits within a specific window.

Purchase Requirements

Some freebies are contingent on spending a specific amount. BIGGBY Coffee requires a $20 spend to receive a scratch-and-win card. Macy’s requires a $100 purchase to receive the reusable tote bag. Shoppers should calculate their planned purchases to ensure they meet these thresholds without overspending unnecessarily.

Conclusion

Black Friday 2025 offers a diverse array of freebies for U.S. consumers willing to plan ahead and arrive early. The most valuable offers, such as mystery gift cards worth up to $500 from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, major appliances from Lowe’s, and luxury items like diamond earrings from JCPenney, are highly competitive and limited in quantity. Success in securing these free items depends on adherence to specific store opening times, membership requirements, and purchase thresholds. By reviewing the specific details provided for each retailer, consumers can optimize their shopping strategy to maximize both savings and free acquisitions during the holiday season.