I’m back in school. Yes, I’m a forty-year-old mama who enrolled in Psychology classes to try a new career. And, of course, school is not cheap. Anyplace where I can save a few dollars is important! When I was in high school and the internet started becoming widely available, I was addicted to signing up for free samples. That joy and excitement haven’t stopped! I still actively coupon, shop sales, look for free items and samples, and find the best ways to make my dollars go farther. Plus, who doesn’t want to TRY a product before you buy it? Let’s get started and find the best places to get free samples.

The Best Places to Get Free Samples

Online Ideas

Let’s start with My Savings to get free samples. You can look at their site every day, and they round up the best freebies that you can claim. Set an alert on your phone or a reminder to see what is available each day. I regularly use this before I go shopping to see what I could score for free instead.

🧴 In-Store Ideas and Loyalty Programs

When I’m out and about, I never say no to a freebie! Sometimes my favorite freebies come from my favorite stores! Whether you want a snack, a makeup sample or a sweet treat, there is something for everyone. You just have to know where to look.

Sephora: You can ask for up to 3 free samples in-store. I usually try new serums or foundation shades before splurging.
Ulta Beauty: Their online orders often include bonus samples, especially around the holidays or with certain purchases.
Costco or Sam’s Club: Weekend food samples become a free lunch if you time it right. Perfect for hungry students.
Target Circle: If you’re not already using the Target app, get on that! They sometimes offer sample boxes and personalized deals. If you are a member of their paid program, they occasionally have a freebie each month, like a free candy package! It’s worth it to join for the free delivery, too.
Walmart: I’ve received everything from deluxe-size moisturizers and lip balms to shampoo, toothpaste, and snacks. The beauty box is a fun surprise every time, and a great way to test new brands for just $6.98 for the shipping.
CVS ExtraCare: Join the rewards program and look for free beauty offers and monthly coupons. They did just recently have free beauty samples in a cute bag.
Starbucks: Yes, really! The local Starbucks inside my Target sometimes has samples of new coffee drinks or unique flavors to try. It’s always a WIN to find a free mini frappuccino! Make sure to join the Starbucks Rewards to earn freebies and don’t miss your free birthday drink.
Walgreens MyWalgreens: They offer special promotions, health product samples, and in-store testers.
7-Eleven App: Offers freebies like drinks and snacks every so often.
Cell phone freebies: Do you have a cell phone provider with an app? Our T-Mobile app gives us freebies or good deals every Tuesday! We get a free slurpee from 7-Eleven every month!

🐶 For My Fellow Parents and Pet Lovers

Walmart Baby Box – You can request one with a baby registry. I loved the variety — bottles, lotions, tiny onesies.
Chewy & Petco – Occasionally, they send new pet parents samples of food and treats. I signed up when we adopted our dog and it was the cutest thing.

🎓 Campus & Student Freebies

Since I’m back in school with a student ID card, I have a few other ideas too that might work for you if you’re in school or have children in college.

Student Welcome Events – These usually have booths giving out pens, snacks, energy drinks, and more.
Career Fairs – I’ve walked away with bags of swag (think hand sanitizer, notebooks, USB drives).
University Health Centers – Some offer sample kits for sexual wellness, hygiene products, or mental health resources.

💡 My Freebie Tips

Make a freebie email – I use a separate inbox so I don’t get overwhelmed with newsletters.
Follow brands on social media – They often announce giveaways and sample offers first.
Review products – Brands love hearing from real people and sometimes invite you to exclusive try-before-you-buy panels.

Free samples have honestly been a fun and surprisingly helpful part of my school survival toolkit. They let me test new products, enjoy a little happy mail, and save a few dollars here and there. Every free sample means I saved a few dollars somewhere along the line. If you’re looking for ways to cut back and save money, don’t discount a free sample! You never know!