Spring is just about here and with it comes warmer weather and another season’s worth of freebies! The first official day of spring is March 20 — but there are plenty of bonuses to enjoy all season long. Here are 50 free things you can get this spring.
1. Greeting cards
Hallmark Gold members can pick up a free greeting card from the Just Because collection every Friday in the spring at participating Hallmark stores.
2. Gift box for babies
Many baby registry services, such an Amazon, Target and BuyBuyBaby, offer a free welcome gift basket when expecting parents register on their site. Thinking of having a baby? Check out our planning guide for prospective parents.
3. Photo prints
Shutterfly offers unlimited free 4x6 and 4x4 photo prints if you order through their app — though you’ll have to pay for shipping and handling.
4. Wedding gifts
Planning a spring wedding? Setting up your wedding registry at places like The Container Store means you’ll get some free items as a reward.
5. Money tips
Get the one money thing to do every Friday sent right to your inbox. Sign up for the free Policygenius newsletter to start receiving it now.
6. Insurance checkup
Insurance isn’t free, but making sure you’ve got the right coverage is. This easy insurance checkup tool lets you know what type of coverage you need — whether it be life insurance or disability insurance. It also gives you a checklist of other financial things to think about.
7. Father’s Day treats
Treat dad to something nice – or at least free. Lots of major food chains like TCBY, Wienerschnitzel and Bruegger’s Bagels have free and buy one, get one deals on Father’s Day, on June 16 this year.
Another Father’s Day gift that’s completely free? Showing dad you’ve finally got your finances in order. Here’s how.
8. Thank yous for veterans
Veterans and active military members can get free items on Memorial Day (May 27 this year). In past years, this has included things like free meals, coffee and haircuts. There are also plenty of general sales in stores all over — here’s what to buy.
9. Day at the park
The National Park Service kicks off their National Parks Week on April 20 (which is also Earth Day!) with free admission to all national parks, including the Grand Canyon.
10. Water bottles & tote bags
Help the environment by picking up the free tote bags and water bottles from brands known to give away for Earth Day (April 22). Last year, Kiehl’s, Origins and Wegmans ran Earth-centric promotions.
11. Coloring pages
Crayola recently refreshed its collection of free downloadable coloring pages for the spring season. Just print them out and bring them along on your next road trip — they will keep your kids occupied for hours.
12. Travel perks
Planning to take a spring getaway? Be sure to collect on these 50 free things you can get when traveling.
13. Museums
Lots of museums are free or offer a “pay what you wish” entry if you want to contribute a few bucks. Here are some of the best free museums for the whole family.
14. Kids’ snacks
Target SuperStores have a standing policy to offer a free piece of fruit or cookie to kids shopping with their parents. Request the snack from the bakery section next time you’re there.
15. Fishing
National Fishing and Boating week runs from June 1 to 9 this year — and the perfect way to celebrate is by getting out on the water. Best of all, most states offer free fishing days during this week. Some states will also offer free fishing on National Fishing Day, which is June 18.
16. Iced Tea
June 10 is National Iced Tea day, and every year, tea-speciality retailer DAVIDsTEA celebrates by giving away free iced tea, based on their current “Tea of the Day.” Check participating location for more details.
17. Coffee
Wawa chooses a day in mid-April to celebrate its anniversary each year by giving everyone who visits a free coffee. Last year’s anniversary Wawa Day was April 12.
18. Beers
National Beer Day is April 7 and taprooms throughout the country celebrate with deals on drafts or pitchers of beer. Some places, like Bierhaus in New York City and Pour Brothers Community Tavern in Colorado, have even offered up free beers in the past, so check with your local brewery or restaurant for promotions. Need ideas? Check out the best local brewery in each state.
19. Ice cream ...
Ben & Jerry’s hosts their own Free Cone Day in April, at participating locations. Participants get a free cone with their choice of flavor, and can enter into a trivia contest to win a year's worth of ice cream. Check their website for more details.
20. ... & more ice cream
Stop by your local Dairy Queen on the first day of spring to get a free vanilla ice cream cone from participating retailers. There’s a one free cone per person limit.
21. Italian ice
Rita’s Italian Ice is also celebrating the first day of spring with free Italian ices — the company, which has more than 600 locations, say they expect to give away over 1 million cups this year. Show up any time between noon and 9 p.m. at participating locations to claim your free treat.
22. Pretzels
April 26 is Free Pretzel Day and Philly Pretzel Factory gives every visitor one free soft pretzel.
23. Doughnuts
On National Doughnut Day – June 7 – swing by your local Krispy Kreme for a free doughnut. Here are some more National Doughnut Day freebies worth checking out.
24. Podcasts
Sure, there are podcasts you can pay for, but most of them are free (for the price of ads). There’s a podcast out there for everyone, whether you want news, true crime, television recaps or something else. Check out this list of informative podcasts to get you started.
25. Comic books
Free Comic Book Day is an annual event, so check out your local comic book store May 4 to see what freebies they have this year.
26. Credit reports
Though your credit score isn’t the most exciting thing, it’s important to your financial health. You’re entitled to a free credit report for each major credit reporting agency — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — every 12 months. You can request them through AnnualCreditReport.com.
27. Notary
Need to get something notarized? Ask your bank. As long as you have an account, your bank may provide a notary at their branch free of charge. This’ll come in handy for stuff like wills. While you’re at the bank ...
28. ... open a bank account
Trying to figure out what to do with that first quarter bonus you just received? Put it in a high-yield savings account. Opening a bank account is free, so long as you have money to put in it.
29. Tax return filing
Tax Day is coming up on April 15. If your adjusted gross income is $66,000 or less, the IRS will let you file your tax returns online for free. Learn why you should file your taxes sooner rather than later.
30. Tax deduction
This may not be a freebie, but it is money back on stuff you were going to throw away anyways. Donating your old stuff can also get you a charitable donation deduction for next year’s taxes.
31. Paper shredding
Many office supply stores, including Staples and and Office Depot, hold free document shredding events during tax season. Check with your local store to see when their free shredding day takes place.
32. Cookies
Tax day can be stressful for (most) of us. Great American Cookies tries to make the day a little bit sweeter by offering a free Cookies & Cream Cookie to those who stop by on April 15.
33. Birthday treat
If you’re a spring baby, there are lots of opportunities to get free stuff on your birthday. Places like Buffalo Wild Wings and Jamba Juice offer freebies on your name-day when you sign up for their rewards programs. Check out this complete list of birthday freebies to learn more.
34. Tacos
Tex-Mex chain Baja Fresh offers a free chicken or carnitas taco for anyone who joins its Club Baja loyalty program. The deal is good year-round, but what better time to enjoy free tacos than the spring?
35. Chips & salsa ...
Chili’s regulars (people who dine in or order to-go at least once every 60 days) can score free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage every time they visit the chain by enrolling in its rewards program.
36. ... more chips & salsa
Can’t get enough? Stop by a Moe’s Southwest Grill on Cinco de Mayo for giveaways (last year’s was a free tee-shirt and discount burritos). And, as is true all-year-round at Moe’s, you’ll score free chips and salsa with your order.
37. Grilled cheese sandwiches
April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day. Check your local comfort food spot for free melts or buy one, get one promos.
38. Chicken fingers
Fried chicken chain Raising Cane’s offers an annual giveaway for educators in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day, which this year is on May 7. Last year, it offered a free box combo to any teacher or faculty member who showed a valid school ID. Check locations near you to find out what this year’s offer is.
39. Burgers
May 28 is National Hamburger Day, and burger places around the country will be offering sweet deals on burgers as well as free sides, like fries and drinks. Learn about popular deals at your favorite fast food chains here.
40. Language apps
Still haven’t jumped on that new year’s resolution to learn a new language? Download free apps like Babbel and Duolingo to get started.
41. Tuition money
Many scholarships have spring deadlines. You can use the Department of Labor scholarship finder to find one that fits your needs. You can also check out our scholarship for college students.
42. Test prep
The Princeton Review holds free SAT practice test sessions in many locations and online.
43. Repairs
Does your bicycle need a tune-up? Or maybe your lamp has fallen apart? Repair Cafes across the country fix your broken stuff for free. Visit their website to find one near you.
44. Building lessons
Home Depot offers free skill-building and DIY workshops for everyone, even your kids. But make sure you register for classes early, as they tend to fill up fast.
45. STD testing
Find out how to get free STD testing in your area.
46. Men’s health services
June is also Men’s Health Month — another great opportunity to get your health in order — and even better if it’s free. Check out our round-up of free men’s health services.
47. Yoga
The return of warm weather also marks the return of free outdoor yoga classes in the park, like weekly free Thursday night yoga in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Check your local park’s website for listings.
48. Run club
If running is more your speed, cities around the country have free running groups to get your heart pumping. Check your local running store or athletic gear store for options.
49. Walking tours
If you’re looking to get acquainted with a new city, try taking a free walking tour. Most walking tours, like ones lead by Free Tours by Foot, are free of charge – you decide how much it was worth at the end and tip your guide accordingly.
50. A trip to the farmer's market
Most farmers markets open for the season in early May. Check out your local vendors, try a bunch of samples and maybe buy a thing or two.
