With the last day of school looming, now’s the time to confirm your summer schedule and get the kids excited for the weeks ahead.  I recently wrote about some free summer activities that you can do anytime, which prompted some of my friends to ask about free summer events which are often sponsored by some of the nation’s retail giants.  Here are some of the 2011 summer freebies available for children of all ages (and their parents).  Enjoy!

• Cultural Events Sponsored by Target – All year long Target sponsors cultural events in cities nationwide, and the summer is a great time to take advantage of these events if you haven’t done so all year.  Depending on where you live, you can enjoy free museum entrances, concerts and theater performances.  Click here to find free events in your area.
• Entrance to National Parks – On June 21, the National Parks Service is offering free entrance to national parks to celebrate the first day of summer.  Many national parks never charge an entrance fee, making them an excellent option for exciting, free summer activities.  But those that do require an entrance fee will be free next week, so take advantage if you can.
• Bowling – As in year’s past, kids can enjoy up to 2 free games of bowling each day, courtesy of Kids Bowl Free.  Advance registration is required, so make sure to sign up now.
• Concerts – Dozens of cities nationwide are offering free summer concerts.  I’ve kicked off your search with the free concert schedules in the cities below, but making an effort to find some in your area can really pay off.

Buffalo

Dallas

Denver

Los Angeles

New York City

Miami

San Diego

San Jose

• Summer Reading Challenges – There are always a plethora of summer reading challenges for kids that offer prizes to kids who read a certain amount of books.  My favorites include HeBuddy, Barnes & Noble and the TD Bank summer reading program.
• $1 Movies – Instead of being free this year, Regal Cinemas is offering $1 children’s movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at participating theaters.

In recent weeks, I’ve received some interesting comments about my obsession with freebies.  I’ll spare you the details, but I’ll happily discuss the multiple reasons I love getting free stuff.  I’d be curious to hear if you have other reasons of your own – and of course, I welcome any and all rebuttals.  Here are the primary reasons why I request free samples whenever possible:

Financial value. The fiscal worth of large samples speaks for itself, but you may be surprised to learn that single-use free samples are also financially worthwhile.  Consider, for example, if a high-end hair product costs $6 per bottle.  If a bottle lasts approximately one month, you’re spending about 20 cents per use, making each single-use sample worth the same amount.  If you collect a bunch of samples each month, the savings will add up.  Of course, many free samples have more than one use, which increases their value exponentially.

Convenience. I love stocking my travel bag and backpack with samples so that I’m never stranded hungry, unclean or in pain.  Food samples are easy to pack and eat on the go, while medicine samples can come in handy at the most critical times.

Market research. It may be scary to spend money on a new product that you haven’t tried yet, but if you can try it for free, you’ll know whether that product is worth the money in the future.

Fun. With a mailbox that is frequently filled with bills, it’s refreshing to receive something fun.

So, what are you waiting for?

Request these free samples now before they’re gone!

• Free EAS nutritional shake. I sure hope this energy shake tastes as good as it looks!
• Free Red Strike energy drink. In typical fashion, this Facebook promotion requires you to like their page before you can get your free energy drink.  While you’re there, make sure to like my page as well so that you can get exclusive deals every day!
• Two free tacos at Jack in the Box.  Free tacos must be requested at Jack in the Box locations after 2pm on Tuesday, November 16^th, so mark your calendars now.
• Free sample of FIX tea. They claim that one serving of this tea has as many antioxidants as 137 cups of regular tea.  I can’t help but wonder if that’s actually a good thing….but it would be a poor marketing ploy if it isn’t…
• Free Nicorette Fruit Chill Gum.  I received my free sample of this Nicorette gum this summer, but apparently it’s still available.  I don’t smoke, but I gladly passed it along to a friend who does – after all, the free full-sized pack of gum costs over $10.
• Free SHOUT color catcher.  Not only are laundry freebies some of the highest-value freebies available, but they can also help preserve the life of your clothing, which is a valuable contribution on its own.  Make sure to sign up for this SHOUT free sample before it’s gone.
• 50 free sheets of origami paper. This free paper can make a great free art project for your kids, and perhaps they’ll find a new hobby.  You may even receive it before the upcoming winter break so you’ll have an activity to do in your down time.
• Free sample of Playtex Sport tampons. You’ll get 2 regular tampons and one super sport tampon when you receive this freebie.
• Free sample of NasalCease (for nosebleeds). If you’ve ever stuffed a tissue up your nose, you’ll appreciate what a great product NasalCease might be (we can discuss further after I try it, of course).  And if you don’t have nosebleeds regularly, you may want to keep these on hand – just in case.
• Free sample of Flint River Ranch pet food.  Choose between dog and cat food options.  Don’t have a pet?  Tell your friends who do!

With Labor Day behind us and the long school year ahead, you can probably use a bit of a pick me up…so why not sign up for these awesome freebies?  As always, I’ve tested them all out today so I know that they’re still valid rightnow…but don’t wait long or you may miss out.  You’ll get these freebies over the next few weeks so you can keep smiling throughout the fall and winter.  Enjoy!

Free Taste the Fire meal at El Pollo Loco, TODAY ONLY (September 15, 2010).  Meal includes a flame-grilled chicken leg or thigh, salsa and warm tortillas.  Printed coupon must be presented, no purchase necessary.

Free sample of Quaker Life soft baked cereal bars.  Select either Banana Walnut Bread or Cinnamon Roll Raisin Pecan.  What’s your preferred flavor of these free cereal bars?

Free tub of Cottonelle Fresh flushable wipes.  All you need to do to snag this freebie is suggest that your friend also request a free box of flushable wipes.  It’s a win-win situation!

Free sample of Crest toothpaste. Complete Crest’s two question survey to see if you qualify for Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection or Crest with Scope.

Free class at Baby Boot Camp, an international fitness center for mothers and babies.  Find a location near you quickly and easily on their website and sign up for your free class today!

Free sample of Tena overnight pads.  Special thanks to Walmart for sponsoring these free bladder control pads, along with so many other freebies!

3 free issues of Seventeen magazine.  They don’t even ask for your credit card when you request these free magazines, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of cancelling or the fear of getting charged.  I’d say that was pretty awesome…if I was a teenage girl.

Free sample of Pringles Xtreme.  I’ve never eaten these Xtreme potato chips, but the regular ones are awesome in my book, so I’m thinking, the more flavor, the merrier.

Labor Day weekend is only a few hours away, but you needn’t despair if you haven’t solidified your plans yet.  With great sales going on both in stores and online, there’s plenty of deal-chasing that can be done this weekend.  Here are some Labor Day sales worth checking out:

BareNecessities.com is offering 50% off all clearance items through September 7^th (now that sounds like a deal), and a buy 2 bras, get 1 free Labor Day sale (no expiration dateisgiven, though it probably expires after the weekend).

CVS.com has an online special offering $10 off a non-prescription purchase of $50 or more, plus free shipping with coupon code LABORDAY50.

Gap.com has free shipping through September 11^th on all purchases over $50.  Use coupon code GAPSHIP50 at checkout.

Gymboree.com is running its Fill-A-Bag sale with 30% off storewide until September 5^th.  $5 shipping is also available for a limited time.

JCPenney.com has free shipping on orders over $49 with coupon code 49WORKS through September 11^th.  Not valid on furniture.  And don’t forget that all shoes at JCPenney.com ship free.

JosABank.com is reducing their clearance products by another 50% through Labor Day weekend.  There are some great deals here if you’re looking for men’s dress clothing.

Kohls.com is offering 15% off all purchases and free shipping on orders over $75 with coupon code SAVEON75, which expires today, September 2^nd.

Macys.com has free shipping on all orders over $99 until September 6^th as well as some great Labor Day sales that are online only until today, September 2^nd.  You can also get free shipping through September 7^th if you purchase a minimum amount from specific companies.  For a full list of these deals, click here.

OldNavy.com is offering 20% off a purchase of $100 or 25% off a purchase of $150 for all online purchases through September 6^th with coupon code ONSAVEBIG.


And while you’re online, why not sign up for some great freebies that may not be available when the Labor Day sales are done?

• Get a free sample of Garnier wrinkle test strips.
• Snag a free Fisher Price TRIO race car with free shipping.
• Like MurphyUSA on Facebook to get a free Dr. Pepper drink.  And while you’re there, why not like Billy.com too?

Ae.com (American Eagle Outfitters) – Free shipping on all AE jeans until August 17.

Amazon.com – Free 2-day shipping for students for a year with a free Amazon Prime membership.   No expiry mentioned.

AmericanApparel.com – Free shipping on all orders until August 11, 2010.

BananaRepublic.gap.com – Free shipping on orders $50+.  Use coupon code BRFREE50 at checkout.  Offer good until August 15.

DSW.com – Free shipping on orders of $35+ with coupon code SHIPR.  Free club membership required.  Offer good through September 12.

Gap.com – Free shipping on all purchases over $50 until August 16.

JCPenney.com – Free shipping on orders over $49.  Free shipping on all shoe orders.

Kmart.com – Free shipping on orders $49+ of all mailable clothing, backpacks, jewelry, footwear and office supplies.  All netbooks and laptops ship for $1.99.  Offer good until August 14^th.

OfficeMax.com – Free shipping on most orders over $50.

NeimanMarcus.com – Free shipping on all orders until August 16.  Use coupon code NMAUG at checkout.

Sears.com – Free shipping on all apparel, shoes and accessories for orders that are $49+.  Excludes Lands’ End products.  You can also get $10 off your children’s clothing purchase with coupon code 10OFF50KIDS.

Shutterfly.com – Free shipping on orders $30+.  Use code SHIP30 at checkout.  Deal claims to be a limited time offer, although no details are available.

Staples.com – Free delivery on orders over $50.  No expiry noted.  Free shipping to your local Staples store with all phone and online orders.

ToysRus.com – Free shipping (valued up to $25) on orders over $75.  This is a time-sensitive offer although there is no mention of how long it will be available.

VictoriasSecret.com – Buy any full-priced bra and get free shipping on your entire order with coupon code SHOPVSBRA.  Offer good until August 12.

If you’re like most mothers I know, you probably have no time for a bathroom break, let alone time to surf the net.  But there are some remarkable mommies out there who have taken time out of their busy lives to provide a service to busy moms like you, by writing mom blogs that can simplify your trips to the grocery store while saving you money.  The authors below are not only surviving motherhood, but they’re thriving – and inviting you along on the journey so that you can also succeed on a new level.  Below is a list of five mom blogs that Ihighly recommend, the reasons why I love them, and a shout out to the fantastic women who take the time to write them.

Consumer Queen

I love this mom blog because…Over the years I’ve encountered a few money saving blogs that offer a coupon database, but few work as well as the one found on Consumer Queen.  If you have a few spare moments when you’re done finding great coupons you can also check out author Melissa’s hysterical videos which offer interesting ideas and a chuckle at the end of a long day.

Coupon Geek

I love this mom blog because…There are dozens (hundreds?) of coupon blogs out there but none offer comprehensive store roundups like Coupon Geek mom blogger Jaycie does.  Coupon Geek and her partners explain weekly deals available in most large chain stores and offer ideas for how to pair deals with coupons (she even tells you where to find the coupons!) for maximum savings.  When possible, Coupon Geek also tells you the final price that you can expect to pay so that there are no surprises at the register

Freebies4Mom

I love this mom blog because…Not only does Freebies4Mom have coupons and deals, which are common both in mom blogs and regular coupon blogs, but it has an entire section dedicated to sweepstakes that give away lots of prizes.  While you may be too busy to enter a sweepstakes that is giving away a single grand prize, it’s always worthwhile to enter a sweepstakes that is giving away dozens of prizes daily – and mommy blogger Heather Hernandez has a knack for identifying these ‘winnable’ sweepstakes.  I haven’t won any yet, but I have gotten dozens of coupons as a courtesy for playing, which, in itself, is a notable benefit.

Bargain Briana

I love this mom blog because…Bargain Briana offers cheap and easy recipes in addition to standard savings suggestions.  I may not be feeding a large family, but I find it hard to find easy, healthy and affordable recipes just for myself.  Briana takes the thinking out of making dinner by offering recipes that are entirely achievable and extremely affordable.  With a full-time job, four young children and a popular mommy blog, Briana has no room for dinner disasters – and sure enough, I’ve found her recipes to be completely dependable.

Mashup Mom

I love this mom blog because…Many mommy blogs that focus on savings are helpful for the grownup part of mommy life, but few really address the needs of the child like Mashup Mom does.  Mommy blogger Rachel offers savings, steals and coupons for kid-friendly products including food, clothing and toys.  Other mom blogs may offer kid-centric products mixed in with their regular deals, but for Mashup Mom, the most prominently featured deals are almost always about things that are good for kids (or moms).  I’m sure I don’t need to explain why this is a great thing.

Do you recommend any other money saving mommy blogs that you don’t see on this list?

Facebook freebies and coupons seem to be extremely popular these days, and many of them don’t even require you to ‘like’ the page.  You can, of course, if you want…but at least it’s your choice instead of a prerequisite!

• Free sample of Dentyne Pure gum – I’m not extremely excited about the idea of mint melon gum, but I’ll pretty much try anything if it’s free…and who knows, maybe it’ll be the greatest thing since the invention of sushi (who would have thought that seaweed with raw fish would be good together?).
• Free sample of Propel – The sample request form for this free Propel powder with calcium requires that you list a new activity that you plan to try this summer.  It doesn’t specify what type of activity, but it seems to hint that it should be something physical.  Does trying out a new computer game count as a physical activity?  I’ll let you know if I get my free sample!
• $10 off a purchase of $10 or more at Famous Footwear – The upside of this coupon is that with dozens of pairs of shoes that cost under $20, you can use this coupon to get shoes for an unbeatable price.  If your local store lets you use this coupon on socks (the coupon does not specify what restrictions apply), chances are good that you can get something for $1 or less!  The downside is that it expires today, so you’d better hurry over to Famous Footwear now.

In addition to Facebook deals I’ve also located some other cool freebies that are worth mentioning:

• Get a full rebate on a purchase of Neutrogena Clinical (SPF 30, Night or Eye) – Purchase the product by July 18^th and complete the mail in rebate form for a full rebate up to $40.  You should receive your money back in 6-8 weeks.
• Free sample of Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets.  I’ve already received (and used) my free sample of these Purex sheets, but now they’re available again, and I should really mention that they’re fantastic.  If you missed the first offering of this freebie, sign up now before the samples run out!
• Free Blockbuster Express movie rentals.  Use codes GT16A, G417A or GT17A to get 3 free rentals during the month of July.

Like these deals?  Check out my Facebook page to get more up to the minute freebies and coupons on great products!

This summer there’s no need to sweat about finding cheap and free things to do with your kids, because I’ve got a list of options that should provide hours of entertainment.  The best news is that many of them will entertain you as well.  Who knew kids summer activities could be so much fun?

1. Free family film festival – You may not love staying indoors during the summer, but every once in a while a cool, air-conditioned room and a kid-friendly movie is just what the doctor ordered.  (This activity is also great for rainy days).  Throughout the summer participating theaters are offering free children’s movies (rated G and PG) every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10am.  Movies vary from theater to theater, and seats are limited so make sure to arrive a few minutes early.  For a list of participating theaters in your area, click here.
2. Kids bowl free program – As its name suggests, this program allows each adult to bring up to six children to bowl for two free games of bowling each day.  Even if you don’t want to go bowling every day, you’ll be able to choose this as an activity on days with inclement weather or days in which you’re just looking for a change of pace.  Click here for a list of participating bowling alleys.  The program has already started in many locations, so why wait to register?
3. Free entrance to national parks – On August 14-15 there will be free entrance to over 300 national parks offered by the U.S. National Parks Service.  If you haven’t planned your family vacation, why not plan a great trip around this free summer activity?
4. Home Depot kids workshops – Suitable for children aged 5-12, these workshops are being offered at all Home Depot stores on the first Saturday of every month at 9am.  Activities vary, but as with all Home Depot workshops, these meetings are bound to be extremely enjoyable for those who love being creative.
5. Lowe’s Build & Grow workshops – These kids activities are offered at 10am on Saturdays, which means that sometimes you may need to choose between Lowe’s and Home Depot (who knew there were so many great options for free summer activities for kids?!).
6. Library activities – Many libraries offer kids summer activities that are a bit more robust than their activities during the year.  If you’re looking to fill some time, check out what activities are going on at libraries in your area.  While you’re there, why not check out some books for your children to that they can participate in…
7. Summer reading programs – There are a bunch of summer reading programs that provide incentives for your child to read over the summer.  TD Bank is offering kids $10 (deposited directly into their account) if they read ten books this summer.  Barnes & Noble is kids in 1-6^th grade a free book if they read eight books and fill out the store’s Summer Reading Journal.  The offer ends September 7^th, and children are entitled to pick their free book from the store’s list of options. Border’s book store is also offering a similar incentive, if children read ten books and fills out the store’s form.  Children can then pick from the store’s pre-selected list of books (which, incidentally, are not the same as those being offered by Barnes & Noble).  You must be under age 12 to participate in Border’s promotion.
8. Public sprinklers – Many neighborhoods have public sprinklers that are turned on at pre-arranged hours during the day.  As summer activities for kids go, this is a good one, because they can run around and do other things and jump in the sprinklers just to cool off.  And, of course, moms can rest easy since less lifeguarding is required.
9. Free events sponsored by Target – In case you didn’t know, Target sponsors free museum entrances and cultural events at different venues nationwide all year long.  It’s definitely worth taking a look at their offerings to see what is going on in your area, so that you’ll be able to take advantage of things when you have free time this summer.

With so many free summer activities for kids, you should be able to map out your summer in advance so that there will never be a dull moment.  I hope you’ll let me know how all of these free activities go!

1. Free Bath & Body Works Forever Sunshine Body Lotion. This offer is good today only, and no purchase is necessary, so if you’re out getting some last minute Father’s Day gifts, go snag a free sample of this lotion for yourself.  Just print out this coupon (which I found on the wall of their Facebook page), and bring it over to your local store.  It’s that easy!
2. Get 5,000 Spirit Air Miles.  Sign up before June 30, 2010 and your account will be credited within 45 days.  All that’s left is to start planning your vacation!
3. Free orange chicken at Panda Express. Good after 9pm only, this deal is a good one if you get the late-night munchies or need dinner on the way home from a late night of work.  No purchase necessary.  This deal is good until July 11, 2010, and is not valid at airports or stadiums.  You must bring this printable coupon in order to get your free orange chicken.
4. Free Gel Blasts from PowerBar. I’ve never tried these, but they sound like fruity, gummy bursts of energy.  If you’re an athlete or a tired mom, I’d say it’s definitely worth registering for these free samples by mail.  The offer is good until August 31, 2010, or while supplies last, so I’d definitely recommend registering while you can, just in case.
5. Free Red Strike energy drink from Murphy USA. To get your coupon for a free energy drink via email, you must like their Facebook page and follow the simple directions.  While you’re there, why not like Billy.com too?
6. Free Beech Nut Next Steps kit. This kit contains some parenting information as well as a coupon for a free Beech Nut product.  No mention is made of how long this kit will be available.
7. Free sample of Real Time Pain Relief.  You can get 3 applications of their topical pain relief cream free when you sign up on their site. No mention is made of how long this offer will last.  You can also get 30 uses free if you pay for shipping.

• Free ice cream. If your father isn’t reading this post, you can bring him a free ice cream from either TCBY or tasti-D-lite, both of which are offering a free small cup or cone to dads.  Of course, you need to be a father to get the free ice cream – but if you’re not, you can always take your father out to the store to enjoy his free treat.
• Free collage print. What father doesn’t love a collage made of pictures of his children (or grandchildren), or of family memories from way-back-when.  Create the collage at Walgreen’s online and have it mailed (you’ll pay for shipping, and it may not get there in time), or pick it up in-store so that it’s totally free.  Use coupon code GOBIG8X10 to get your print for free.  This coupon code is good until Saturday, June 19th.
• Free breakfast at Ikea.  Take your father to the closest Ikea and get a free breakfast between 9:30 and 11am.  While you’re there, the kids can make you (or grandpa) a free picture frame, at participating stores.

Of course, if you don’t want to give only a Father’s Day freebie, you can also take advantage of some great deals going on now.  Some of my favorites include:

• Watches from Overstock.com.  You can save 5% on your purchase if it’s your first time at Overstock.com, and you can take advantage of some of the great sales they have in their clearance section.  Plus, your dad will probably appreciate the gift (even if he has a watch).
• An iPod from eBay. I’ve found that eBay is one of the best places to buy an iPod (or any mp3 player) because you can bid your price and possibly win an auction for an extremely low bid.  If your father doesn’t currently have an mp3 player, he’ll likely enjoy it, as it’s great for the commute, working out or just tuning out ‘background noise’.
• Busted Tees from Brad’s Deals.  Having given out dozens of t-shirts myself, I can tell you firsthand how people just love getting cute t-shirts.  While some of their shirts are a bit risque, many of them are extremely hilarious and if your father has a sense of humor, he will love one.  Shipping costs almost as much as the t-shirt, but it’s still a great gift for under $20.

Even if buying these Father’s Day gifts today won’t ensure that they’ll arrive on time (though you may be able to choose expedited shipping), you’ll be able to tell him that something is on the way.  And that definitely counts for something if you ask me!

Happy Father’s Day,