I know a lot of people here at Gather get free samples, and I was wondering whether some of you might be like me.
I have a huge box, where I put all my freebies in a big box. Then once in a while, especially if were are running low on something, I will go find something in the box that will last us until the item gets on sale. Deodorants, I don't even buy any more, I just go and pick a new one out from the box. I also love how those free toothpaste samples pick up, whenever we are running out of thoothpaste.
I mentioned in an earlier article, that I am thinking about getting some of the small gift bags, putting in a few free samples and a border's gift card....and this will be Christmas presents for a lot of people this year.
I am also thinking about making some similar giftbags with samples (no gift cards), and giving them as Christmas presents for the girls at a local teen mother center.
We already collect all the free pet samples, and once a month we pass them on to our local animal shelter.
We don't have much, but I am trying to teach my sons that even when you don't have much, you should still do what you can to help others.
What do you do with your freebies?
Do you use all of them?
Which ones are your favorites?
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Comments: 49
I have a drawer in my bathroom that they usually get dumped in to. I also use them at times when I run out of a product and haven't had a chance to get to the store. I think putting some of them in gift bags with gift cards is a really good idea, so I might start doing that this year. Thanks for the idea btw.
Do you use all of them? No. Sometimes my boyfriend steals them or I give them to friends who will use them.
Which ones are your favorites? I love toothpaste and shampoo and conditioner samples.
If the sample is not something we use I pass it on to friends or family. I wish I had enough piled up to hand out in goody bags for the holidays too! :)
I know that would be an awesome gift for some of the homeless in the area!
What do you do with your freebies? I put them in a box and when I need something and have yet to buy more at the store I grab from there. Like now I'm low on shampoo. I'll grab the samples I have there to get me through until Friday to save a trip to the store prior to the day we intended to shop.
Do you use all of them? Eventually. Some are given to relatives with cats or dogs, though.
Which ones are your favorites? Craft ones or something for my son. Getting mail is a real treat for him. I also love the 3M office supply ones. I use those for plotting novels and jotting down changes and whatnot.
Jr it's a great that you send the samples off to laocal shelters! Bless you.
Where are the links for samples at gather?
There are lots of freebie groups at Gather Ana, and I think I've joined them all. My favorite way of finding freebie links here is through the tag though. I just search for the tag free and up comes a lot of articles regarding free stuff. Do this search daily and your mail box will be full.
Your idea about the gift bags is a great one! My dad's parents used to do this and called it their stockings. They would throw all sorts of samples and everyday things that you might need throughout the year. My grandparents have left us, but I still miss those stockings. (That sounds wrong, I miss them too) I never had to buy cotton swabs, razors, cold meds, travel stuff, etc when I had those!
Your idea about the gift bags is a great one! My dad's parents used to do this and called it their stockings. They would throw all sorts of samples and everyday things that you might need throughout the year. My grandparents have left us, but I still miss those stockings. (That sounds wrong, I miss them too) I never had to buy cotton swabs, razors, cold meds, travel stuff, etc when I had those!
I have gotten my husband's niece in on the sampling thing, as I know they can use it, so she also signs up now, and I often send sample requests on behalf of my mother in law. She knows that I does this, and she likes the little surprises. I haven't seen her in three years, but this kind of reminds me of, when we used to live together (while my husband was at school), because I would always give her samples and coupons.
With a toddler and a newborn, anything pertaining to cleaning, or a free diaper sample are usually the most appreciated.
Even if I'm not so hot on the sample, I usually save the small bottles, as they are perfect for carrying small amounts of lotion/soap, etc. in my purse, and I use them when I'm traveling too - don't have to carry huge bottles of shampoo and conditioner that way!
I also donate all bottles/packages of toiletries to battered women's shelters. By the time a battered woman gets to a shelter, she's usually had to run for her life with nothing but the clothes on her back. They are in desperate need of anything and everything: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand cleanser, even things like makeup to conceal facial bruises and scarring. They also usually need children's items as well - formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, clothes, shoes. Donate your ladies' professional clothing too, so they can go out on interviews and get some employment so they can get back on their feet.
We have enough toothpaste, deodorant and razors to last us a long time which is great because we are on a very limited budget! Also food samples or coupons for a free package of food is high up there on my list. Someone from Slick Deals just sent me a ton of coupons for the new Meow Mix canned cat food. My cats are stil thanking him!
Another suggestion on how to use the freebies that you get and will not use is send them to the soldiers over in Iraq. There are a couple of websites that give information about this and you can't send everything, but what a treat for them! Especially the fact that they know we are thinking about them. If anyone is interested let me know and I will try to find one of the websites that deal with this. Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments and suggestions!
FREE STUFF & WAH
Great Ideas BTW
What a wonderful thing to do!
I LOVE free samples!!
I find that most of the time if the product is really good, I WILL go out and buy it..
THANK YOU TO FREE SAMPLES!! without you, I couldnt function properly