The year 2019 presented a structured calendar of promotional opportunities for consumers seeking free products and experiences. These opportunities, often tied to designated "national" days, provided a predictable framework for accessing complimentary items, discounted services, and exclusive experiences across multiple sectors. While many of these events originated in the United States, they have become increasingly relevant to UK consumers, particularly as brands and retailers adapt their promotions for a global audience. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the key freebie days of 2019, detailing the types of offers available, the participating entities, and the typical processes for accessing these benefits.
The concept of "freebie days" revolves around specific dates on the calendar that are unofficially dedicated to particular themes, products, or causes. Businesses, from large restaurant chains to national parks, leverage these days to attract customers, promote brand awareness, and drive engagement through complimentary giveaways or significant discounts. For the savvy consumer, these days offer a valuable opportunity to try new products, enjoy familiar favourites at no cost, or access services that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
It is important to note that the information provided is based on data from 2019. While the specific dates and participating brands may change from year to year, the structure and types of promotions remain consistent. Consumers are advised to verify current offers directly with the relevant brands or retailers.
Understanding the Freebie Calendar
The freebie days of 2019 were not random; they were part of a broader trend of "National Deal Days." These days are often associated with food holidays, such as National Cheeseburger Day or National Ice Cream Day, but they also extend to non-food categories like National Bowling Day or the National Park Service birthday. The offers range from completely free items (often requiring no purchase) to "Buy One Get One" (BOGO) deals or significant discounts. The key to maximising these opportunities is awareness and planning, as many deals are time-sensitive and may require specific actions, such as joining a mailing list or presenting a voucher.
January
The year begins with popcorn-focused promotions. National Popcorn Day, observed on January 19, typically sees participating cinemas and retailers offering free or discounted popcorn. For instance, Regal Cinemas has historically provided half-priced popcorn to mark the occasion.
February
February features deals centred on frozen treats and baked goods. National Frozen Yogurt Day on February 6 is a notable example, with chains like TCBY, Yogurtland, Menchies, and Pinkberry offering deals and freebies. Additionally, National Bagel Day on February 9 has been associated with promotions from brands like Einstein Bros.
March
Pi Day on March 14 (3/14) is celebrated by some food retailers with deals on pies, though specific UK-based promotions for 2019 are not detailed in the source material.
April
April is a busy month for freebies, encompassing environmental, recreational, and promotional events.
- Earth Day (April 22): This day often sees eco-conscious retailers offering promotions. In 2018, deals included discounts at Goodwill, free tote bags from Whole Foods, and samples of sustainable products from Target. These types of offers are common for Earth Day and can be expected to recur.
- National Pretzel Day (April 26): National chains such as Auntie Anne’s and Wetzel’s Pretzels have given away free pretzels to celebrate. Other participants have included Godiva, which offered free chocolate pretzels with an online order, and Sonic, which discounted their soft pretzel twists.
- National Park Week (April 20-28): The National Park Service offers free admission to participating parks during this week. In 2019, this ran from Saturday, April 20, to Sunday, April 28.
- Superhero Day (April 28): Krispy Kreme hosts this unique holiday, giving away a free dozen donuts with the purchase of a dozen.
May
May offers a variety of freebies, from ice cream to comic books.
- Free Cone Day at Haagen-Dazs (Early May): Haagen-Dazs hosts an annual free cone day where customers can get a free ice cream cone with no purchase necessary. In 2018, this was held on May 8, and the day has been dedicated to raising awareness for honey bees.
- Free Comic Book Day (First Saturday in May, May 4): Participating comic book stores worldwide offer a free selection of comic books. This is a major event for enthusiasts and families.
- National Public Gardens Day (Friday Before Mother’s Day, May 10): Public gardens across the country offer free admission. Details on participating locations are available on the National Public Gardens website.
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (May 15): Promotions have included free cookies from 7-Eleven and Potbelly with mailing list enrollment, as well as discounts from BJ’s and Nestle.
- National Hamburger Day (May 28): This day features deals on hamburgers from various restaurant chains.
June
- National Doughnut Day (June 7): A popular day for doughnut lovers, with numerous chains offering free doughnuts or special deals. Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts are frequent participants.
July
July is particularly rich with food-themed freebie days.
- Free Slurpee Day (July 11): 7-Eleven traditionally offers free Slurpees to celebrate its birthday.
- National Tequila Day, National French Fry Day, National Ice Cream Day, and National Hot Dog Day: These days, all in July, are accompanied by various restaurant promotions. National Ice Cream Day on July 21 is a standout, with many ice cream parlours and retailers offering free scoops or BOGO deals.
- Chick-fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day: This event, typically held in July, encourages customers to dress as cows for free food items.
September
Autumn brings a host of freebie days, particularly in the food sector.
- National Cheeseburger Day (September 18): A day for deals on cheeseburgers from various fast-food and casual dining chains.
- National Coffee Day (September 29): One of the most popular deal days, featuring free and discounted coffee from major chains like Cinnabon, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Wawa.
- Museum Day (Late September): Hosted by Smithsonian Magazine, participating museums and institutions provide free entry with an official "Museum Day ticket," which is available for download from the Smithsonian Magazine website.
- Moe’s Free Queso Day (Late September): Moe’s Southwest Grill gives away free cups of queso and holds a "Free Queso For Life" sweepstakes. In 2018, this was on September 20.
October
October features deals on tacos, desserts, and Halloween.
- National Taco Day (October 4): This day offers a wide range of discounted taco deals from retailers like Baja Fresh, Chuy’s, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Taco Cabana, and more.
- National Dessert Day (October 14): Restaurants across the country offer discounted and free desserts. In 2018, chains like BJ’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Corner Bakery, Dairy Queen, and Wendy’s provided deals such as BOGO sundaes and free pizookies.
- Halloween (October 31): While not a "national" day in the traditional sense, Halloween is associated with various promotions, including freebies from retailers and restaurants.
November
- National Sandwich Day (November 3): This day, held each November 3, features deals from sandwich chains and restaurants.
- Holiday Season Promotions: While not a specific day, the period around holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Valentine’s Day often includes specials and freebies from various businesses.
December
The year concludes with promotions focused on shipping and holiday cheer.
- Free Shipping Day (Mid-December): Held annually in mid-December, participating websites offer free shipping and delivery by Christmas Eve. A list of participating retailers is available on the Free Shipping Day website.
Accessing Freebies: Common Processes
While the specific requirements vary by promotion and brand, the methods for accessing these freebies generally fall into a few categories:
- In-Store Visits: Many offers, such as free doughnuts on National Doughnut Day or free pretzels on National Pretzel Day, are redeemed by visiting a physical location. Some may require a purchase (e.g., BOGO deals), while others are completely free with no strings attached.
- Online Registration: Some freebies, particularly samples or exclusive offers, require consumers to sign up for a brand’s mailing list or loyalty programme. This was seen with promotions for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, where free cookies were offered in exchange for email enrollment.
- Digital Tickets or Vouchers: Events like Museum Day require participants to download a free ticket from a specific website (in this case, the Smithsonian Magazine website) to gain admission.
- Special Events: Days like Free Comic Book Day or Chick-fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day involve visiting specific locations (comic book stores or restaurants) and sometimes participating in themed activities.
Categories of Freebies
The freebie days of 2019 covered a diverse range of categories, aligning with the interests of various consumer groups:
- Food & Beverage: This is the most prevalent category, with days dedicated to popcorn, frozen yogurt, bagels, pizza, tacos, desserts, burgers, coffee, doughnuts, and more. These offers are ideal for families, students, and anyone looking to save on meals or snacks.
- Entertainment & Leisure: Free Comic Book Day, Museum Day, and free admission to National Parks provide cultural and recreational experiences at no cost. These are excellent for parents, students, and culture enthusiasts.
- Retail & Shipping: Free Shipping Day and retail promotions (e.g., discounts at Whole Foods or Target) offer savings on physical goods and online shopping.
- Special Interest: Events like Haagen-Dazs's Free Cone Day, which supports honey bee conservation, or National Public Gardens Day, appeal to those with specific interests in sustainability and horticulture.
Conclusion
The freebie days of 2019 provided a structured and predictable opportunity for UK consumers to access a wide array of complimentary products and services. From food and drink to entertainment and retail, these designated days offered something for everyone. While the specific dates and participating brands for 2019 have passed, the underlying concept remains relevant. Consumers can continue to look for similar promotions in the current year, often announced by brands and retailers in the lead-up to these themed days. The key to success is staying informed, planning ahead, and being ready to act quickly, as many of the best offers are limited in quantity or time. By leveraging these freebie days, consumers can enjoy new experiences, try new products, and save money throughout the year.