“I thought *I* was good at saving money! Wow!”
That was the reaction I got when I shared with a personal friend about how to get everything you buy free.
She was amazed and I wanted to put it all online too, in a post, because I don’t think a lot of people know about these tricks and it can literally save you a small fortune!!!
How to Get Everything You Buy Free
About a year ago, I came across what I call gifting sites and I’ve become pretty spoiled. I simply refuse to buy anything now, which is the whole point of these groups!
They have these gifting groups in every city nationwide, and if they don’t, you can easily start one yourself to meet all your family’s needs (here’s all the details on how to start one up and what it’s like, step by step)!
The stuff IS free, so you’ll want to sanitize everything well before using it, as you would with anything you get used. Your results will vary, depending on where you live, but basically, don’t buy anything again!
If you plan ahead, you can save money and get a boatload of things free. Things you need to help your family. After that, what you can’t find, or maybe you simply can’t wait to score something free, buy it on sale, and lastly, pay retail.
Doing this will save you a FORTUNE! And if you’re thinking, ‘It’ll all be junk,’ I get it, that’s exactly what I mistakenly thought when I first started in the world of free stuff. But it’s not!
Some of it is junk, yes, but much of it is good, usable items that your family needs!
You can learn all about how to find these groups here in my post, How to Get Kids Clothes Free. I go into depth in that post and share all the ins and outs with you in detail!
In the year I’ve been part of this free world, here’s what I’ve seen and what you can get free and how…
Groceries
Groceries are SO crazy expensive right now. You can get groceries free with a few cool tricks!
Check out these posts to find the options that are best for you and your family…
- Save Money Buying Groceries Online (Schwans, Albertsons)
- Save $100+/month with This Simple Trick
- Save $125/month with This Trick
- Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
- Portion Controls No One Will Notice
- Get Free Groceries with Instacart
- Start a garden (by doing this, you’ll get lots of produce free!)
- Gifting Groups (info. below)
Gifting groups – In free gifting groups, I’ve seen all kinds of food from turkey and ham carcasses (to make bone broth soup or split pea & ham soup with), to cases of green beans, protein shakes, vitamins, canned goods, spices, condiments, cereal, misc food giftings, soda, even restaurant coupons.
If you implement all these tricks and tips above, you will be getting your groceries free to near free!
Household Cleaners and Products
Household cleaning supplies and household products can be so expensive and add up quickly. I never pay for these items. Here’s how!!
First, Grove Collaborative. In this post here, I teach you my perfect trick to never paying for these and how I beat the system. Secondly, gifting groups…
Gifting groups – I’ve seen new air filter replacements (and fridge water filter replacements too that are new), things like ice melt for your walkways, all sorts of cleaning supplies, cleaning rags and towels, brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners (regular and stick, even Dyson vacuums!), carpet cleaners.
Kids Clothes and Toys
You can get free kids’ clothes in a couple of different ways. I have a whole post on it here. You can also find free items on Facebook Marketplace, like leftover yard sale items and curb alerts. Another great way, and the best way, in my opinion, is in gifting groups.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen baby clothes, kids clothes, teen clothes, young women’s clothing, all different types of toys for all ages, dress-up clothes, dollhouses, playdough, legos, puzzles and games (board games and video games), kids and baby books, kids room decor (like wall art, decorations, wall stickers, rugs, beds and furniture, lamps), art easels, ride-on toys and small rockers for toddlers, kids electronics (think: Vtech stuff), outdoor equipment like scooters, wagons, hoverboards, skates, skateboards. I’ve even seen a couple of jungle gyms, water/sand tables, sandboxes, basketball hoops, tetherball poles, plastic pools (small kid-size and the bigger ones you set up in your yard), playhouses, outdoor toy cars, and bigger things like that too.
Baby Equipment
You can get these for super cheap on Facebook Marketplace and when you’re done, resell them back so that you ultimately are getting the item for free, but I’ve also seen lots of baby equipment in gifting groups too.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen high chairs, bassinets, walkers, strollers, car seats, playpens, cribs, changing tables, bouncers, playmats, baby swings, boppy’s, bike trailers, even smaller baby items like diapers, wipes warmers, bottle warmers, and pacifiers.
Adult Clothing and Accessories
These are fairly simple to get free. Here’s how…
Gifting groups – Both for men (ties, shoes, caps, and clothes) and for women. I’ve seen things like clothing (sleepwear, scarves, hats, bathing suits, robes, and regular clothing), shoes, jewelry (jewelry holders, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings), even things like hangers (regular and for scarves or organizing hangers) to hang your clothes on. I’ve seen wallets, purses, belt bags.
Essential Oils
I get all my essential oil products free. It kinda works like Grove Collaborative. Find people who love the essential oils, sign them up, they buy and get free stuff, you do too. I’ll have to make a full post all about the details of how I set this up so you can see it in action, and I’ll update this post when I do. 🙂
Next, gifting groups! I’ve seen lots of essential oils in gifting groups over time, usually doTerra and Young Living brands. Be sure to follow the groups so you can grab them when they become available in your area.
Dry Cleaners
There’s no need to pay for fancy dry cleaners. Simply grab yourself some Dryel and do it yourself! It’s very inexpensive and I’ve seen Dryel in the gifting groups before.
Salon Costs
You don’t have to pay exorbitant salon costs to have a professional hairstyle. Here’s how to do it!
Outdoor Items
I’ve seen trampolines offered for free on Facebook Marketplace, but be sure to check your local gifting groups too.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen large trampolines, outdoor rugs, firewood, tools (small hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and measuring tapes to larger items like routers and tilting biscuit jointers and even tool bags), lanterns, tiki torches, outdoor candles, garage shop vacs, umbrellas, golf clubs, car supplies (like tyre gauges, emergency kits, windshield scrapers, and washing brushes), kids bikes, adult bikes (both men’s and women’s), power washers, and even patio furniture!
Beauty Products
There are a bazillion and one places to get free beauty product samples, so I won’t get into all that. Just run a Google search and you’ll find tons, but here are some quick links to some freebies that are going on right now (subject to change anytime)…
- Free Samples, Free Stuff & Freebies
- Free Samples by Mail
- Free Magazine Subscriptions
- Free Perfume Samples
- Free Holiday Ornament at Lowe’s
- Free Samples of Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Vitamin Cg Strength Repair Shampoo & Conditioner
Getting free samples helps you save money because if you’re not brand-specific, you can never run out. If you are brand-specific, you can always try and find new things that you like!
You can also find LOTS of beauty supplies in gifting groups…
Gifting groups – I’ve seen things like lotion (Bath and Body Works, etc.), expensive face washes, nail polish, Color Street nail strips, curling irons, and flat irons. For men, I’ve seen shavers (electric and regular) and hair trimmers.
Misc. Household Items
You can get free yard sale leftovers or curb alerts on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
I’ve also seen a ton of household items in the gifting groups.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen bedding, fans, small space heaters, towels, shower curtains and rings, bathroom soap dispensers, lidded small trash cans, bathroom scales, shower faucet heads, bathtub shower faucet kits, recipe books, random misc. office supplies (like staplers, pens and pencils, backpacks for kids, printers and ink, electric pencil sharpeners, binder paper, notebooks, crayons, color markers, art supplies), carpet cleaners, vacuums (Dysons, stick vacuums and regular vacuums), light fixtures, lamps (table and floor lamps), bean bag chairs, and birthday party supplies (decorations, gift bags, and supplies for the gift bags, etc.). I’ve even seen a water softener system!
Herbs & Veggies
The best way to get herbs and garden veggies free is to plant a garden. By doing this, you can get free food in abundance. You can trade your abundance with your neighbors, and they can share theirs with you, creating a diverse mix of foods for you and your family. Don’t know anyone to trade with? Create relationships within your local gifting group!
Gifting groups – I have seen all kinds of produce in season. This is a great place to start if you’re unable to start your own garden or to trade your veggies with others who also have gardens.
Electronics
Sometimes on Facebook Marketplace, they will have TVs but they go fast. The best place to get free electronics is in gifting groups.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen Google mesh systems (set of 4), digital cameras, Apple Magic keyboard and mouse, iPads, laptops, tablets, keyboards, surround sound equipment, speakers, drones, video game systems (and games), TVs, universal TV remotes, and TV wall mounts.
BBQ Grills
The best place to get yard sales is to drive around and spot them outside of people’s homes, on the curb, with free signs attached to them. In Meridian, Idaho, we have a freebie day where many people leave free curb alerts out and there’s a map with the participating home addresses and what they are trying to get rid of. It’s called Trash or Treasure and it’s actually pretty cool. I’ve been able to find some really cool stuff on those days.
Another great trick is to drive around your area around 3 pm on yard sale days when people are closing up and don’t wanna bring the stuff that didn’t sell back inside. They often leave free signs and you can pick what you want! 🙂
I’ve also seen BBQ grills being given in the gifting groups. For all these options, sometimes you’ll need to put a little elbow grease into the grill, either by way of cleaning it or repairing something on it. But if you’re consistent, you’ll snag a good one for free!
Gifting groups – I’ve seen all kinds of BBQ grills and BBQ supplies and tools being given away.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Never buy small kitchen appliances. In fact, I’ve seen large kitchen appliances given away in gifting groups too! Things like stoves, over the stove microwaves, etc.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen juicers, electric griddles, hot plates, coffee makers galore, bread makers, toasters, and tabletop ice makers.
Furniture
You can get free furniture on Facebook Marketplace and also within gifting groups. Just watch for damage because sometimes the reason people are getting rid of the stuff is because it’s broken or chewed on by a dog or something.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen bedroom furniture, dining tables/chairs, barstools, entertainment centers, couches, dressers, garage shelving units, rolling carts, recliners, coffee tables, bookshelves, desks, office chairs, and file cabinets.
Home Decorations
You can score some home decorations in free yard sale leftovers and curb alerts sometimes, but the best place to get free home decorations is in gifting groups. My favorite home decoration I got was this really pretty, soft white furry throw pillow. It matched my decor perfectly!
Gifting groups – I’ve seen curtains, vases, artwork, picture frames, wall art and plaques, throw pillows, throw blankets, mirrors, candles, and candle stands.
Gardening Supplies
Gifting groups are best for gardening supplies from what I’ve seen.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen tomato cages, gardening gloves, potting soil, potting benches, planter pots of all sizes, plant food, plants (both cuttings to start a plant and full-grown plants and everything in between), shovels, and hand tools.
Packing Materials
These things are given all the time in the gifting groups and there’s usually not a ton of people who want those sorts of things, so you can score them pretty easily! This is great for you if you sell on eBay or ship things to sell! 🙂
Gifting groups – I’ve seen bubble wrap, packing paper, moving boxes (including TV boxes and wardrobe boxes), shipping boxes, bags of packing peanuts, shoe boxes, and bankers boxes to file paperwork in.
Hobby Items
Gifting groups are your go-to for these things.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen golf clubs, sewing machines, camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, old pots and pans perfect for camping, chairs that fold up, etc.), art supplies (things like crayons, color markers, acrylic paint, coloring books, etc.), crafting supplies like yarn and crafting kits.
Medical Supplies
You can’t sell medical supplies like wheelchairs, etc. on Facebook Marketplace, so the best way to find those kinds of things is in the groups. I suggest starting to stock up on all those things to be prepared if someone gets hurt. Grab a pair of crutches, a back brace, a hand wrist brace, things like that, just so in case anyone in your family gets hurt, you’re totally prepared!
Gifting groups – I’ve seen wheelchairs, bathtub handles, shower chairs, leg braces, hand/wrist braces, crutches, and walkers.
Holiday Decorations
You can score free holiday decorations on Facebook Marketplace. I scored an entire carload full of Christmas decorations last year after Christmas. Gifting groups are also a great place to check, but many times, it’s not good quality stuff. It’s just like dollar store stuff or cheaper stuff. Not anything like Pottery Barn or Balsam Hill, although I personally gifted a ton of that type of stuff away, but it’s just not common.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen Christmas stockings, gift packs/presents (unopened), tree stands, Christmas tree skirts, ornaments, nativity scenes, Christmas trees, outdoor Christmas stuff like reindeer for your yard and displays, knick-knacks, wreaths. They usually give a lot of gift bags, gift boxes, and tissue paper for presents in the groups too throughout the year. I’ve seen cards for various holidays and birthdays. They give some things away in bulk too, like I’ve seen whole 18-gallon tubs full of Valentine’s Day decorations or luau party supplies.
Luggage
The best place to get free luggage is in gifting groups. I’ve seen suitcases, both hard shell and soft, carry-on suitcases, travel bags, weekend / overnight bags and more, both for men and for women.
Homeschooling / School Supplies
Before you go out and spend a small fortune on homeschooling supplies, check your local gifting groups and stay on top of it in there. All kinds of things are given all the time and there’s usually not a ton of people who want those sorts of things, so you can score them pretty easily!
Gifting groups – I’ve seen pens and pencils, backpacks, electric pencil sharpeners, homeschool flashcards, binder paper, notebooks, crayons, color markers, art supplies, craft kits, homeschooling books in massive quantities, kids reading books, and lunchboxes.
Lawn Care Items
You can score lawn care items free in gifting groups, but sometimes they’ll have like a broken lawnmower on Facebook Marketplace you can get to fix up. In the gifting groups, they are not broken. 😊
Gifting groups – I’ve seen lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, even seed spreaders, leaf blowers, and leaf mowers.
Sporting Equipment / Sports Paraphernalia
You can score some pretty cool sports stuff in the gifting groups. I definitely encourage you to check it out for that.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen baseball caps, team shirts/sweaters/jackets, team keychains, tickets to sporting events, basketballs, baseballs, softballs, tennis balls, tennis rackets, baseball mitts and uniforms, sports shoes (soccer, basketball, etc.), frisbees, golf clubs/bags and golfing equipment, and baseball bats.
Pet Supplies
Gifting groups are the best place to get pet supplies free. Sometimes someone’s pet will pass away and they have things to gift. Sometimes, it’s just getting rid of excess. Either way, it’s a great place to start!
Gifting groups – I’ve seen collars, leashes, dress-up clothing, bowls, dental chews, cat treats, dog bowl mats.
Kitchenware
On very rare occasions, I’ve seen kitchenware free on Facebook Marketplace, but in gifting groups, it’s always in abundance.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen muffin tins, hand towels, coffee mugs, pot holders, coffee mug warmers, and I’ve even seen a Stanley Cup! I’ve also seen water canning baths, steamers, roasting pans, utensils, pyrex glass dishware, cutting boards, storage containers, reusable water bottles (stainless steel and regular), knife blocks, fruit stands, spiralizers, cutlery, pots/pans/skillets, mason jars, canning items, drinking glasses, kitchen tools, and many other misc. kitchen items.
Wedding Supplies
If you’re not married, start saving things for when you WILL get married now! Instead of waiting till the last minute. There are a lot of things you can gather now like ring bearer pillows, card holders, and things like that. I’ve seen a lot of wedding supplies in gifting groups.
Gifting groups – I’ve seen ring bearer pillows, card boxes/holders, veils, flower girl baskets, dress swatches, and wedding books.
I’ve also seen these types of items free on Facebook Marketplace:
This is not all I’ve seen either, but the whole point of this list is to encourage you to see that you don’t need to buy things like you used to. You can get just about everything you need for free if you are able to wait it out. Always stock up ahead of time, plan ahead for things you know you’ll need, make a list, and when you need something right away, ask if anyone has one lying around in the group BEFORE purchasing. MANY times people do!!!
Here’s an example of an ISO (In Search Of) post I created looking for 3 shelves. I was able to acquire three and meet the need! 🤗
Just that one post alone saved me a good $100+ and all three of the people were super kind to deliver the shelves to me too, so I didn’t even have to pick them up! People don’t usually deliver the items, but it can sometimes happen. 🥰