Does it ever seem to you like signing up for free sample offers is a complete waste of time? Not to me! Yes, signing up for samples can seem tedious, and you're typing the same thing over and over again- but sometimes (a lot of times, actually), it's worth the trouble.

I like signing up for samples for many reasons. The number one reason is because I love getting FREE stuff and 'surprises' in my mailbox! There are other reasons, too...

Travel

I stock up on all the free samples of shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste and other toiletry items I can find, because they are perfect to travel with. When we do a weekend or just an overnight trip somewhere, I grab two or three sample packs of shampoo/conditioner combos and whatever else I need from my 'samples basket,' toss them into my cosmetic or toiletry bag and get the heck on the road! Easy as 1-2-3! I did this when I packed my hospital bag before Balian was born, because who wants to mess with pouring all kinds of liquids into travel containers and run the risk of them spilling out everywhere- even in a zip-bag? Saved me lots of time when I finally got to take my post baby shower!

Guests

I also like having all of these samples around for guests. Ideally, if I ever get to have a guest room again, I would put out a little basket of essentials for my guests: shampoo/conditioner, soap and so on. The sample packs make it super easy to put those out and re-fill when needed!

I keep a nice little basket in my laundry/utility room to store my samples. This way, I know where they are and can easily get to them when I need to.

My best tip for samples and freebies would be to use the sample and freebie sites you know to be tried and true. My favorite site is My Savings. I've never not received a sample I signed up for via a listing on their site. Search for sample or freebie fan pages on Facebook, too- there are lot's of them and some of them are pretty good ones! Frugal Girls is another site that shares great deals and freebies. We'll try to be better about posting freebies and deals that we come across on our FB page, too- you know, there just aren't enough hours in the day!

If you haven't signed up for samples or freebies, give it a try... you may find it well worth your time!

Happy Freebie Hunting!

~Ondria~