13 Things Every Grocery Store Used to Give Away for Free
Here's a nostalgic roundup of freebies that used to make every grocery store trip feel like a small celebration.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Once upon a time, grocery shopping came with unexpected perks. These were little giveaways that turned errands into events. Whether it was a cookie at the bakery or a game piece at checkout, these free items made shopping more fun and more personal. Here are 13 nostalgic things every grocery store used to hand out, no charge required.
1. Free Cookies from the Bakery
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Every kid knew the secret handshake: smile sweetly at the bakery counter and get a warm cookie, no questions asked. It was soft, sugary, and the best part of the trip.
2. Green Stamps or Loyalty Stamps
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Long before apps tracked your points, you’d collect green or plaid stamps for every dollar spent. Fill up a booklet and redeem it for toasters or cutlery.
3. Grocery Trading Cards or Game Pieces
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During special promos, stores handed out scratch-offs, Monopoly pieces, or trading cards with each purchase. Customers got hooked, returning just to collect them all.
4. Balloon Animals for Kids
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Friendly employees twisted balloons into dogs, swords, and silly hats while parents shopped in peace. It wasn’t just a freebie — it was entertainment.
5. Product Samples on Trays
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Tiny cups of soup, cheese cubes, or microwaved pizza rolls lured shoppers with irresistible smells. Sometimes, the sample was better than your dinner plans.
6. Recipe Cards at the End of Aisles
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Near displays or produce bins, you’d find laminated cards with recipes using featured ingredients. You’d take them home, stain them with sauce, and tape them to your fridge.
7. Complimentary Gift Wrapping During Holidays
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Buy a gift set or a holiday ham, and they’d wrap it up with paper and ribbon at no cost. The line would stretch, but the patience was worth it.
8. Kids’ Club Stickers or ID Badges
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Some stores had little “kids’ clubs” where members got special stickers, badges, or monthly newsletters. It made young shoppers feel important.
9. Rain Checks for Sold-Out Sale Items
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If a deal item was gone, you could get a rain check — basically a promise to get it at the same price later. No begging, no hassle.
10. Seasonal Coloring Pages
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Near customer service, there’d be a stack of themed coloring sheets for holidays or local events. You’d color one, tape it to the fridge, and maybe see it hanging in the store.
11. Complimentary Carry-Out Service
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Bag boys used to walk your groceries to the car and load them up — no tipping expected. It was normal service, not a luxury.
12. In-Store Magazines or Newsletters
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Printed monthly, these little magazines featured deals, recipes, or community spotlights. Some even included crosswords or contests.
13. Free Coffee for Shoppers
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Near the front door or bakery, a warm pot was brewed all day with tiny Styrofoam cups beside it. It wasn’t gourmet — but it was cozy. Shoppers sipped while browsing, like it was a Sunday stroll.