15 Supermarket Freebies That Don’t Exist Anymore
Remember when grocery stores gave out more than just receipts? These 15 long-gone freebies will spark serious nostalgia.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Supermarkets once handed out a surprising number of perks just for walking through the door. This made grocery shopping feel more personal. But times have changed, and these once-common giveaways have quietly disappeared from your cart.
1. S&H Green Stamps
Wandering Magpie on Wikimedia Commons
Customers once collected these stamps with each purchase, redeeming them for household goods and toys. It turned everyday grocery runs into a slow-motion treasure hunt.
2. Free Plastic Toys with Cereal
Heather Paul on Flickr
Once a staple of every kid’s morning routine, these tiny surprises created cereal loyalty for life. From decoder rings to action figures, opening a box felt like Christmas.
3. Complimentary Product Samples
camknows on Flickr
Friendly store reps used to hand out free bites of cheese, cookies, or deli meats. It was both a snack and a sales pitch rolled into one.
4. Free Cake on Your Birthday
Will Echols on Unsplash
Some supermarkets offered a free birthday cake to children on their special day. Parents loved it, and kids remembered it forever.
5. Free Matches at the Register
Jamiecat * on Flickr
These little branded matchbooks were often handed out with every purchase. A holdover from when smoking was more common, they were both practical and collectible.
6. Grocery Store Trading Cards
Mick Haupt on Unsplsah
Some chains gave out collectible cards featuring sports stars, wildlife, or cartoon characters. Kids rushed to the store to build their collections, not just to shop.
7. Fish Tanks for Kids
Vikram Mudaliar on Unsplash
Stores once kept big fish tanks or lobster tanks as mini attractions for children. While not technically a giveaway, they were a built-in distraction and a treat to watch.
8. Free Helium Balloons
shraga kopstein on Unsplash
After a shopping trip, kids could leave with a branded helium balloon. It was a simple gesture, but always brought a smile.
9. Complimentary Coffee for Shoppers
James F Clay on Flickr
Grocery stores used to offer free hot coffee, especially in the early morning hours. It turned errands into a cozy experience.
10. Free Measuring Spoons or Cups
William Figueroa on Unsplash
Brands would attach mini kitchen tools to their product packaging as a bonus. These little freebies became kitchen drawer staples.
11. In-Store Recipe Cards
Blue Square Thing on Flickr
Colorful recipe cards were once scattered throughout the aisles, suggesting how to cook with what you were buying. They were free, fun, and often sponsored by food brands.
12. Free Kids’ Cookie at the Bakery
Mae Mu on Unsplash
Children could visit the bakery counter and receive a fresh cookie, no questions asked. It gave parents a peaceful shopping trip and kids something to look forward to.
13. Free Ice for Coolers
PxHere
Stores would offer free ice for your cooler if you purchased perishable items. It was especially helpful during summer trips or beach days.
14. Complimentary Gift Wrapping
Visitor7 on Wikimedia Commons
Some stores wrapped small seasonal purchases for free, especially around the holidays. It saved time and gave a premium feel to a budget-friendly gift.
15. Stamp-Your-Own Discount Cards
Colin Woodcock on PublicDomianPictures
Before digital loyalty apps, stores gave out paper cards to punch or stamp with each visit. Fill the card and earn a free item or discount.