Think nothing in life is free? Well you couldn’t be more wrong, as we explain all the ways to get your hands on something for nothing.
And it isn’t just food and other small items - there are companies giving away iPhones, MAC make-up and Amazon vouchers.
We spoke to experts at bargain website Magic Freebies to get their top giveaway tips.
From product testing to snapping up free samples, there are a whole host of ways to find freebies.
Robyn Weston, a freebie-finder from Magic Freebies, told The Mirror: “You can try almost anything for free if only you know where to look."
What's your best trick for finding a freebie? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
She added: “We’ve seen everything from free food and household essentials to expensive electronics and health and beauty treats.
“It’s often thought that these offers are too good to be true but at Magic Freebies, we think these offers are too good to miss!"
Ask for free samples
Ultimately, companies give away free samples to people who are likely to become customers.
So it’s worth trying to engage with the brands you love - or would love to try - by following their social media accounts and joining mailing lists.
This means you’ll be more likely to hear about free sample opportunities.
Some companies also give away free samples when you register your email address.
Baby and parenting groups are great for doing this - for example, sign up to Ella's Kitchen through its "become a Friend" loyalty scheme and you'll be sent a free weaning pack with vouchers.
Dry Nites , meanwhile, will let you claim one free sample of its pyjama nappies through its website.
If you can’t see an offer online, it doesn’t hurt to ask the company directly for free samples by emailing their customer service team.
You have nothing to lose by asking the question.
Apply to be a product tester
Product testing is a win-win for brands and consumers - you get the free product, and they get your honest opinion.
Lots of top brands have panels you can apply to join or use testing platforms that match brand new products with their target markets.
Of course, it can be luck of the draw as to whether you’ll be picked to become a tester - but it doesn’t cost anything to put your name down.
Don’t sign up to websites that charge a fee for this service.
You can see all the latest product tester opportunities on the Magic Freebies website.
When we checked today, there was an advertisement to test out the new iPhone 12 and MAC make-up.
Just be sure to check what the company expects back from you in return - for example, when it expects a review by and how many words.
Fill out surveys
Filling out surveys can be a great way to earn a bit or spare cash, or even vouchers to top brands.
It can sometimes be time consuming to do this, and often it’ll take a while to build up your “credit” - but stick to free apps and websites and it could still be worth the effort.
For example, Opinion Outpost is one of many free websites where you can earn vouchers - including at brands like Amazon.
Each survey is typically worth between 10 and 250 points - to claim an Amazon voucher worth £2.50, you need at least 50 points.
Or another website for survey rewards is Newvista with Argos, B&Q, iTunes and TK Maxx vouchers up for grabs.
Newvista users earn around 100 points for every 15 minutes they spend answering surveys, on average.
Then once you reach 5,000 points, you can choose a voucher worth £50.
There are just a couple of examples of some of the best voucher-making websites but there are plenty more out there to try.
Others include OnePoll, Qmee and Google Opinion Rewards.
Enter competitions
Again, entering competitions is also luck-based - but you’ve got to be in it to win it.
In fact, some people are known to spend hours a day entering hundreds of competitions to maximise their chances of winning. It turns into a way of life.
One Martin Lewis fan recently revealed how she has won £20,000 worth of prizes through competitions - with some of her best prizes including five-star holidays and a £1,000 John Lewis voucher.
Some competitions are completely free to enter, but keep in mind that some do charge.
You should also be aware of fake prize draws where crooks will try to steal your information - stick to well known brands, magazines and websites so you know you’re entering a legitimate competition.
Keep an eye on social media
Facebook groups are a great way for like-minded bargain hunters to share their freebies.
For example, Magic Freebies has its own page called “Free Stuff, Comps & Bargains” where people share links to free samples and other money-saving opportunities.
For competitions, “Lucky Learners” is used by some of the most serious “compers”.
Or for general ways to reduce your spend - so not necessarily freebies - “Extreme Couponing and Bargains” and “Reduce Your Supermarket Spend” also have thousands of members.
