Free Ways to Beat the January Blues with Food and Drink Freebies
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares some budget-friendly ideas to avoid the January blues.
January is often the hardest month for many of us. We face post-festive debt, social burnout, returning to jobs we may not love, and the cold weather can be exhausting and expensive on heating bills. Finding joy in small things can help get us through the depths of winter. Even better, there are numerous ways to bring a bit of whimsy and light to the darkest months of the year while saving money too.
Declutter Your Space
For some, decluttering might feel like a chore, but a cluttered home can weigh on the mind. Many people feel better once they start the big annual clear-out. Begin with a cupboard, shelf, or room at a time—whatever is manageable. Make piles of items to donate and sell, potentially earning extra January cash by taking things to CEX or selling on platforms like Vinted or eBay.
Learn Something New for Free
Learning something new helps reset our brains into a positive mindset, reminding us of our capabilities. There are many free online resources available. Check out YouTube videos to dip into new subjects or explore free courses from universities such as the Open University and Harvard's short courses. Online platforms like Alison also offer access to new topics at no cost.
Get Free Books
Reading is an easy activity from anywhere, and it's simpler than ever to get free books. Libraries are an obvious first stop, offering not only books but also DVDs and board games. A library card provides access to eBook and audiobook catalogues through apps like BorrowBox, Hoopla, or Libby. Additionally, deals sites like BookBub offer free books, and you can apply for advance reader copies from NetGalley. Signing up to author newsletters can notify you of giveaways, such as Alexis Rose's free copies of her debut, The Wellbegood Witches. For magazines, Readly offers a two-month free trial to access thousands of titles.
Host a Pot Luck
Use up leftover Christmas food by hosting a pot luck with friends. Invite people over and have everyone bring mismatched ingredients from the back of their fridges. This sociable evening avoids food waste, saves money, and might lead to interesting new recipes.
Get Nostalgic with Photos
Take time to go through your digital and physical photo collections. Spend an afternoon with family looking at favourite photos and consider printing some for free with offers from places like Snapfish. Alternatively, select photos to create custom-made gifts from services like VistaPrint for 2026. This activity brings smiles and helps organise gifts for birthdays and special occasions throughout the year.
Find Freebie Samples for Post Delivery
Sign up to websites like MagicFreebies and LatestFreeStuff to claim free samples delivered by post or online. Deals newsletters often feature freebies, and physical items in the post add excitement. While some may require postage fees, these are usually far less than the item's value, making them a bargain. You can find items ranging from free Huggies wipes to cleaning product starter kits or even free underwear with a bit of searching.
Claim Food and Drink Freebies
Make the most of free food and drink for cheap days out. Many major chains and independents offer free items for signing up to their newsletters or apps. With planning, you could enjoy a week of eating out without spending anything. Sign up to deals pages and loyalty apps for cafes and restaurants in your local area to try something new.
Sign Up to Free Trials
Subscription services like Netflix and YouTube Premium often run free trials, allowing you to enjoy them without payment. Use a new email account for returning customers and set calendar reminders to cancel before trials roll over into paid subscriptions. For extended savings, alternate free trials throughout the year among services like Netflix, Apple, and Disney+. Free trials also apply to physical products like grocery delivery boxes and gym passes, especially prevalent in January. Always cancel trials before renewal to avoid unexpected contracts.
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