11 Things You Can Get for Free in January (Including Giveaways at Target)

A new year brings another 12 months of freebies.

If you have resolved to curb your spending in 2026, we’ve got you covered: Throughout the year, Money Talks News will introduce you to the finest freebies available each month.

Read on to learn how you can start the year by spending less. And for even more options, head on over to Money Talks News’ freebies page.

Jr. Frosty and fries — throughout 2026

If you love the Jr. Frosty, Wendy’s has an irresistible freebie that lasts throughout the year.

Pay $3 for a digital or physical Frosty Key Tag — 90% of the proceeds benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption — and you’ll receive a cool and creamy treat for free every time you visit Wendy’s in 2026.

That’s not all. Currently, on Fridays, you can get free fries with any order over $5. On Wednesdays, it’s a free six-piece nuggets with a $5 order. These two offers are available only if you place a mobile order through Wendy’s website or app.

Medicare assistance — ongoing

The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period starts this month — it always runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. This window is when people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage health insurance plan can make various changes to their coverage.

Medicare’s general enrollment period also happens to run from Jan. 1 through March 31. It’s for people who missed their initial enrollment period and don’t qualify for a special enrollment period.

If this makes Medicare sound confusing, know that you can get free in-depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), as we detail in “13 Things That Are Free With Medicare.”

DIY workshops — starting Jan. 3

Home Depot stores offer free workshops for kids on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. During the Jan. 3 workshop, kids can build a tow truck.

The home improvement store has free workshops for adults too, although not always in stores. The upcoming Tools Basics course, for example, will be live-streamed at 12 p.m. on Jan. 9.

3 free days at 24 Hour Fitness — ongoing

The best way to avoid wasting money on a gym? Try it out before investing in a membership plan.

If your New Year’s resolutions include getting in better shape, you’re in luck: 24 Hour Fitness is offering a free three-day trial at clubs across the country.

Target goods — starting Jan. 3

Target is hosting three different store events throughout the month:

• On Jan. 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., participating stores will host a wellness box giveaway. The box will contain various wellness items.
• On Jan. 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., participating stores will host a giveaway for smoothie ingredients from Target’s Good & Gather brand.
• On Jan. 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., participating stores will offer 20% off an Embark or All In Motion water bottle and host a giveaway for stickers.

Medication — ongoing

Sam’s Club offers certain medications essentially for free for its members. They aren’t the only resource for free medications and vitamins, we get into more detail in “3 Pharmacy Chains That Offer Free Medications.”

Pie — Jan. 23-24

Eckert’s is celebrating National Pie Day on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 with a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) apple pie deal. The options include Double Crust Apple Pie, Dutch Apple Pie, Caramel Apple Walnut Pie and No Sugar Added Apple Pie.

This offer is only available through the Belleville, Illinois, location, but Eckert’s likely won’t be the only one to celebrate National Pie Day. So, keep an eye out for more deals around you as the day approaches.

4 free things on the horizon

In addition to National Pie Day on Jan. 23, there are several other food holidays in January. As of when this article was written, restaurants had yet to announce deals for the following holidays but may as the dates get closer. Keep a lookout for offers around these holidays:

1. Jan. 4: National Spaghetti Day. Italian chains might offer specials.
2. Jan. 15: National Bagel Day. Places like Einstein Bros. Bagels have offered deals previously.
3. Jan. 18: National Popcorn Day. Various movie theaters have given out free popcorn in the past.
4. Jan. 30: National Croissant Day. Places like Paris Baguette have offered deals previously.