How to use free samples

I love getting free samples in the mail. Whether it's directly from manufacturers or from sites like All-Free-Samples.com, I love to sign up for the samples and get a surprise in the mail a few weeks later.  My kids especially love to open the packages and try out new foods.

But what do you do with all of those food, cleaning supplies, and beauty samples that you get? Here are a few ideas to use them!

• Make gift baskets - whether for teachers at the end of a school year, for a new mom (a great way to use up all of the baby samples if you don't have a baby yourself), or for a child's birthday party, everyone loves to get several small presents!  Collect the items and then wrap them in a clever container, like a baby bathtub for a baby shower gift.
• Make up first aid kits with health products like medicine, bandages, and ointments, as well as a few snacks that will keep well.  Make one for home and one for each of your cars.  You never know when you might need this.
• Save toiletry samples for when you're traveling, so that you don't have to drag along full-sized products which will add weight to your baggage.
• Keep single-serving snacks in your car for when you're driving long distances, so that you don't have to stop for food and spend money.
• Donate them!  We have homeless shelters for women and children in my area.  These places are always looking for sample-sized toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.  I save up these and donate them regularly.
• If you feel safe about doing this, you could carry sample-sized foods in your car or in your purse to give to panhandlers in lieu of money.

Hope these ideas help you use up all of the free samples 2013 that you find!

(This post is brought to you by All Free Samples. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)