Free Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. On one day every year (this year, April 17), all of the more than 600 Ben & Jerry’s stores worldwide offer free cones, with no limit — eat all the Cherry Garcia you’d like.

What’s the Catch? There are often long lines, and popular flavors, like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, run out early.
Find Out More: www.benandjerrys.com for stores.

Free Used Books

PaperBackSwap.com, TitleTrader. List the books that you’d like to get rid of, then wait for someone to request one, which can take as little as eight minutes. Mail your book to the person and you’ll receive a credit to choose your own book. PaperBackSwap.com involves only paperbacks, which keeps shipping cheap, usually about $1.60 per book. TitleTrader also lists DVDs, CDs, and VHS cassettes and can rack up higher costs with heavy hardbacks, though shipping rarely tops $4 at the book rate.

What’s the Catch? Popular fiction moves fast, while classic and esoteric titles may stay put for months.
Find Out More: www.paperbackswap.com, www.titletrader.com.

Free Household Items

The Freecycle Network. This nonprofit community group with an environmental mission lets users “recycle” unwanted items by posting ads on local online bulletin boards. If you see a chair or a computer that you’d like, respond to the ad. The site is a great way to acquire a perfectly good coffeemaker or piano while doing your part to reduce waste.

What’s the Catch? You’re responsible for getting the stuff home.
Find Out More: www.freecycle.org to find a group.