Where to get free stuff

We all love freebies, even if there is not a cash shortage, but when you lead a busy family life it is hard to keep up with what you can get for free. Here we point you in the right direction to get kids stuff for free.

If you are a mum to be, a new mum or have a baby, you have to sign up for this freebie. Bounty has a long and proud history of distributing sample bags to millions of new mums over the past 27 years. Since the year 2000, Bounty has delivered 4,809,801 bags. Claim yours here.

If you haven't discovered gumtree.com.au, Freecycle or Recycle Australia sites have a look. This site has listings for items for free (just pick your area) or if you feel like a spring clean out, search the swap and trade section.

Your public library is the place. Story time, colouring in, and of course free lending of books, magazines, music, and movies. Check out what's on at your local council library here.

With a new restaurant opening up every other day, there is now a trend to get the 'early eaters' in by introducing 'kids eat free' certain nights of the week. Keep an eye out in your local paper.

Ask about your local councils 'Children and family services' as some provide free playgroup activities for young children. Also look at their website for festivals coming to your area, which can include activities like, free petting zoo, food and face painting.

A good marketing trick for new stores opening to gain attention is to give away free stuff. Keep an eye out in your local paper, especially toy stores.

Unless you read all the junk mail you get in your letter box, it is easy to miss 'free gifts and activities' that are on at your local shopping centre. To stay on top of it, search and join up to their 'newsletters' especially if they have a 'loyalty club', so you are reminded what free (or discount) specials are on and when.

Children under 4 yrs travel free, and they rather enjoy it as well. There are also initiatives for children older than 4 years in some states like NSW Family Funday Sunday pass, where each person (including adults) just pays $2.50 for all day travel.

Farmers markets are full of fresh produce at good prices and best yet, it's a tasters delight. Most local growers and small home based producers love to share their produce at the market and it is a great experience for the kids to learn where it all comes from.

The Australian farmers' markets association website, have a national directory for city and country areas.

Garage sale items are of course not free, however did you know it is customary if you buy something early in the morning that another item is given as a gift for 'good luck'.

Kids are free until they are 2 years old, But there are travel packages at certain times of the year where kids under 14 fly free. This is usually to Disneyland or Fiji, but when they include the extra beds at the hotel, kids meals and child minding programs it's hard to ignore.

Ok so not really free as you did purchase the ticket for your child to be there (unless they are under 2, or you have booked a deal). So make sure you get hold of the free entertainment packs on your flight, even if they don't use it now, you never know, your return flight might be delayed.