Sweet Resources for Spectacular Freebies

Several people have asked me how I get to try lots of awesome freebies. I'm a lucky ducky and I want to share the love. So here's a list of some of the communities and programs that have hooked me up. Not all of them require freebie recipients to be bloggers, so don't worry about being excluded.

• SheSpeaks  They have set me up with freebies from Hormel, RoC, and Cerra TM. And I'll be working on another SheSpeaks program very soon - TBA! Through SheSpeaks I also got involved with the Aetna Healthy Food Fight. My friend actually told me about SheSpeaks, and she was not a blogger at the time she joined. So even if you don't blog, you can sign up and they'll send you an email when you qualify for a program. At that time you will have the option of accepting or not.
• MommyParties  Way back I did a post about Nutella, and it was sponsored by MommyParties. I don't think you have to be a blogger to join this one either. The great thing about MommyParties is that they send you goodies to share with your mom friends, you know, so you can have a "mommy party." I'm involved with another MommyParties program right now that I'll be posting about soon.
• House Party  This one is pretty popular and getting accepted to host one of their parties is competitive. House Party is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. You can sign up to get email and/or text alerts anytime they have a new sponsored party coming up (anything from video games to food to beer), then if you're interested you can apply. I just recently did my first House Party. It was for Johnsonville and it was really fun - I'll be posting about it soon!
• Moms Meet The focus of Moms Meet is on natural and healthier products. Recently I hosted a breakfast with a group of my mom friends where we were able to try out Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers and Kashi granola bars. I don't think being a blogger is a requirement for joining Moms Meet, but I'm not positive. If you register, they'll send you an email when new campaigns come up, and you can then apply for the ones you're interested in.
• Influenster  This one sends out monthly themed "Vox Boxes". I recently received a Naturals Vox Box, and let me tell you it was fantabulous. We're talking a box full of full-size awesome products. I believe anyone is welcome to join Influenster. I'm not sure what criteria is used to qualify members to receive a Vox Box, but if you get one, you'll be a happy camper.
• BzzAgent I'm still learning the ropes at BzzAgent, but so far I've received a free memberships to True Care (a service that monitors kids' online usage) and Trend Micro Security (monitors the safety of websites, etc.), as well as a cool Tonka toy that I will be reviewing and posting about soon. Membership is open to anyone.
• Smiley360 Anyone can sign up and then get the chance to qualify for special missions. So far I have tried Alift (an energy drink), and I just found out that I'll be doing a mission for PAM nonstick spray. I'll be getting my kit in the next few weeks, and I'm so excited to share it with you! Stay tuned!
• Vocal Point This website has opportunities to sample new products. I know I tried Downey Unstopables through Vocal Point and a few other products.

I'll do a follow-up post with resources more specifically directed toward bloggers. There's a good chance I'll think of some others open to everyone as well. In the meantime, sign up for some of these and get yourself some awesome free swag!

I should also mention that the whole point of these websites giving out free stuff is so that you'll spread the word, like word of mouth advertising. If you have a blog, they like you to blog about it. If not, they like you to talk to your friends about it, do online reviews, and share on social media sites. Some of them want you to complete surveys after you've tried the products. They scratch your back, you scratch theirs. I get packages in the mail all the time, which is so much fun!