Alone on Valentine's Day? Console Yourself With These Freebies
If you find yourself without a mate on Valentine's Day, don't despair: There are plenty of freebies out there to console you.
The folks at Offers.com point out that several fast-food and restaurant chains are offering free dessert today, allowing you to drown your sorrow in sugary goodness. At Boston Market you can get a free dessert when you order an individual meal by presenting this coupon. At Quizno's, you can grab a free cookie with any sub purchase when you present this coupon. And if you make an online reservation to dine at Ruby Tuesday's between Feb. 14 and Feb. 17, you'll get a free dessert. (Yes, you can still get that deal if you're dining alone.)
Rather spend this evening watching a movie? Redbox has you covered -- the code "SWEET" scores you a free one-night rental when you reserve your movie online. (If that doesn't work, try "HEART," "HIGHFIVE" or "DVDONME," three other codes that people are reporting some success with).
Alternatively, you could spend your evening listening to a romantic book on tape. Audible.com offers six such recordings for your listening pleasure, including classics like Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice, free through Feb. 21. We suggest Romeo and Juliet, as you can listen to the young lovers kill themselves and then reassure yourself that you're better off single.
Finally, if you are in a relationship today, there are a couple of good freebies for couples. Starbucks is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on three hot beverages -- hot chocolate, vanilla spice latte and caffe mocha. The deal is available today only after 2 p.m., so stop by after your date.
And if you live in south Australia or west Australia, be aware that Ikea is offering our favorite Valentine's freebie of the day. According to a newspaper ad posted on Reddit, If you have a baby on Nov. 14 you'll get a free crib. Nov. 14, by the way, is exactly 9 months away. You know what to do.
Matt Brownell is the consumer and retail reporter for DailyFinance. You can reach him at Matt.Brownell@teamaol.com, and follow him on Twitter at @Brownellorama.
