Black Friday: Freebies for in-store shoppers include coffee, video games, and gift cards

Black Friday shoppers are doing more and more of their buying online, so some stores are taking extra steps to lure customers out of the house. Here are the best Black Friday in-store freebies for 2012, featuring everything from gift cards to tape measurers. 

In case you haven't noticed, we here at dealnews are huge advocates of online shopping, especially during the busiest shopping period of the year — Black Friday. However, those who opt to brave the early morning Black Friday crowds at their local brick-and-mortar retailers are in for a treat beyond nabbing the last doorbuster: exclusive freebie offers abound! From gift cards and video games to coffee and pastries, several retail chains are offering consumers an incentive to leave the house to do their shopping.

Below, we've rounded up a selection of eight great Black Friday freebies. Keep in mind, however, that as of this writing several of these offers are just rumored, so keep an eye on our Black Friday page to see when they're confirmed. Also, many of these freebie deals will be available for "early bird" customers only — the earlier you arrive, the greater a chance you'll have to score a little something extra.

A.C. Moore

Status: Rumor
Freebie: Be one of the first 100 customers at your local A.C. Moore and score afree $5 gift card. You can save yourself a little extra dough just by showing up before the sun rises, as doors open at 5 am on November 23.

Bealls

Status: Confirmed
Freebie: Shoppers who arrive when doors open at 6 am on Black Friday will receive a free Bealls Christmas 2012 tree ornament. And for those who really want to be early — in other words, be in front of the store come midnight — the first 100 customers in line will also walk home with either a "16GB WiFi tablet," a $100 gift card, or $5 Bealls Bucks via a Bealls scratch-off card.

Half Price Books

Status: Rumor
Freebie: In addition to a free $5 gift card, the first 100 customers to show up when the doors open at 7 am will also get a free tote bag, which will be ideal for hauling off your Black Friday bounty. One of those totes may contain another freebie: an extra $100 gift card!

Old Navy

Status: Confirmed
Freebie: Yes, Old Navy is a clothier, but it's also giving away a Wii U Console this Black Friday! While it's likely that the retailer will only give away one console per store, a larger number of customers can spend at least $40 and take home a free copy of Super Mario Bros. U, which is a $60 value! Old Navy's doors open at midnight on Friday, and the first customers in line will receive a wristband for this free game offer.

Pep Boys

Status: Rumor
Freebie: 'Tis the season for dropping temperatures, so remember not to skimp on auto maintenance, especially if you'll be enduring heavy holiday travel. As an exclusive for its in-store patrons, Pep Boys is offering Champion Platinum Spark Plugs for free via a $2 rebate. And because you never replace just one spark plug, you can purchase up to 15.

Ace Hardware

Status: Rumor
Freebie: If you're anticipating a large present from Santa (say, a new flat-screen TV?), you'll want to make sure you have plenty of space for it. To ensure the perfect fit, head to your local Ace Hardware and nab a Lufkin 25-Foot Self-Centering Tape Rule for free via a $5 rebate. And in case you want to buy in bulk, keep in mind that there is a limit of 32 per store.

Sam's Club

Status: Confirmed
Freebie: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially on Black Friday; you'll need stamina to make it through those crowds! As Sam's Club opens its doors at 7 am on Black Friday, it'll be handing its members a free cup of Starbucks holiday blend coffee along with a free Artisan Fresh pastry. Really, who wants to shop in the morning on an empty stomach?

Seattle's Best Coffee

Status: Confirmed
Freebie: No worries if you're not a Sam's Club member — you can still enjoy your Black Friday boost! Participating Seattle's Best Coffee stores will be handing out free 12-oz. cups of coffee. Although this deal touts that it's especially for those who have to work post-Thanksgiving (like our writers and editors!), it appears to be valid for just about anyone in need of a coffee break. If you can't make it to a Seattle's Best location (and have a Facebook account), you can opt to have a free sample sent to your house instead. We reckon you'll have to brew it yourself, however.

More Black Friday Freebies!

All are rumored unless otherwise noted:

• 7-Eleven: Double up on your caffeine intake this Black Friday at Sevs: Nab a free coffee of any size with the purchase of any size Red Bull.
• Aeropostale: Spend $100 or more and get a free pair of headphones or a DJ Teddy
• Cabela's: The first 600 customers will receive a free rifle, smoker, binoculars, hoodie, or gift card
• Costco: Members can receive a free Simply Delicious The Costco Way cookbook
• CVS: Select drug store items are free via ExtraBucks, including candy bars, earbuds, and more
• JCPenney: Free button, which represents a chance to win prizes including trips, kitchen electrics, and more
• Michaels: The first 100 customers can satisfy their sweet tooth with a free Godiva chocolate bar
• Sports Authority: The first 80 customers in line will earn up to $500 in Bonus Bucks for free
• Victoria's Secret: Spend $65 or more and nab a free limited edition tote with beauty samples.

Allison Barretta is the senior editor of dealnews.com, a website devoted to finding the best deals on consumer goods. The site pledges to list the best deal, whether or not it's from an advertiser, although it does work with advertisers to craft deals for readers. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger, click here. This feature first appeared in dealnews.com.