Father's Day freebies and deals

This guest post comes from Lou Carlozo at Dealnews.

 

Sometimes we put so much focus on Mother's Day gifts that we run low on ideas (and perhaps funds) for dear old dad come Father's Day (as our list of the things you should avoid buying aptly points out).

 

Luckily, cool freebies abound this Dia de Los Daddies, if you know where to look. And if the dad in your life is anything like me -- constantly asking my sweetie, "Where are my keys?" and "Have you seen my iPhone 4S?" -- then you know it's not prudent to leave the looking up to him.

 

That's why we've made it easy by vigorously combing the deal universe to give you our list of Father's Day Freebies for 2012. You're sure to find something on this list that will make your pappy happy, and you won't have to expend mucho dinero to do it.

 

Free yogurt at TCBY

TCBY (aka, The Country's Best Yogurt) will dish out the Father's Day love with free yogurt for the Big Guy on June 17. However, note that this will be a store-by-store offer; in years past, TCBY offered this sweet freebie nationally, but this year, you'll need to check with your local TCBY store to make sure it's taking part in the promotion.

 

Free Father's Day card at Cardstore.com

While Dad is worth more than just a piece of cardstock, no matter how fine, this free greeting card is certainly a bargain, as well as an easy way to say what you feel when the words are hard to find on your own. Snag a free Father's Day card at Cardstore.com with free shipping when you use the coupon code LUVDAD2 at checkout.

 

Free $25 gift card at Fleming's Steakhouse

Take Dad to a brunch or dinner at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on June 17, and he'll walk away with a free $25 gift card to use on a later date. Many dads are known to like red meat, especially steak, so this could be a slam dunk for your favorite carnivore. Note that brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and reservations at this national chain are strongly advised. (Post continues below.)

Free sundae and eCard at Denny's

Head over to the Denny's website for an excellent Father's Day two-fer: Start by sending Dad one of the restaurant's free eCards, and then receive a coupon for a free Pancake Puppies sundae for both pops and yourself. So save some room for dessert, OK?

 

Free subscription to Car and Driver magazine

It may be a stereotype that men are hardwired to care about cars, but in the (somewhat likely) scenario that your father is an auto enthusiast, consider signing him up for this deal: Mercury Magazines offers a Car and Driver magazine 1-Year subscription for free, in exchange for information about you and your company. (As such, only "qualified" individuals are eligible.)

 

Free XM OnyX Radio bundle

If Dad does enjoy cruising around in his set of wheels, then perhaps he could use some improved tunes. Weighing in as the best deal we've ever seen from XM Satellite Radio, the company currently offers its XM OnyX Radio with an XM PowerConnect FM Transmitter Vehicle Kit and 30 Days of XM Satellite Radio for free.

 

You will, however, have to foot the $11 shipping fee, and if you don't cancel before the 30-day trial ends, your credit card will automatically be subscribed to a recurring quarterly subscription plan at the current rate every three months. (This plan is currently $43.47 for three months.) See the terms and conditions for more information.

 

Free Father's Day iPad app

Visit the Apple Store and you'll get the Father's Day iPad app by The Rosa Group, which comes with suggestions for the top gifts, things to do and facts about Father's Day. Consider this freebie a risk-free investment in helping to find Dad a great gift -- and an app that Dad will get a kick out of too. Because who doesn't love trivia, after all?

 

Free samples galore

OK, so free samples are perhaps not the best freebie to give to Dad, but that doesn't mean you can't benefit from one of these deals, after all that diligent shopping for someone else, right?

 

The manliest of the bunch includes this New York Yankees fragrance sample, which we actually think Dad might appreciate (when it eventually arrives) since it probably smells exactly like Derek Jeter. There's also a Clear Men Scalp Therapy sample on the table (which you can receive after "liking" them on Facebook), as well as these offers.

• Smart Spending on the go: Get our app for Android or iPhone

Feeling inspired now? We hope so. Go for it, because Father's Day marks one of the few can't-miss chances to thank Dad for all he does for you. Besides, there's nothing wrong with greasing the skids in advance of the next time you have to hit him up for some cash, borrow the car or work him for a new toy. And we're not necessarily talking to the kids here, either.

 

More on Dealnews and MSN Money:

• The right Father's Day gifts for every dad
• 12 Father's Day gifts to avoid
• Smile for these 5 digital camera deals
• My real-life 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad'
• The Father's Day Index: Dad's value
• How much will my savings grow?