11 Verified Ways to Get Free Pencils by Mail [2025]

In this guide, I’ve done the digging for you and sorted through all the noise to find the verified methods that actually work.

You’ll see exactly which companies mail out free pencils and the best ways to request pencil samples for yourself.

Why Pencil Companies Give Away Free Pencils

So why would a company just hand out free pencils?

You’re probably thinking there has to be a catch.

And there is… kind of.

It’s all about advertising.

Pencils are cheap to make, but super handy to have around.

For just a few cents, a business can put its logo on something you’ll use every day (whether it’s taking notes, doodling, or doing a crossword).

And the longer you keep that pencil, the longer their brand stays in front of you.

It’s basically a business card you’ll actually use. The idea is simple: if they give you something useful, you’re more likely to remember them when you need what they offer.

That’s why these giveaways are a win-win. Companies get free exposure, and we get legit free pencils, sometimes by mail, other times right in your local area.

It’s the exact same logic they use for giving away free pens, making it a reliable marketing strategy.”

How to Get Free Pencils: 4 Proven Methods

There are a few ways that work best for getting your hands on free pencils.

Here are the four methods I’ve found to work best.

Method 1: Request Samples from Promotional Product Companies

This is hands-down the most overlooked method. Many times, all you have to do is ask.

Big promotional companies like 4imprint and Amsterdam Printing carry tons of customizable pencils. Their entire business model relies on sending out free samples so potential customers can check the quality before making a bulk order.

In the next section, I’ll share a list of these companies along with direct links to their request pages.

Method 2: Contact Your Favorite Pencil Brands Directly

You can also go straight to the source and contact the actual pencil makers.

If you’re a fan of the quality and feel of a specific brand, let them know!

Many iconic companies like Dixon Ticonderoga, Staedtler, Faber-Castell, Paper Mate, Pentel, and the General Pencil Company have outreach programs.

They’re often happy to send samples to loyal fans, teachers, or artists who ask nicely. A polite, personal request shows you’re a genuine user of their products and can be surprisingly effective.

Method 3: Use Reward Sites to Get Pencils for Free

If you’ve been a MoneyPantry reader for a while (and thank you if you have), you know I’m a big fan of survey and reward sites.

And for good reason. They make it possible to earn free stuff without special skills or upfront costs.

Need a specific type of pencil (like mechanical pencils for drafting or a pack of colored pencils for art)?

Rewards sites are the way to go.

With a site like Swagbucks, you earn points for everyday online tasks, then trade those points for free gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

From there, you can “buy” your pencils without spending a dime.

Method 4: Sign Up for Freebie and Sample Boxes

Another fun way to get free supplies is through product sample boxes.

Services like PINCHme send out boxes of freebies every month in exchange for your feedback.

While these boxes usually focus on snacks and beauty products, they often slip in office and school supplies too.

Around back-to-school season especially, you can easily find pencils included in these boxes.

Companies That Send Free Pencils by Mail (Verified 2025 List)

In this section, I’ve put together a list of legit places where you can score free pencils by mail.

You’ll find a mix of direct-request sites, teacher-specific programs, and promotional companies.

For each one, I’ve included who it’s for and the easiest way to request your free pencils.

1. Kids In Need Foundation (Teachers Only)

This is a major national non-profit dedicated to providing free school supplies to teachers and students in under-resourced schools.

• How to Request Yours: Teachers who work at a qualifying school (typically 50% or more of the student population enrolled in the federal free or reduced lunch program) can visit the KINF website to find a local resource center in their network and learn how to shop for free.

2. DonorsChoose (Teachers Only)

DonorsChoose is a fantastic platform that helps teachers get the classroom supplies they need, including pencils, funded by a community of donors.

• How to Request Yours: This isn’t a direct sample. Instead, teachers can sign up on the DonorsChoose website, create a classroom project requesting the specific pencils or supplies they need, and donors can then fund that project. The supplies are then shipped directly to you.

3. Treasures 4 Teachers (Teachers Only – Location Specific)

This is another resource dedicated to helping teachers. They offer a variety of free and low-cost classroom supplies.

• How to Request Yours: Teachers in the Phoenix, Arizona area can get access by signing up for a membership at Treasures 4 Teachers. While it is location-specific, it’s an incredible resource for those who qualify.

4. 4imprint

4imprint is one of the biggest promotional product companies (they also make pencils for major brands like BIC), and they stock a massive selection of pencils perfect for sampling.

This website provides pencils from brands like BIC. To get your samples, just click “Request a Free Sample” on any product page.

• How to Request Yours: Simply find a pencil you like on their website and click the “request a free sample” button on its product page. This is one of the easiest options for both businesses and individuals.

5. Amsterdam Printing

Amsterdam Printing is a great choice for business owners looking to test out high-quality promotional pencils before placing a larger order.

• How to Request Yours: You can request up to five free samples of items that cost less than $7. Simply click the “Request Sample” button on a product page or give them a call. You will need to be able to validate your business.

6. Eco Promotional Products

If you’re looking for environmentally-friendly options like recycled or biodegradable pencils, this is the company to check out.

• How to Request Yours: The site offers up to $10 in free samples (which includes the shipping cost). Find a pencil you like and click the blue “Request a Sample” button. You’ll need to create an account to get your samples.

How to Find Free Pencils Near You

While most of the options above will mail pencils to you, don’t forget to check for opportunities right in your own neighborhood.

These can be a bit hit-or-miss, but you can sometimes find exactly what you’re looking for.

• Check Local Online Marketplaces: Browse the “Free” section on sites like Craigslist (Craigslist is a goldmine for free stuff), Freecycle, and Facebook Marketplace. People often give away boxes of unused office or school supplies when they’re decluttering.
• Join a “Buy Nothing” Group: If your neighborhood has a local Buy Nothing Project group on Facebook, you can post a request asking if anyone has spare pencils they’d be willing to give away. You’d be surprised at how generous neighbors can be!

Pro Tip: How to Politely Ask for Free Pencil Samples

If you decide to reach out to a big brand like Dixon Ticonderoga or Staedtler, the way you ask makes all the difference.

You’re not just another random person trying to score a freebie. You’re a fan of their work and someone who already uses their pencils. A polite, genuine request goes a long way.

To help you out, here is a simple copy-and-paste email script you can use. Just fill in the details and send it through the “Contact Us” form on the pencil company’s website.

Subject: A quick question about your pencils from a loyal fan

Hello [Brand Name] Team,

I’ve been using your pencils for years and they’re honestly my favorite. Your [Model Name, e.g., “Ticonderoga #2”] pencils are perfect for [Your Use, e.g., “my kids’ homework,” “sketching,” or “my classroom”]. I was wondering if you ever send out samples of new or different pencil types to your customers. I’d be happy to try them and share my honest feedback. Thanks so much for your time and for making such a great product.

Best,
[Your Name]

This simple script shows that you’re a genuine user of their products, not just a freebie hunter. Brands are far more likely to send you free pencils if they feel your request is genuine.

Watch Out: How to Avoid “Free Pencil” Scams

Scammers don’t

I know this may sound a bit too much for getting a few pencils for free, but scammers are all over. They don’t care if you are looking for a free pencil or a car. They are looking for any opportunity to scam you.

For every real offer from a legitimate company, there are plenty of shady ones designed to waste your time or grab your personal info.

Here’s how to spot the fakes before they get you.

The “50 Free Pencils” Trick

One of the most common scams is the oversized offer. You’ll see an ad promising a huge set of pencils (sometimes even premium colored pencils) for free. But when you go to check out, they hit you with a bloated “shipping and handling” charge.

That’s not a freebie, it’s a sales tactic.

Real companies that send out samples don’t nickel-and-dime you for shipping. If they do, skip it and stick to verified sources like the ones I shared earlier.

Red Flag: They Want Too Much Info

Ask yourself: what does a company really need to mail you a pencil?

Just your name and address. That’s it.

If a form is asking for your credit card number, Social Security info, or anything beyond the basics, it’s not legit.

Legitimate brands don’t ask for sensitive financial details in exchange for a free promotional product. If you see that, close the page and move on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line on Getting Free Pencils

As you can see, from requesting samples from promotional companies to taking advantage of teacher programs, there are plenty of legitimate ways to get free pencils.

Will you be able to fill an entire classroom supply closet overnight?

Probably not.

But it’s a simple and fun way to score a handful of high-quality pencils for schoolwork, art projects, or just keeping around the house, without spending a single dime.

I know getting a few free pencils won’t save you a lot of money. But we all know every dollar helps. So now that you know how to get free pencils, start requesting them so next time you need them, you don’t have to buy them!