1. Catch up on the classics at booksshouldbefree.com, which houses thousands of free public domain audiobooks and e-books available for download in iOS, Android and MP3 formats. You can also borrow newer releases through your local library branch, and check amazon.ca for free Kindle e-books (type in "free" in the Kindle Store) on topics including cooking, gardening and personal finance.

2. Even if your school years are well behind you, education doesn't have to end. Coursera.org offers 540 free, open online classes from the world's top universities, including Yale University's 15-week course on Roman architecture, an eight-week introductory psychology course through the University of Toronto, and even a 10-week Scandinavian film and television course from the University of Copenhagen.

3. Receive a free birthday gift when you register for Sephora's Beauty Insider rewards program at sephora.ca. The complimentary beauty product is available two weeks before or after your birthday when you shop in-store, or within 28 days online. No purchase 
is required.

4. Learn how to do-it-yourself. Home Depot offers one-hour workshops on various home improvement projects, from hanging drywall to installing a toilet. RSVP at homedepot.ca/workshops. You can also register children ages four to 12 for the two-hour toy-building workshops held every second Saturday of the month.

5. Enjoy complimentary one-hour yoga classes, running clubs and other fitness classes at Lululemon stores across the country. For fitness offerings at the Lululemon location nearest you, visit lululemon.com/stores.

6. Planning a trip abroad this year? Learn key phrases, pronunciation and essential etiquette for 40 of the most widely spoken languages in the world at bbc.co.uk/languages.

7. Score a selection of P&G sample-size products such as shampoo, mouthwash and more when you sign up at pgbrandsampler.ca. The offer is only available a few times per year, so opt in for the newsletter to receive an email alert for the next editon.

8. Sign your budding architect up for a free two-year Lego Club magazine subscription at club.lego.com. Each of the five annual issues is filled with building challenges, comics and puzzles.

9. Make a child's first visit from the tooth fairy even more memorable by presenting him or her with a Smile Certificate from the Canadian Dental Association. Create yours at cda-adc.ca.

10. Take a step toward better health by borrowing a pedometer kit from participating library branches. Many in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta offer them on loan for a  three-week period. Check your local branch for similar programs.

11. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Film Board of Canada by streaming one of the hundreds of free documentaries, full-length features and animated films available at nfb.ca.

12. Keep that fitness resolution by joining The Running Room's free weekly Run Club, which offers practice walks and runs on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Find your nearest location at runningroom.com.

13. Download craft ideas, colouring pages and more device-free fun for those days when it is way too cold outside at crayola.ca.

14. Commemorate a loved one's birthday (65 and up) or wedding anniversary (25 years and up) with a congratulatory certificate from the prime minister. Apply online at pm.gc.ca. The Governor General sends messages to Canadians who are 90 years of age or have been married for 50 years or more, while Queen Elizabeth II congratulates those who are 100 years old or have been married 60 years or longer. Find the forms at gg.ca. Allow six to eight weeks for delivery.

15. Freebies are a delightful way to celebrate a birthday. Receive a complimentary dessert at Boston Pizza (bostonpizza.com), Kelsey's (kelseys.ca) and Jack Astor's (jackastors.com); a drink or treat at Starbucks (starbucks.ca); or score a Grand Slam breakfast at Denny's (dennys.ca). Most require a little work such as signing up for newsletters or VIP clubs. Check websites for details. 

For more free goodies, check out these 20 ways you can get in shape for free.