You Must Be This Old to Sample

Many companies give out samples of their products on busy downtown streets, reaching a large amount of people with their merchandise. I scored a free pack of gum once as I was on my way to lunch. Fruit-flavored gum is family-friendly, but there are some companies who market exclusively to adults by handing out samples on the streets of major cities. One day, you could be walking down the street and be handed a vibrator or a beer. Ice cream trucks and hot dog carts are getting mature makeovers to give free swag to those above the age of majority.

Trojan, though known for making condoms, has branched out into vibrators. In case their commercials on late-night TV haven’t spread the word, a promotional team has hit the streets to educate the public that the Trojan Vibrations sex toy exists. The Trojan team isn’t just advertising; they’re giving away 10,000 vibrators from their “Pleasure Carts.” The carts are based on New York City hot dog carts and bear the slogan, “Relish the Moment.” It’s a very different relish than you would normally find on such a cart. The vibrators normally retail for $30 to $40, so this is a pretty pricey giveaway. The New York Post reported that Trojan planned to distribute the adult toys on August 8th and 9^th in downtown and Midtown New York City.

Last fall, Carlsberg took to the streets of Toronto to promote their brew by giving out beer to passersby of legal drinking age. Their slogan of “That deserves a Carlsberg” seems to have been applied very loosely last September, because just walking was rewarded with a beer.

Adult-only free giveaways don’t have to include sexual or alcoholic items; they can just be things that appeal to adults. From late June until early August, “Adult-Only” Dove ice cream trucks hit the streets to reconnect grown-ups with the joy only the ice cream man can bring. Well, the joys that an ice cream man who is also a licensed masseuse and manicurist can bring. People 18 years or older in 10 cities across the United States were treated to free Dove ice cream bars, massages, manicures, and music to help them de-stress. The 10 lucky cities were selected by voters on Dove’s Facebook page, so if you’re hoping that they plan a similar event next summer, you’d better like their page.

Kids may get most of the free swag given out at sporting events, but now we grown-ups don’t have to pretend to be under 14 years of age to get free merchandise. If these adults-only street giveaways keep up, those of us over the age of majority may be able to score some neat stuff.