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Weekly Contest & Sweepstakes Roundup (Ending February 23 - March 31, 2026)

Okay you guys, I've been hunting down the best legitimate contests and sweepstakes this week, and there are some GOOD ones! I'm talking $5,000 cash prizes, free diapers for a year, and even a custom goalie mask (IYKYK).



Real talk: I only include contests from reputable companies that I've verified are actually running. No sketchy "win an iPad" pop-ups here. Just real prizes from real brands.



💰 Cash Prizes (The Good Stuff)



1. HGTV Styled For Spring Giveaway — Win $5,000 Cash



  • Prize: $5,000 check

  • Deadline: April 8, 2026 at 8:59 AM ET

  • How to enter: Daily entry at HGTV.com AND you can also enter at TLC.com for double chances

  • Eligibility: 21+, US residents including DC

  • My take: HGTV sweepstakes are legit and they actually pay out. The daily entry option means more chances to win!



2. HGTV Dream Big Giveaway — Another $5,000



  • Prize: $5,000 check

  • Deadline: March 26, 2026 at 8:59 PM ET

  • How to enter: Daily entries on both HGTV.com and TLC.com

  • Eligibility: 21+, US residents including DC

  • My take: Same setup as the Styled for Spring giveaway but ends sooner. Enter both!



3. Food Network Magazine Name This Dish Contest — Win $500



  • Prizes: Grand prize $500 cash, plus 3 winners get $50 each

  • How to enter: Come up with a clever name for the featured dish (currently St. Patrick's Day chocolate bark) and email it to namethisdish@hearst.com

  • My take: This is a skill contest (judged on creativity), not random drawing. If you're good with puns and food names, your odds might actually be better than random sweepstakes!





👶 Baby & Family Prizes



4. Enfamil Dream Nursery Giveaway — $5,400+ Prize



  • Prize: Complete nursery OR toddler room bundle (you choose!)

  • What's included: Bondi Cane 3-in-1 convertible crib OR twin bed, 6-drawer dresser, glider recliner, organic crib mattress, washable rug, storage baskets, cloud lamp, bedding package, and more

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

  • Winners: 2 winners selected

  • How to enter: Join or sign in at enfamil.com/giveaways

  • My take: This is HUGE if you're expecting or have a toddler moving to a big kid bed. The crib alone retails for like $800. From a legit baby brand I've used with both my kids.



5. Huggies "A Year of Diapers" Sweepstakes — $900 Value



  • Prize: One year of Huggies Skin Essentials diapers (~$900 retail value)

  • Deadline: June 30, 2026

  • How to enter: Enter at huggies.com — one entry per drawing period

  • Eligibility: Expecting parents OR parents/guardians of children under age 3

  • Bonus: Get 5 additional entries when you provide your phone number and opt into texts

  • My take: Diapers are EXPENSIVE. A year free would save serious money. From Kimberly-Clark, totally legit company.





🏒 Sports & Experience Prizes



6. Dallas Stars Lay's Sweepstakes



  • Prize: Game day tickets + pregame experience + autographed jersey

  • Deadline: February 28, 2026

  • How to enter: Text "LaysStars" to 23955

  • My take: If you're a hockey fan in Texas (or willing to travel), this is a sweet package. The autographed jersey alone is worth entering for.



7. Dallas Stars "Whata Fan of the Year" Contest



  • Prize: Stars tickets, VIP experience, Whataburger merch, AND a one-of-a-kind custom Dallas Stars x Whataburger goalie mask

  • Deadline: March 27, 2026

  • How to enter: Submit a photo or video showing how you demonstrate your love for Whataburger and Texas Hockey

  • Eligibility: DFW area residents

  • My take: That goalie mask is a legit collector's item. If you're local and creative, this is a fun one!



8. Dallas Stars Yuengling FLIGHT Sweepstakes



  • Prize: Trip for 2 to Philadelphia to see Stars vs. Flyers on March 29 — includes airfare, hotel, and game tickets

  • How to enter: Online entry form at the Stars website

  • My take: Road trip + hockey + free travel? Yes please.





🎁 Instant Win Games (Immediate Gratification)



9. Coca-Cola "Shoot and Score" Instant Win



  • Prizes: 301 total winners — tailgate prize packs including chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and grills

  • Deadline: April 6, 2026

  • How to enter: Daily entries at the Coca-Cola website

  • My take: Instant wins are fun because you know immediately if you won. 301 prizes means decent odds!





📝 My Sweepstakes Strategy



I've been entering sweepstakes for years (it's like the lottery but free). Here's what actually works:




  1. Use a separate email address — Contest emails will flood your inbox. Create a dedicated Gmail just for entries.

  2. Set daily reminders — For daily entry contests, set a phone reminder so you don't miss days.

  3. Read the rules — Some contests limit entries per household, not per person. Know before you enter.

  4. Don't pay to enter — Legit sweepstakes never require payment. If they ask for money, it's a scam.

  5. Enter skill contests too — Judged contests (like the Food Network one) often have fewer entries than random drawings.



What Would You Do With $5,000?



Honestly, if I won the HGTV giveaway, I'd probably put it toward nursery furniture for baby #3. That Enfamil giveaway is basically a complete nursery setup though — so maybe I'd use the cash for a babymoon instead?



Drop a comment and let me know which contest you're most excited about! And if you win ANYTHING from this list, come back and tell me. I love a good winner story!



Good luck everyone! 🍀





*This post contains no affiliate links — just sharing opportunities I found. Always read the official rules before entering any contest. I verified all deadlines and details on February 16, 2026, but rules can change — double-check before you enter!