My Love for Competitions and Giveaways: A Journey of Excitement and Gratitude  

There’s something magical about the moment you receive an email, phone call, or social media message telling you that you’ve won. It’s a rush of excitement, a wave of gratitude, and sometimes, complete disbelief. I’ve been entering competitions and giveaways since I was a teenager, and over the years, this hobby has brought me not only incredible prizes but also experiences and opportunities I would have never had otherwise.  

Winning isn’t just about the prizes—it’s about the thrill of the chase, the hope of possibility, and the joy of unexpected surprises. Let me share why competitions mean so much to me and how they’ve enriched my life and my children’s lives in ways I never imagined.  

How It All Began: The Spark of a Lifelong Hobby 

My journey into the world of competitions started as a teenager when I first discovered online giveaways and radio contests. At first, I didn’t take it too seriously—I’d enter here and there, never really expecting to win. But then, it happened. I won my first prize! It was something small, a book or a movie ticket, but the feeling of knowing I had actually won something for free was electrifying.  

From that moment on, I was hooked. I began actively seeking out competitions—reading the terms, following giveaway pages, and learning little tricks to improve my chances. Over time, I refined my strategy, discovering which competitions had the best odds and which ones suited my interests. It became more than just a hobby; it became a passion.  

The Joy of Winning: Prizes That Changed Our Lives

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to win a variety of prizes. Some were small and fun, while others were life-changing. Each prize, no matter the size, brought joy and excitement. Some of my most memorable wins include:  

✈️ Flight vouchers – These allowed me to travel to places I never thought I could afford, giving my children and me the gift of adventure.  

🎁 Gift cards and cash – Perfect for treating my family to things we otherwise might not have been able to buy.  

📚 Books and toys – These have filled my home with endless entertainment for my children.  

👕 Clothes – Winning fashion vouchers has helped keep our wardrobes fresh without spending a cent.  

⛺ Camping gear – This has allowed us to enjoy family camping trips, creating precious memories in nature.  

🎄 Hampers – Luxury food and gift hampers have made holidays and special occasions extra special.  

🏀 Sporting equipment – From bikes to soccer balls, these wins have kept my kids active and happy.  

✨ The most unusual win? I once won the rights to name a star in the sky! It’s surreal knowing that somewhere out there, a distant star officially has the name I chose.  

Each prize has added something valuable to our lives—whether it’s practical, fun, or completely unexpected.  

Beyond the Prizes: Why I Love Competitions  

While winning prizes is amazing, my love for competitions goes deeper than just the rewards.  

1. The Excitement of Possibility  

Every time I enter a competition, there’s that little spark of hope. The anticipation of “what if?” keeps things exciting, and even if I don’t win, I always remind myself that the next one could be the one.  

2. Giving My Children Opportunities  

Being a parent means wanting the best for your children, but financial constraints can sometimes make certain experiences feel out of reach. Winning toys, tickets, or travel vouchers has given my kids opportunities I never thought I’d be able to provide. Seeing their excitement when we get to do something special because of a win is priceless.  

3. The Community of “Compers” 

Over the years, I’ve discovered a wonderful community of fellow competition lovers (or “compers” as we call ourselves!). It’s a supportive, friendly space where people share tips, encourage each other, and celebrate each other’s wins. Some of my best tips have come from these groups, and it’s always heartwarming to see others win incredible prizes too.  

4. Learning New Things

Many competitions involve a little creativity—whether it’s writing a slogan, taking a fun photo, or answering a question. These challenges push me to think outside the box, improving my skills in unexpected ways. Some of my most satisfying wins have come from effort-based competitions, where a little extra creativity made all the difference.  

5. A Reminder to Stay Grateful  

Winning competitions has made me deeply grateful. I know that not everyone gets these chances, and every prize, big or small, feels like a gift. It’s a reminder that good things can come unexpectedly and that sometimes, a little bit of luck can make a big difference.  

Tips for Winning More Competitions  

If you’ve never tried entering competitions or want to improve your chances, here are some of my top tips:  

✔️ Enter regularly – The more you enter, the higher your chances. Even five minutes a day can make a difference!  

✔️ Look for low-entry competitions – Smaller, local giveaways often have fewer entrants, increasing your odds.  

✔️ Follow brands and companies on social media – Many run exclusive giveaways for their followers.  

✔️ Get creative – Competitions that require effort (like writing a short answer or submitting a photo) often have fewer entries, giving you a better chance.  

✔️ Stay organised – Keep track of the competitions you enter and their closing dates so you don’t miss out.  

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Never Stop Entering Competitions  

For me, competitions are more than just a fun hobby—they’ve become a part of my life. They’ve given me memorable experiences, incredible surprises, and the ability to provide for my family in ways I never expected. The thrill of seeing my name on a winners’ list never gets old, and the joy of sharing wins with my children makes it all even more special.  

I often hear people say, “I never win anything!”—but the truth is, winning is a mix of persistence, strategy, and a little bit of luck. If you’re thinking about trying it, my advice is: go for it! You never know what surprise might be waiting just around the corner.  

Do you love entering competitions too? Have you ever won something amazing? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! 🎉💖