After a much-needed couponing and shopping sabbatical, I am back to doing the deals.  That's part of the beauty of couponing.  If you need a break, you take it.  (And in most cases, your grocery budget doesn't have to rise because you can just use the stockpile you already have on hand.)

If you don't already have coupons on hand, but sure to look for the "no coupons required" or the coupons listed only as "ip", "ivc", "hhay", "ac" only, "blinkie" and "peelie" coupons as these are deals that you can get NOW without a previous stock of coupons.  The coupons are available online, in a booklet in a store, in the store's ad, are on the outside of the product itself, or are in a box attached to a shelf near the product.

Non-coupon items you'll find great deals on this week include vinegar and eggs.  (There are coupons on for Heinz vinegar online.)  The day after Easter, you can expect all Easter items to be 50% off.

Here's what you can get free from just CVS and Walgreens JUST this week:


CVS: (When I'm busy, I head to I HEART CVS for a quick list of the freebies.  I HIGHLY recommend them!  The deals I'm listing today are straight from and with much thanks to I Heart CVS.)

• Green Bag Tag $.99 - ($.99) ecb = FREE (lt. 2) (No coupon required.)
• Mars Easter Singles $.50 (buy 2) (lt. 8 total, choose from the following coupons):
• - ($1/2) 3/20/11 RP = FREE
• - ($1/2) 4/10/11 RP = FREE
• Reach Total Care Toothbrush $1 - ($1) 10/10/10 RP = FREE
• Reach Total Care Floss (55yds) $1 - ($1) 10/10/10 RP = FREE
• Reach Total Care Toothbrush $1 - ($1) 4/17/11 RP = FREE
• Reach Total Care Floss (55yds) $1 - ($1) 4/17/11 RP = FREE

Walgreens: (When I'm busy, I head to I Heart Wags for a quick list of the freebies.  I HIGHLY recommend them!  The deals I'm listing today are straight from and with much thanks to I Heart Wags.)

• Always Leak Guard Plus Pads (22ct) $3 (buy 2) - 2 ($1) 4/3/11 P&G - ($4) rr = FREE
• Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste (4oz) $3 (buy 2) - 2($1) 4/10/11 SS - ($4) rr = FREE
• Colgate Total Gum Defense Toothpaste (4oz) $3 (buy 2) - 2($1) 4/10/11 SS - ($4) rr = FREE
• Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste (4oz) $3 (buy 2) - 2($1) hhay - ($4) rr = FREE
• Colgate Total Gum Defense Toothpaste (4oz) $3 (buy 2) - 2($1) hhay - ($4) rr = FREE
• Goody Ouchless Hair Accessories $3 - ($3) rr= FREE
• Neilmed NasoGel Drip-Free Gel Spray $4.99 - ($1.50) peelie on some boxes - ($5) = FREE + $1.50 PROFIT (if your store has boxes with peelie coupons on them)
• Reach Total Care Floss (30yds) $2.99 - ($2) 10/10/10 RP - ($2) rr = FREE + $1 PROFIT
• Reach Total Care Floss (30yds) $2.99 - ($1) 4/17/11 RP - ($2) rr = FREE + $.01 PROFIT
• Reach Total Care Toothbrush $2.99 - ($1) 4/17/11 RP - ($2) rr = FREE + $.01 PROFIT
• Reach Total Care Floss (30yds) $2.99 - ($1) 10/10/11 RP - ($2) rr = FREE + $.01 PROFIT
• Scotch Magic Tape $1.99 plus b1g2f (w/ac) (buy 3) - 2($1) ip = FREE (You should be able to print & use 2 of the coupons even on a b1g2f sale.  Just make sure you give both manufacturer's coupons FIRST before you give them the in-ad coupon.)
• Green Giant Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz) $.49 (w/ac) - ($.50/2) = $.24/can (not free, but a good deal)
• Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste (4.6oz) $1.99 - ($1) 4/17/11 RP - ($1) rr = FREE + $.01 PROFIT
• Aquafresh Training Toothpaste (1.5oz) $1.99 - ($1) ivc - ($1) rr = FREE + $.01 PROFIT

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. (That is an affiliate link and I will get credit if you click on that link and subscribe to Savings Angel.) I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

I have frequently talked about where to donate food items you might get for free or make a profit on.  (Feeding America lists food banks nationwide for those who've missed it.)  I've had several people recently contact me to ask where to donate non-food items.

Some food banks will also take over-the-counter meds, health and beauty items, and paper products.  For those that won't (or if you'd just like another resource for donating), you can also donate most of those items to Ronald McDonald House Charities.  For those who are unfamiliar with what they do, they house families of children who are in out-of-town hospitals.  I have witnessed first-hand what a blessing the Ronald McDonald House can be to families.  To get an idea of what families spend while staying there, think for a minute how much more it costs to care for your family when you're out of town.  Ronald McDonald house does offer meals for the families, but the families are on their own for toiletries, health and beauty items, etc.  Any items you donate help a family that is likely already incredibly financially strapped &/or in deep financial debt because of a sick child.  They also enjoy donations of toys, coloring books, crayons, sippy cups, formula, bottles, and the like for young children staying there with their parents.

Your local nursing home, assisted-living facility, or retirement community welcome donations; especially of health and beauty items and over-the-counter medical products.  These largely consist of seniors on a fixed income.  Every little bit helps.  They find donations of diabetic monitors especially helpful as this is an expensive product that many will go without if they don't have the money to buy.  Some will also take over-the-counter meds, but you'll have to check with each individual facility to find their restrictions and needs.  I find across the board that they need any medical products donated to be in their original packaging with no damage to the box.  In the case of diabetic monitors, they won't even take it if the UPC is cut off or if shrink-wrap is supposed to be there but isn't.

Homeless Shelters are another excellent place to donate.  What they will take and when will vary by shelter.  Your best bet is to contact the shelter you want to donate to directly to see what their needs and guidelines are.

Low cost medical clinics will sometimes also take donations of over-the-counter medicines and other medical products if you show receipt of where you purchased it and give it to them in the original packaging.

Domestic violence shelters have unique needs.  Women and children who come there have often left literally everything behind.  If you need it to live, they'll need it from clothes to diapers & wipes to food and kitchen items.

Of course many churches always have donation programs.  Contact your local church and see what their needs are.  You might be able to help by donating to their food pantry or you might be able to help reduce the church's operating budget by providing a years worth of Clorox wipes for the nursery.

You can also always ask around.  You might have a neighbor who HAS to use Allergra (a medicine that's a current money-maker at CVS).  Even those who don't normally coupon would welcome a generous donation of an expensive over-the-counter medicine.

Above all, remember, a food pantry is not usually JUST a food pantry.  They usually accept many more items than food...and are often low on those other items because people DON'T know that they accept these items.  There are even some pantries and organizations who will take frozen or refrigerated items.  Don't be afraid to ask!  The worst they'll say is no...but you might find a new place to bless in an unexpected way!

People are clamoring for another freebies post...or so they tell me.  Why haven't I done them in awhile?  Because I haven't been shopping much!  I've had a trip here or there, but we have been using most of our grocery money to restock our bulk goods many of which we were completely out of!

I'm not used to buying all of them at once so it was a big couple of months grocery-wise for us.  

And now our stockpile of shampoo is running low!   EEK!  So back to the freebies we go!

CVS: (2/13-2/19)

• Colgate Sensitive (6oz) or Total Advanced (5.8oz) $3.79 - ($1) mc (listed below) - ($3.79) ecb = FREE + $1 (lt. 2)
• ($1) DAY (Colgate Total)
• ($1) 2/6/11 ss  (Colgate Sensitive)
• ($1) 1/30/11 ss
• Listerine Zero (16.9oz) or Reach Total Care Floss (30yd) $3.99 - ($2) mc (listed below) - ($2) ecb = FREE + $.01 (lt. 2)
• ($2) 9/19/10 rp (Listerine Zero)
• ($2) 10/10/10 rp (Reach Total Care floss)
• Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant (2.3-2.7oz) $2.99 - ($.50) 1/30/11 ss - ($2) ecb = $.50 (lt. 1) (not free, but great deal if you're brand-sensitive)

Walgreens:  (2/13-2/19)

• Reach Total Care Toothbrush or Floss $2.99 - (mc listed below) - ($2) rr = Free $.01-$1.01
• ($2) 10/10/10 rp (Total Care floss)
• ($1) 10/10/10 rp (floss or toothbrush)
• Quaker Quick One-Minute Oats (18oz) $1.50 - ($1) 1/2/11 rp = $.50 (not free, but a good deal for someone who's brand sensitive)
• Walgreen's Brand Diapers $9.99 (b1g1f) - 2($2) infant care coupon booklet in stores = $3 a pack (not free, but a good deal for someone who can use generic diapers)

Walgreens:  (2/20-2/26)

• Rephresh ph Tampons $5.99 - ($1) ip - ($5) rr = FREE $.01

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

It's been awhile since I did a deals/freebies day on the Mom Saver.  I'm told that it's been too long.  I do apologize.

So without further ado:


Walgreens:

• Alka-Seltzer Plus (10-20ct) $3.99 (buy 3) $3.99 -3($3) 10/24/10 ss - ($5) rr = free + up to $2.03; depending on how your store handles overage.  Make sure you have products to cover the overage if your store will give it to you. (If you don't use alka-seltzer as a med, it has OTHER uses.  I'll give you details on the Mom Saver on Thursday!)
• Chestal Adult Cough Syrup $6 - ($1) ip - ($6) MIR = Free + $1 
• Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste (6oz) $3.49 - coupon (listed below) - ($3.50) rr = free + $.75 - $1
• ($1) ip
• ($1) 10/10/10 SS
• ($.75) 10/3/10 SS
• Contac Cold and Flu (28ct) $6 - ($2) ip or 10/10/10 rp - ($6) rr = Free + $2
• Mentos gum (15ct) $.99 w/ac - ($1) 10/3/10 ss = Free + $.01
• Mucinex children's syrup (4oz) $6.99 - ($6.99) MIR = Free
• Pill Glide Swallowing Spray (1oz) $5.99 - ($5.99) MIR = Free
• All Walgreens deals below are not valid until tomorrow, Wednesday the 27th:
• Balance bar (1.76oz) $1.59 - (b1g1f) 10/10/10 ss - ($1.59) rr = Two of them Free
• Fullbar Fit bar (1.76oz) $1.99 - ($2) rr = Free + $.01
• (Next week, they're offering free children's cough syrup and free cough drops)
• (The week after, they've got free lotion, contact lens solution, Similasan, and Contour meters)

 CVS:

• Bayer Contour Meter $14.99 - ($10) 8/8/10 rp - ($5) ecb = Free $.01
• (You can also get this deal on the first day of next week if you can't catch it this week.  Next week you can also get almost-free Schick razors.)

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

I know you want more freebies because you've e-mailed me asking for them!

Your wish...is my command:

Albertsons/Jewel/Stop-n-Shop...depending on your area...Super-Valu Chain Stores:

• Cool Whip (8oz) $1 (buy 5) - ($5) oyno cat = Free (You can freeze this until Thanksgiving time.)
• Kraft Cheese (5-8oz, shredded or chunk) $2 (buy 5) - ($5/5) ip - ($5) oyno = Free (You should be able to print 2 coupons to do this twice.)
• Kraft Cheese (5-8oz, shredded or chunk) $2 (buy 5) - 2($1/2) ip - ($5) oyno =$.60/each item...or you could this deal THIS way to save even more money:
• Kraft Cheese (as above) $2 (buy 4) AND Cool Whip (8oz) $1 (buy 1) - 2($1/2) ip - ($5) oyno = $.40/each item (Again...you should be able to print two of the above coupons to do this deal twice.)
• Kellogg's Cereals (various kinds...get ones that are on sale @ $2.50 for best deal) $2.50 (buy 10) -various coupons...listed below - ($10) oyno  = $.75 - $1/box (without coupons...you pay $1.50/box.  Here are your coupon options:
• Frosted Mini Wheats ($1/2) 8/29 SS
• Frosted Mini Wheats ($1/2) ip
• Various Kelloggs cereal ($1/2) 8/29 SS
• Various Kelloggs cereals ($1/2) 7/25 RP
• Various ones in 8/15 RP, 8/8 RP, and 8/1 RP
• Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops, &/or Corn Pops ($1.50/2) ip
• Various Kelloggs cereal on Kelloggs Website
• Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops, &/or Corn Pops ($1.50/2) or ($1/2) blinkies
• Various Kelloggs cereal ips on Redplum

• A note about the Kellogg's cereals...look for the cereals that have the Toy Story promotion listed on the front of the box.  Collect 3 boxes & you get $5 off concessions at the movie theater.  Collect 6 & you get a free ticket to a Disney or Touchstone movie.

CVS:

• Little Emerald nuts $1 - ($1) 8/15 rp = Free
• High Octane Energy Chews  (3ct) $1.99 - ($1.99) ECB = Free

Walgreens:

• Breathe Right Strips (10ct) $4 - ($1.50) 4/11 RP - ($4) RR = Free + $1.50
• Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm (.07-.075oz) $2 - ($2) RR = Free
• Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength Toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99 - ($1) DAY pg 41 - ($2) RR = Free + $.01
• Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength Toothpaste (4oz) $2.99 - ($1) 8/8 SS - ($2) RR = Free
• Irwin Naturals Healthy Skin & Hair Plus Nails Supplements (60 ct) $10 - ($10) RR = Free
• Walgreens Perfection Tampons (8 ct) $1.99 - ($2) RR = Free + $.01
   

Target:

• Post-it Super Sticky Note Pads 3×3 (single pack) - ($1) 8/15 ss = free

As always, if you have any questions about the terms or initials I used, check out my Couponing Definitions page.  For more deals, you can find them free on several sites or go to Savings Angel where they put all of the deals together for you in one place.  (You can get a free 30 day trial.) 

If you're Southern Nevada, we're having a school supply drive at SOS Radio. You can drop supplies off at SOS Radio on 2201 S. 6th St. in Vegas from 9-5 today and tomorrow morning.

There are school supply drives in cities big and small nationwide. If you don't have school-age kids or can buy extra supplies, I would encourage you to find a drive in your area. If you can't find a local drive, contact a local school and offer to donate the supplies directly to them. I don't know any school that would turn away supplies if they are offered.

To keep all of the information in one place for you, I will update weekly with what the freebies and extra good deals are on school supplies throughout this season. If I can get all of the ads in time, I'll post on Saturday for the following week. If I can't get the deals ahead of time, I'll have them posted by Sunday afternoon. If there's a school drive supply in your area, feel free to post the info in the comments to let others know about it.

And without further ado, here are the freebies and great deals on school supplies for this week:

I still have not gone through and made the final list.  In the interim, I'm going to post the deals courtesy of Save at Home Mommy...with much appreciation for her hard work!  I'm not sure what area she's in as I just found her blog for the first time today on a quick search.  I was looking for the site with the most comprehensive list of deals for the week in spot.  Looks like she's got it for now!


If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

If you're Southern Nevada, we're having a school supply drive at SOS Radio. You can drop supplies off at SOS Radio on 2201 S. 6th St. in Vegas from 9-5 Monday through Friday.

There are school supply drives in cities big and small nationwide. If you don't have school-age kids or can buy extra supplies, I would encourage you to find a drive in your area. If you can't find a local drive, contact a local school and offer to donate the supplies directly to them. I don't know any school that would turn away supplies if they are offered.

To keep all of the information in one place for you, I will update weekly with what the freebies and extra good deals are on school supplies throughout this season. If I can get all of the ads in time, I'll post on Saturday for the following week. If I can't get the deals ahead of time, I'll have them posted by Sunday afternoon. If there's a school drive supply in your area, feel free to post the info in the comments to let others know about it.

And without further ado, here are the freebies and great deals on school supplies for this week:

Staples: (If you are a teacher, you can get 25 of the extreme deal items)

• Backpack: FREE after Staples Rewards (no maximum price is listed) (lt. 1) 
• Staples Multipurpose Paper (500ct) $4.99 - ($4.98) ESR = $.01 (lt. 2)
• Bic RoundStic ballpoint pens, black (8ct) $.01 w/$5 purchase (lt. 2) (Sun.-Wed. only) (Extreme Deal)
• Zebra Sarasa retractable gel pens (medium, black) (5ct) $4.99 - ($4.74) ESR = $.25 (lt. 1)
• Staples Hype! pen-style assorted highlighters (6ct) $.25 (lt. 2)
• Really Useful Box (a mini-storage box) (0.14ltr) $.25 (lt. 2)

 Office Depot:

• Office Depot brand acrylic ruler $.05 (lt. 3)
• Office Depot Eraser Caps (12pk) $.10 (lt. 3)
• HP Office Paper (500ct) $6.49 - ($5.54) rebate = $.95 (lt. 2)
• Office Depot brand spiral notebooks (6pk) $.50 (lt. 2)

Wal-Mart:

• Composition Notebooks $.25
• Crayola Crayons $.25 (this price is varying from $.25-$.35, depending on your area)
• RoseArt Crayons $.20
• Other decent deals worth checking out but not listed in the ad

CVS: (No school supply deals this week, but there are some good freebies)

• Photo Books 6x8 (10pgs) $7.99- ($7.99) ECB = Free (lt. 1)
• U by Kotex Liners (50-60ct) $4.99 - ($1) ip - ($1.50) RB - ($4.99) ECB = Free + $2.50
• U by Kotex Liners (14-18ct) $4.99 - ($1) ip - ($1.50) RB - ($4.99) ECB = Free + $2.50
• 
  

Office Max:

• Backpack:  Free after Max Perks Rewards (Applies to any backpack) (lt. 2)
• Westcott 5" Blunt or Pointed Scissors $.20 (lt. 3)
• Office Max Glue Combo Pack (as 1 bottle & 2 sticks) $.25 (lt. 3)
• X-Acto Pencil Sharpener $.25 (lt. 3)
• Sharpie Singles (assorted colors) $.25 (lt. 3)
• BIC Cristal Pens (10pk) $.50 (lt. 3)

Walgreens:

• Penway 2-pocket Folder with Prongs $.09 (lt. 5)
• Memo or Mini Composition Book $.19
• Penway Flexible Ruler $.39
• Penway Flexible Protractor $.39
• Poly Index Card Case $.39
• 2 Pocket Poly Portfolio $.39
• Crayola Posterboard $.39
• Penway Cloth Carry-All Pouch $.59

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

If you're Southern Nevada, we're having a school supply drive at SOS Radio. You can drop supplies off at SOS Radio on 2201 S. 6th St. in Vegas from 9-5 Monday through Friday.

There are school supply drives in cities big and small nationwide. If you don't have school-age kids or can buy extra supplies, I would encourage you to find a drive in your area. If you can't find a local drive, contact a local school and offer to donate the supplies directly to them. I don't know any school that would turn away supplies if they are offered.

To keep all of the information in one place for you, I will update weekly with what the freebies and extra good deals are on school supplies throughout this season. If I can get all of the ads in time, I'll post on Saturday for the following week. If I can't get the deals ahead of time, I'll have them posted by Sunday afternoon. If there's a school drive supply in your area, feel free to post the info in the comments to let others know about it.

And without further ado, here are the freebies and great deals on school supplies for this week:

Staples: (If you are a teacher, you can get 25 of the extreme deal items)

• Washable school glue $.01 (Sun-Wed only with a $5 minimum purchase) (lt. 2)
• Bic Matic Grip assorted mechanical pencils (5pk) $.25 (lt. 2)
• Slider pencil case $.25 (lt. 2)
• Staples 3x5 white ruled index cards (100ct) $.25 (lt. 2)
• Staples Photo Plus 4x6 paper (60ct) $9.99 - ($9.74) ESR = $.25 (lt. 2)
• Hammermill CopyPlus Copy Paper (500ct) $4.99- ($3.99) ESR = $1 (lt. 2)
• 50% off backpacks...this is a decent deal if you have to buy one anyway and/or want a nicer one
• Expo 8.9x11.8 double-sided writing and math practice dry-erase board $2 (lt. 2) (lined like handwriting paper...this is MUCH easier for young ones to use when beginning to write)

Office Depot:

•  Expo Fine Point Dry-Erase Markers (4pk) $5.29 - ($5.29) Rebate = Free (lt. 1)

Wal-Mart:

• Composition Notebooks $.25
• Crayola Crayons $.25 (this price is varying from $.25-$.35, depending on your area)
• RoseArt Crayons $.20
• Other decent deals worth checking out but not listed in the ad

CVS: (No school supply deals this week, but there are some good freebies)

• Bayer Contour Meter $14.99 - ($10) 4/25/10 RP - ($5) ECB = Free + $.01
• Celsius Green Tea (4pk) $7.99 - ($2) ip - ($7.99) ECB = Free + $2
• M&Ms Pretzel Chocolate Candies (1.14oz) 2/$1 - (b1g1f) 6/27/10 RP - ($1wyb2) ECB = 2 Free + $.50
• CVS Hand Sanitizer Pen - (e-mail coupon you can get until 7/18) = Free

Office Max:

• Purell Hand Sanitizer (0.5oz) $.10
• All Just Basics Ballpoint Pens (10pk) $.20

Office Max: (These deals are online only and you must have their card to get the deals.)

• (In)Place Heavy Duty Binders $6.49 - ($6.49) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• (In)Place Heavy Weight Manilla File Folders (50ct) $8.99 - ($8.99) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• Office Max Filler Paper College or Wide (150ct) $1.50 - ($1.50) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• Office Max 2 pocket folders (24pk) $8.99 - ($8.99) = Free (lt. 6)

Walgreens:

• Colgate Advanced Toothpaste (5.8oz) $3.49 - ($1) DAY pg9 - ($3.50) RR = Free + $1.01
• Colgate Advanced Toothpaste (5.8oz) $3.49 - ($1) 7/11 SS - ($3.50) RR = Free + $1.01
• Colgate Advanced Toothpaste (5.8oz) $3.49 - ($.75) ip - ($3.50) RR = Free + $.76
• Pilot G2 Pens (2pk) $1.19 - ($1) ivc = $.19
• Penway older $.09
• Highlighter Singles $.09
• Wooden Ruler $.09
  
• Corner Office Sheet Protectors (10pk) $.29
• Corner Office  5 tab dividers $.39
• Penway Cap Erasers (15pk) $.39
• Poly or 3 Ring Binder $.39
• Bic Brite Liner Highlighters (5pk) $.49
• School Box $.49
• Dual Pencil Sharpener $.59 w/ac (lt. 6)
• White-Out Fluid (0.6oz) $.59

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions. If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail. Want to see the best grocery deals for your area? Check out Savings Angel. I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

Can you feel it in the air?  It's school time again! Even if you don't have kids, please continue reading.  I've got info on how you can get items for free to donate.

This week, the school supply deals begin.  There are a few freebies this week which I'll talk about in a minute.  The deals WILL get better.  The office supply stores, specifically Staples, always have lots of freebies &/or items for literally pennies each.

Before we get to the deals, I want to talk about why you should get the deals even if you don't have school-age kids.

I'm sure we've all heard about the current state of our schools.  Teachers are often left paying a good amount out of their pockets towards school supplies.  Many not only have to supply their own copy paper but must also have supplies on hand for kids who've either forgot theirs or don't have the money to buy supplies.

Last time I checked, teachers got a tax credit of $250 for purchasing supplies.  Teachers I've talked to say that doesn't even come close to covering what they've actually spent every year on supplies.

There are school supply drives in cities big and small nationwide.  If you don't have school-age kids or can buy extra supplies, I would encourage you to find a drive in your area.  If you can't find a local drive, contact a local school and offer to donate the supplies directly to them.  I don't know any school that would turn away supplies if they are offered.

If you're Southern Nevada, we're having a school supply drive at SOS Radio.  You can drop supplies off at SOS Radio on 2201 S. 6th St. in Vegas from 9-5 Monday through Friday.


To keep all of the information in one place for you, I will update weekly with what the freebies and extra good deals are on school supplies throughout this season.  If I can get all of the ads in time, I'll post on Saturday for the following week.  If I can't get the deals ahead of time, I'll have them posted by Sunday afternoon.  If there's a school drive supply in your area, feel free to post the info in the comments to let others know about it.

On a related note, I'm working on my couponing series right now.  I've gotten several questions already.  If you want to make sure I address any questions you may have, be sure to let me know by commenting here or sending me a message on Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail.

And without further ado, here are the freebies and great deals on school supplies for this week:

Staples: (If you are a teacher, you can get 25 of the limited items here)

• 2 pocket folders w/ or w/out fasteners $.01 (Sun-Wed. only w/a $5 minimum purchase) (lt. 10)
• Pencils (8ct) $.01 (Sun-Wed. only w/a $5 minimum purchase) (lt. 2)
• Staples multi-purpose paper (500ct) $4.99 - ($4.98) ESR = $.01
• Staples Photo supreme 8 1/2 x 11 paper (50ct) $14.99 - ($13.99) ESR = $1 (lt 2)
• Quartet 8 1/2 x 11 dry-erase board $1 (lt 2)
• $5/30 coupon which can be used on ESR items to make them moneymakers
• Office Depot has a $10/$25 ip which Staples will match to make an even better moneymaker when used with ESR items.

Office Depot:

• Mr. Sketch Markers $7.99 - ($7.99) Rebate = Free (lt. 1)
• Swingline Light Touch Reduced Effort Stapler (what a name!) $13.99- ($13.99) Rebate = Free (lt. 1)
• Office Depot Multi-purose Paper (500ct) $6.29 - ($5.29) Rebate = $1 (lt. 2)
• Office Depot Color-coded heavy weight sheet protectors (25ct) $7.59 - ($6.59) Rebate = $1 (lt. 3)
• $10/$25 ip (see above) can be used to make these deals moneymakers

Wal-Mart:

• Composition Notebooks $.25
• Crayola Crayons $.25 (this price is varying from $.25-$.35, depending on your area)
• RoseArt Crayons $.20
• Other decent deals worth checking out but not listed in the ad

CVS:

• Complete Multi-Purpose Contact Solution $7.99 - ($2) 5/16 RP - ($7.99) ECB = Free + $2 (I know this isn't a school supply item, but it's a money maker so I included it.)
• Caliber Scissors (5") $.99 - ($.99) ECB = Free (Sun-Tues only) (lt. 1)
• Papermate Pens 1.2 (10ct) $.99 - ($.99) ECB = Free (Sun-Tues. only) (lt. 1)

Office Max: (These deals are online only and you must have their card to get the deals.)

• (In)Place Heavy Duty Binders $6.49 - ($6.49) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• (In)Place Heavy Weight Manilla File Folders (50ct) $8.99 - ($8.99) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• Office Max Filler Paper College or Wide (150ct) $1.50 - ($1.50) MPR = Free (lt. 6)
• Office Max 2 pocket folders (24pk) $8.99 - ($8.99) = Free (lt. 6)
• Buy 2 any brand ink packages get $10 MPR back
• Free shipping with $50
• If you don't have an Office Max in your area, you can still sign up and do these deals.  As of this past November, you could spend your rewards back on online purchases.  (I don't mind having huge amounts like this coming back on items...like the folders...that I buy anyway...I just turn around and use it on printer ink since mine isn't refillable for $10 at Walgreens.)

If you have any questions about a particular abbreviation or word, check out my coupon definitions.  If you still can't find the answer, post here or shoot me an e-mail.  Want to see the best grocery deals for your area?  Check out Savings Angel.  I use them when I'm short on time or not feeling well but still need groceries for the week.

Today, I've got a MASSIVE deal round up for you!  I'll round it out by telling you how to get FREE tickets to see Toy Story 3 (or any other Disney film).

If you need help with the abbreviations I use below, check out my Coupon Definitions.

First, we'll start at Walgreens where they're giving us free shampoo, contact lens cleaning solution, body wash, and tampons.  Then, we'll head on over to CVS where we can get free toothpaste, cereal, and protein bars.  And last, but most certainly not least...we'll talk Toy Story tickets! Here are the details:

Walgreens:

• Herbal Essences Shampoo (6-14oz): $2.99- ($1) 5/16/10 RP - ($2) RR = FREE + $.01
• Rephresh Brilliant ph Tampons (18ct): $5.99 - ($1) ip
• Gillette Body Wash (10-18oz): $4.49 - (b1g1f) 5/16/10 RP & 6/6/10 PG - ($4.50) RR = TWO FREE + $.01
• Old Spice Body Wash (10-18oz): $4.49 - (b1g1f) 5/2/10 PG & 4/18/10 RP - ($4.50) RR = TWO FREE + $.01
• You can also utilize the (b1 body wash, g1 deodorant) 6/6/10 to get a free body wash and a free deodorant + $.01
• You can also utilize the (b1 body wash, g1 body spray) 5/2/10 PG to get a free body wash and a free body spray + $.01
• Bausch  and Lomb Re-Nu Solution (12oz, sensitive): $7.49 - ($2) 6/6/10 SS - ($7.50) RR = FREE + $2.01  
• $1 coupons can be found in the 3/7/10 SS & the 12/31/09 SS
• Those with a Safeway, Vons, or Dominicks can find coupon booklets in the HBA isle that contain $2 coupons off the Renu solution.
• You can also find $2 off printable coupons as well as $1 off coupons at Coupons.com. 

CVS:

• Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength Toothpaste: $2.99 - ($1) 6/6/10 SS - ($2) ECB = FREE + $.01 (Lt. 2)
• Post Cereals (24oz, various): $1.88 - ($2) ip = FREE (Lt. 4)
• Powerbar Pure & Simple Energy bar: $.99 - ($.99) ECB = FREE (Lt. 3)

Free Toy Story 3 Tickets:

• There are a couple of ways to get the free tickets.  The easiest is simply to go into any store (Wal-Mart, Target, Vons/Dominicks/Safeway, Albertson's/Jewel, Smiths/Kroger/Dillons, etc.) and buy Kellogg's cereals that have a Toy Story character on the front of the box.  These boxes give you a code that counts towards free concession cash or free movie tickets.  3 boxes/codes give you $5 concession cash.  6 boxes/codes give you a free ticket.
• However...the deal can get better!  Safeway stores (includes Safeway, Vons, & Dominicks) has a deal starting tomorrow.  For every 4 boxes of Kellogg's cereals you buy, you get a free gallon of milk.  Many cereals are on sale right now for $2.50 (& might get lower to coincide with the Catalina deal).  
• So...you'd spend $10 on 4 boxes, get a free gallon of milk, and get $5 concession cash.
• Or...you could spend $30 on 12 boxes (purchased in 3 separate transactions with 4 boxes each).  You'd get 12 boxes of cereal, 3 gallons of milk, and $20 in concession cash or 2 free tickets.  
• If you would have already purchased the cereal and were already planning on going to see the movie, then this is a fantastic way to save money on both!

As always, for more deals and info on using coupons I highly recommend you check out Savings Angel.

I've talked before about how to get your groceries for free.  I never pay for toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, razors, shaving lotion/gel/cream, dental floss, cough drops, or many over-the-counter meds...just to name a few.  There are also many items which I will only get if they are very cheap if not free.  In recent months, I've gotten cream cheese, bagels, mustard, mayo, ketchup, pizza, cookies, crackers, chips, fresh produce, frozen veggies, juice, cereal, organic milk, cat food, dog food, and many other items for free.   I've also gotten movie cash, gas cards, free money (literally...I purchased a gift card and they gave me $30 as a thank you), batteries, copy paper, pens, and other items for free.  (And I haven't even been "fully" couponing like I usually do. I've only been shopping an average of once a month.)

That's not all of it, though!  I've also gotten a steam mop, a lawn mower, a TON of plastic hangars (we left ours in Michigan), Abeka and other expensive curriculum sets (we homeschool), a complete Spanish curriculum set, bookshelves, a couch and loveseat, garden tools, expensive gluten-free foods (someone did a gluten-free challenge then didn't need the products anymore), bikes for the kids, supplies for craft and sewing projects, canning jars, canning supplies...among other things.

How?

Freecycle and the "Free" section on Craigslist. (That's the Craigslist link for the Vegas area.  To find your area, just click your city on the list to the right.  If your city isn't listed, click on the closest large city.  You'll find people will post listings for small towns up to 1 1/2 hours away from big cities.)

For Craigslist, you have to physically go on their site and look through the "frees" section to find what's being offered.  You can also post your own "wanted" request in the free section as well.  You won't typically find as good a response here as you will on Freecycle.

For Freecycle, you'll sign up for the list closest to or in your city.  They recommend but don't require that you post an offer before you post your first "wanted" request on Freecycle.

You can offer or ask for literally anything other than pets on Freecycle.  Granted, I wouldn't expect to get a BMW convertible for free unless you're wanting an old one that needs work (although I've seen a request for a brand new, rare Porsche before...not on the Vegas list).

Why use a place like Freecycle or Craigslist to get free items?  Why not?  Why pay for something when you can get it for free?  Why not be the best steward you can of what you've been given by saving money where you can?  That leaves you more money for giving to others. It also allows you to give unused or unneeded items directly to those in need.

Today's Mom Saver is short and sweet. There are freebies out there at several stores right now, but the biggest & best is one we don't see very often.

Staples currently has their 20 pack of either AAA or AA batteries priced at $9.99. You then get 100% of what you pay for them back in Staples Rewards. (This is NOT a cash rebate. You get the money back as a rewards card to use at Staples only. If you don't have one of their rewards cards, I'd sign up in store just before buying the batteries or online if you're going to purchase them there.)

You can find all the nitty-gritty details online, but I'd recommend buying them in-store to save on shipping charges if you can.

You can do this deal twice for a total of 40 free batteries worth $20!!!

Happy shopping!

Hear the SOS Radio Segment Here:


When we first moved to Vegas, I was quickly informed that I would NOT be getting free things here like I had in other places we'd lived. I was told that what few coupons came weren't any good. I was told the stores here don't offer sales like I've experienced elsewhere.

What these people didn't realize is that I've heard these things in every place we've lived. Literally...Every. Single. Place. And in each and every place...I proved them wrong. Perhaps it's because I just like a good challenge. Regardless, I set my sights on proving them wrong....again. Vegas was going to be no different. I mean really, two of the BEST stores to shop at for freebies and moneymakers are national chains...which are here in Vegas as well.

I mean no disrespect when I say this, but even many long-time couponers don't know where to look to find the "super" deals. That's where I come in! I DO know where to look! I have been a super-couponer for 14 years. I was couponing before it was hip! I was couponing before there were hundreds of deal blogs and at least a dozen forums. And I'll go there...I was couponing BEFORE the internet. Yes, folks. I'm THAT old. (Even though I'll deny being a day over 29 if you ask.)

So...where is this leading? More freebies, of course! And here in the land of no grocery or drug-store freebies, no less!

Without further ado: On with the deals!

While I'm not a coffee person, my husband is. (And I won't mention who, but SOMEONE got our son started on coffee as well. Our 7 year old son.) You can't imagine how excited he was to hear the words, "Free coffee". My husband was excited too.

Every Monday in March, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away a free medium hot or iced coffee. For the next 3 Mondays, you can grab a free cup of coffee on your way in to work. Be sure to find the location nearest you!

Now that we've all had our morning coffee, let's talk chocolate. (Surely she's not about to tell us we'll get CHOCOLATE for free! WHO would give FREE chocolate?) Walgreen's, that's who. This week, you can get a Hershey's Extra Dark bar...for free!

(If you see any abbreviations or terms that you aren't sure about, check out my "Couponing Definitions".)

Walgreen's: Hershey's Dark Chocolate Bar (4-4.5oz) (You must buy 2.)

• 2/$3 - ($1/2) March IVC bklt - 2($1/1) SS 1/10 = free!

There are also some great freebies at CVS this week. Unfortunately, none of them involve chocolate, but I guess we'll forgive them this once.

CVS: Nivea Lip Care (0.17-0.35oz) (lt. 1)

• $2.99 (must buy 2) - (b1g1) 3/7 RP - $2.99ECB = 2 FREE!

CVS: Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush (lt. 2)

• $4 -($.75) 2/7 PG or 2/21 PG - $4ECB = Free + $.75
• $4 -($1) 2/7 PG or 2/21 PG - $4ECB = Free + $1
  

To find other great deals this week, head over to Savings Angel. They are an incredible resource for those just starting out in couponing. They're also wonderful for those who want to coupon (and may have in the past), but just don't have the time to put the deals together themselves. Savings Angel does it for you! There is a monthly fee for Savings Angel, but it is well worth the money if you can't or won't otherwise find the deals on your own.

Today's frugal tip takes you to CVS for a couple of quick freebies!

Find your closest CVS, grab any coupons you need & start saving! You can find this weeks ad at CVS.com.
,
This week, CVS has 2 definite freebies! These items are free after ECBs (Extra Care Bucks). What that means is that you pay for the first one up front in full (minus any coupons). You get your ECBs at the end of your receipt. You can use these on your next order (which can be immediately). They expire a month after issue.

This week's freebies are:

• Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste (4-4.2oz) or rinse (14.8oz) $3.50-$3.50 ECBs (limit 2)=FREE after ECB's Those are items you can get FREE without ever having to pick up a coupon!! Have coupons? Check THIS out:

• 
  
  • Crest tp (see above) $3.50- ($.75/Crest toothpaste MC(manufacturer's coupon) from the 2/7/10 P&G (Procter & Gamble) insert) = $2.75 oop (out of pocket) and get BACK $3.50 in ECBs!!! That means that even AFTER taxes, CVS & Crest just PAID you to take toothpaste home to your family!

• 
  
  • Crest rinse (see above)$3.50- ($2/Crest rinse MC from 2/7/10 PG)= $1.50 oop and STILL get back $3.50 in ECBs!!! That means that, again, even after taxes, CVS & Crest have just PAID YOU to take their products home! Does it get any better than this? I think not! (We don't use rinse so although this is a fantastic deal, I'll be getting the toothpaste instead.)

• 
  
  • There is a limit of 2 for this offer which means you can get a total of 2 items with your Extra Care card. You can either get 2 toothpastes, 2 rinses, or 1 of each.

• Aussie Shampoo or Conditioner (13.5oz) or Styler (5.1-14oz) $2.99 = $2.99 oop & you get $2 in ECB back. (limit 1) No, this isn't free. However, it's a pretty incredible deal for a high-end shampoo. Can it get better than this, though? Can we get it for free? OF COURSE we can!

• 
  
  • Aussie (see above) $2.99 - ($1/any Aussie product from the 2/14/10 RP (Red Plum) insert) = $1.99 oop & you get $2 ECB back. They pay you a penny to take this high-end shampoo home! Essentially, this means you get a penny off your taxes. Look at this way, though, you'd have paid taxes anyway regardless of which product you bought!

• 
  
  • There is a limit of 1 for this offer which means you can only purchase one item total for this deal (not one of each item).

You do need to obtain a CVS Extra Care card in order to obtain these deals. It is easy to obtain & you can do so when you go in to do your shopping. The card will also include a keytag card which I keep on my card at all times.

Below, I've laid out for you how I would purchase these items in the store to have the least amount of money out of pocket:

• Buy 1 Aussie shampoo, conditioner, or styler as detailed above:

• 
  
  • *$2.99 sale price - ($1) MC 2/14/10 RP = $1.99 oop (out of pocket). Get $2 ECB back for use on your next order.

• Buy 2 Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpastes as detailed above:

• 
  
  • *$7 sale price - 2($.75) MC 2/7/10 PG - ($2) ECB from above = $4.25 oop. Get 2 $3.50 ECBs back.

• 
  
  • *I purchased both of these together because you won't have enough oop to use the ECB from one order on another. That's okay, though. There will be enough deals in the next month so you'll have ample opportunity to use your $7 in ECBs.

Confused about some of the terms I've used? Find explanations and a breakdown of how I list my deals on my definitions page.

A special thanks to Mashup Mom for the heads up on this one.

Gluten-Free Circle has a section where you can sign up to receive free products or coupons. I just signed up myself so I can't give a personal recommendation on whether this is genuine or not. It was worth a shot for me, though. If interested, go directly to the sign-up page to find more info & sign up!

If you have had personal experience with this organization (good or bad) I'd love to hear it! If you sign up & receive anything, please let me know so I can verify with my readers that they are legit!

We just found out we won TWO American Girl dolls in the Borders/American Girl contest!  Yeah!!  My girls are SOOO excited!!!  They're getting them for Christmas, but they're still so excited they can't contain themselves!

Publish Post