Freebies at Target

by Chantalle Altland | More from this Blogger

26 Jun 2008 07:07 AM

Recently, a blog, written by Mary Ann Romans, "New Grocery Shopping Techniques 2" got me thinking about using coupons and if they are really worth the effort. The blog claims coupons are not worth using anymore. I currently belong to several coupon trains and cut up several newspapers inserts each week. I spend 2-3 hours a week staying organized. So I started wondering if maybe she was right so I tried a little experiment. How much can I save using as many coupons as possible? Can I still get freebies or items we use under $1?

I decided to try this experiment at Wal-Mart and Target. My first stop was Target. This was a regular store, so I didn't concentrate on groceries, only toiletries and pet food. I spent $2.24 and received 31 items which totaled $25.19. My Target allowed the overage to be subtracted from the bill. They also allow manufacturers coupons to be stacked with Target coupons.

Here's what I found: 2 Shout trial size for .97 each $1.00 off coupon Overage .06

2 Clean and Clear face soaps trial size for .87 $2.00 off 1 Overage $2.26

1 Revlon Fingernail Clippers for $2.34 $1.00 off coupon from a newspaper Cost $1.34

2 Tylenol Extra Strength Trial size for .97 $1.00 off coupon Overage .06

2 Johnson's Baby Shampoo trial size for .97 $1.00 off coupon Overage .06

2 Band-aids trial size for .89 $1 off coupon from the 5/18 newspaper Overage .22

2 Johnson's Melt Stress Away Lotion trial size for .89 $1.00 off 1 Overage .22

2 All 20 oz detergent for $1.00 $1 off coupon Free

2 Degree Deodorant for Women Trial size for .99 $1 off 2 from newspaper Cost .98

1 Dove Deodorant Trial size for .99 .75 off coupon from newspaper Cost .24

1 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Trial size for .97 $1 off from newspaper Overage .03

1 Men's Degree Deodorant Trial size for .99 .75 off from newspaper Cost .24

1 Temptations Cat Snack for $1.69 free coupon from newspaper Free

10 Meow Mix Can Cat Food for .52 each free coupons from newspaper Free

So in this shopping trip, coupons were worth using. I was able to feed kitty for free. I also received a bunch of free or almost free toiletries that will give me money to be spent on something else. Many of the toiletries are great to keep in the diaper or sports bag for emergencies. Let's not forget the travel bag either. I have also found that its easier to give the kids trial sizes of items. By doing this, it doesn't hurt the wallet as much if a trial size deodorant or lotion gets lost of left behind at a friend's house.

Your new freebie is New York Pizzeria Dip n Sticks. Fill out the survey and they will send you a coupon for a free box.

Check back for my next blog for details on my shopping expedition to Wal-Mart. Find out how I bought $70.19 in groceries for only $22.13 and $42.05 in household items for $4.20 using coupons and sales.

Check out some other ways to save big: What's Happening at the Mall? What's Happening at the Mall? Part 2 Clearance on Baby Clothes Time to Stop Up on Candles

Learn more about Chantalle Altland

Chantalle Altland is a deal hunter, a mom to two great kids, a freelance writer, and a merchandiser.

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Tracy Woods (772) 01 Jul 2008 10:02 AM

I do have one question though...how much do you spend on newspapers? I'm genuinely curious...the coupon thing has never worked out as wonderfully for me as it does for you and many others (compounded with the fact that NOBODY here doubles coupons--EVER)

Chantalle Altland (3159) 06 Jul 2008 09:04 PM

We don't have anyone that doubles coupons either. I normally buy one paper for $1.50 on Sunday. One of our major printers will sell their papers after Tuesday for .30 so if there are a lot of coupons, I might buy an extra. I get most of my coupons from coupon trains. We trade back and forth and I am able to get extras of the ones I use the most. Plus, I print many of them off the internet, which is free. I have heard others talk about dumpster diving, but I just can't get the nerve up to try it.

QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA (60086) 06 Jul 2008 10:14 PM

Great shopping! My Supertarget does not allow for overage (even 1 cent!) but still great deals!

Chantalle Altland (3159) 07 Jul 2008 04:20 AM

I hope they still let you use the coupons. I hate when stores don't allow it, because essentially they are making money off that coupon. They only allow you to take .97 for the coupon, but they still return it to the company for the $1. I have heard of some stores fixing the coupon price as you check out so you can still use it, just not receive the overage. Good Luck!!!