Although I generally dislike shopping, I love a great deal — especially at thrift stores or if I get freebie coupons.
And, as is usually the case over the holiday season, I was inundated with limited-time offers, amazing deals, fantastic bargains, and freebie coupons.
Believe it or not, I actually ventured out to the mall (yes, the mall!) the week before Christmas to claim my goodies.
I took Nora with me, with the goal to use all the coupons while spending as little as possible — and I did a pretty good job (until I almost blew my whole plan).
We started our trip at Victoria’s Secret with a $10 off any purchase coupon. I found two $5 lotions that were completely free after my coupon.
Then we went to Bath and Body Works to use a coupon for 1 free signature body item. I found a scent I liked and we walked out of that store (spending nothing again!)
Kohl’s was our next destination — with another $10 off any purchase coupon. The clearance rack offered leggings for Nora and 2 shirts for Clara — totalling only $0.18 out of pocket for all 3 items after the coupon!
We took a short break from shopping to get Nora’s free birthday cookie from Barnes and Noble before a ride on the carousel with 2 free tokens I had been saving.
So far, so good!
The other main purpose of our shopping trip was to find new winter boots for me.
I wasn’t planning on magically finding free boots, but the Clark store had a “50% off Everything” sale, and I had an extra 20% off coupon.
Within about 10 minutes, I found a pair I liked, and ended up getting a $150 pair of boots for around $65 after tax.
The boots are warm, comfortable, cute… and, most importantly, something I actually needed and will use daily during cold winter months for the next several years.
Success!
We ended our shopping trip at a boutique store I hadn’t shopped at before. Drawn in by a 40% off one item coupon (including sale items), I figured it couldn’t hurt to stop in and see what they sold.
I didn’t see anything I needed or even wanted, but I felt like I should use the coupon — after all, it expired the next day and some of the sale items were deeply discounted.
And then it hit me…
40% off is still 60% more than not buying it in the first place!
Of course, I already knew this!
I’m a frugal person and purchase most of our things used on Marketplace or at thrift stores.
I’m still not sure what came over me at the mall — maybe I got caught up in the holiday consumerism, maybe I was super focused on using up all my coupons, or maybe I just lost my common sense for a minute. 🙂
Whatever the case, I’m glad I “snapped out of it” and realized I could simply give my coupon to another shopper and leave the store… and that’s what I did!
I handed my coupon to someone who was already in the checkout line — she was thrilled, and I saved more than if I had used the coupon.
It’s easy to get sucked into good advertising and marketing… especially around the holidays, especially during Amazon Prime days, and especially when someone you know says “you’ll just love ________”.
But before you purchase something on sale or with a coupon, stop to consider if you’re buying the item because of a perceived discount, or if you actually “need” the item.
After all, each item you purchase and bring into your home has a much higher “cost” than the initial purchase price. (Related reading: The True Cost of Our Stuff).
It’s definitely fun to snag a great deal, but just remember…
Rebecca | Unexpectedly Domestic says
I absolutely loved this post, Andrea! Not only did I love hearing about your couponing deals and freebies, I really needed the reminder to not spend money on something I don’t need just because I have a coupon. I’m definitely guilty of that from time to time. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
Thanks Rebecca 😉
I think we’re ALL guilty of this from time to time!
Summer says
I actually did use some of the offers to replace some stuff this holiday season. (KItchen towels, entrance rugs, winter items.) I did find myself getting irrated when I added in ‘extra coupons’ and it came off my totals— and then I had to find MORE for free shipping!!! I spent one or two sessions online actually looking for some items I knew would be used, because honestly they were close to giving away some things!
I had the whole stack of coupons in an envelop with the ‘Stores’ written on the front and we did run around a few days, but really didn’t even find anything. We really ‘needed’ nothing.
FYI, I am not sure if you ever Salvation Army shop, but I think there is one near you. They have sales at least once a month. The sale we just hit yesterday was all clothing was $.99. We found some great stuff! If you like them on Facebook, they announce their sales. Annnnd we did drop off a bunch of donations too! I like actually seeing and feeling items before I purchase them, so I skip the Thred up and such. However, I don’t have a pack of tiny ones either to help me shop anymore. 🙂
Andrea says
yes, we have 2 Salvation Army store fairly close to our house, but I’ve never been there! two of the other stores we regularly go to always have all their kid’s clothing for $.99 — and sometimes it’s still BOGO or BOG2 — amazing!!
I actually don’t mind going with the older 3 — I just hate taking a baby, so we go on Saturdays when Dave can stay home with Clara!
Rachael says
This is a great reminder! Thanks so much!
Jenny says
This last Christmas seemed to be the most challenging in this regard. Dozens or more of emails and flyers every day with offers, coupons, etc. Overwhelming! But, like you, I didn’t go crazy though it would have been easy to trick myself into thinking I was getting such great deals that I couldn’t pass them up.
Andrea says
yes!! I was getting 3-5 emails a day! I unsubscribed to most of them now and get almost nothing anymore. We’ll see what happens next Christmas and how many email lists I get added to :_
Michelle says
A good reminder for those January sales.
We escaped the cold – NM cold, not MI cold – this weekend and visited the Dolphinaris in Scottsdale. So much fun!! Worth the trip if you can make it.
Andrea says
have fun in Arizona!!
Katie Molloy says
My grandpa always said, “It’s not a bargain if you don’t need it!” And so nice of you to give the coupon for the boutique to someone already in line – I bet you made her day! 🙂
Andrea says
exactly!