Since couponing, I have found that I can get some really nice stuff free. The deals vary by store and some are getting a little more scarce but are still close to free when they happen. Things have changed in the past year, whether it was the economy or whether it was the influx of new couponers from the Extreme Couponing show (feel free to watch this episode in case you haven't caught it yet with my favorite, Tiffany and least favorite, J'aime or another one). Either way, having a stockpile of a few items is always great because then you can hold off until you see the next sale to get items for free or nearly free.
Top 10 Free Personal Care Items
1. Dental Floss: We used to get this really nice Glide dental floss from our dentist but he started giving out a new mint one that I don't like. My husband likes the cinnamon or spearmint Reach dental floss. There are always coupons out for them so I get them free or make money on them every time I get them. If they cost even a few cents, I put it back on the shelf.
2. Toothbrushes: I used to use the one that my dentist gave me during my six month cleanings but now I can afford to change brushes a lot more often because I used to get brush free but more recently I haven't seen the toothbrushes included so I guess that is a sign that I will have my stockpile to last me a long time until the next deal is coming.
3. Toothpaste: Not sure how much toothpaste one family can use but I have a ton. Both my husband and I prefer Crest and I can usually get the Crest free if I wait for the deals. I also get Colgate because my extended family is not as picky. My mom told me that they haven't bought toothpaste in years now because they just get my "extras."
4. Shavers: There are so many coupons and savings with drugstores and others that I haven't had to pay for a razor since I started couponing. I have tons of them to last for a long time. The other great thing is that I am using much nicer shavers then when I had to pay out of pocket for them.
5. Shave Gel: I have gotten a few shave gels for super cheap and near free. This is one of the deals that seems to getting fewer and farther between. I really enjoy the Skintimate Cream Shave Gel which is normally around $5 at CVS. I have gotten a few at a good price but don't have any stockpile left of this one so I will have to go with a few different travel versions to hold me over to the next bargain on my favorite one :)
6. Soap and Shower Gel: I have gotten so many different types of shower gels and soaps. I use the ones that I like and give friends and family ones that I think that they will like. I had some medical issues and the doctor suggested only using soap with no scents and colors added so now I don't even get to use the fancy ones that I have gotten.
7. Pads/Tampons: I have an under the bed box filled with all of the femine care items that I got for free. I just pull out another box when I finish one and replenish when I get them for free again. This is one of my favorites because there is nothing like spending money on something you are just going to throw in the trash. (Don't get me started on the cost of trash bags!!!)
8. Mouthwash and Fluoride Rinses: After I got pregnant, my teeth started giving me a lot of trouble. For the last three years, I have used a lot of fluoride rinses :) The great news is that I had a huge stockpile of different kinds to try. I have used lots and not made a dent. This is a hard one because they do expire and it is hard to track how long a bottle lasts because they are all different sizes.
9. Eye Drops and Contact Lens Solution: I have gotten tons of these free and I don't even use them. My cousin and sister in law both use them so they are taken care of for years at a time. I usually only get them when they are moneymakers since I don't use them but I do get them if someone tells me that they need some more :)
10. Lotions: I don't use a ton of lotions but I get what I need for free. I have gotten really great brands like Eucerin, Keri, Aveeno, and others for free. My grandmother prefers Aveeno so I save lots of those for her. Other family members have their preferences and I share with them when I have something that I think that they will like. My mom prefers St. Ives and I have never gotten their lotion for free so she has had to settle for some of the other ones.
11. Hair Products: I don't use a lot of hair products but I get them for my cousin, mom and sister in law. I put together a pile for each of them so that the next holiday, I just pull some stuff out of the pile so that I have their gifts all together. I got some fancy root lifter for my mom which was normally $7-$8 for free and gave it to her for Christmas. The great thing about the gift is that they would have had to pay the full price so it is a super great gift because they probably wouldn't have spent that much so it is a special treat.
12. Air Fresheners: I get tons and tons of air fresheners with coupons and promotions. The fancy air fresheners that auto sense when you pass them. In a million years, I never would have bought them pre-couponing so they are a special extra. I put one in the basement near the laundry so that even if it is stinky, it always smells good. I have heard other bloggers put some of them in their cars so I know that there are a ton of uses for them, especially when gotten for free.
The best part about getting stuff you need for free, is that it frees up room in the budget for other things. Some families use it to make ends meet but for others, it helps them to be able to afford more non-coupon groceries, vacations, or meals at restaurants. The great thing is that you can do with it what you want and get the deals you are interested in or that meet your families needs. I am going to have to think about the personal care items that we are specific about that we set aside room in our budget for and let you know that soon!!
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