Grocery Guru Tip: Get it Free at the Dollar Tree

(Just a bit of my Dollar Tree Coupon Haul)

It’s been awhile since I’ve done any of my couponing posts. This does not mean that I have stopped couponing, nor have I given up my Grocery Guru title. Nope, nearly every trip, I still arm myself with savings, but I admit, I haven’t been nearly as diligent with my coupon organization as I have in the past, and that definitely affects my savings.

I’ve been shopping at Aldi’s much more where coupons are not accepted, and price matching at Walmart as well.

Ever since Extreme Couponing, my method to saving money in the grocery store has changed. I’ve shared some strategic, grocery shopping strategies for how I attack my grocery adventures, but honestly, cutting coupons is no longer my #1 savings strategy.

So you might ask, “Are Coupons worth it then?” Yes, like I’ve stated before, they are a critical part of my savings, but it’s just not quite as easy as before, but when I find myself leaving a store with free items in hand, and I realize that some of you may not know about it, I have to share.

Head to the Dollar Tree and find things for free.

They implemented the use of coupons a few months ago. For years, I’ve had a strong love of the Dollar Store, and now it’s escalated. Since they now accept manufacturers coupons, there are some great deals to be had on a regular basis, and if you keep your eyes out, there are many items that you can get for free.

(Yes, a real life picture of the bedlam that occurred to receive my free items today.)

Today, I ran into the Dollar Tree to pick up a “few” of the staples that I purchase their regularly. (Am I the only one who can’t leave with just the ONE item I needed?) As I was checking out, nightmares of all the stacks of newspapers being held hostage in the back of my van came rushing forward. Yes, full papers with multiple coupon inserts piled high waiting for me to sort, and my schedule allowed a few extra minutes to spare.

I remembered that Jan. 6’s paper was chock full of good coupons, so I sat in the back of my van, all by myself, and just started sorting through a few inserts looking for some deals. I kind of slouched down low in my seat because observers might assume an episode of either Hoarders or Extreme Couponing was about to be filmed.  (Yes, as you view the above picture, feel free to play “I spy” in my van.)

One of the dilemmas with couponing at the Dollar Tree is that stock changes regularly. One week they may carry a brand name item and the following week, it’s gone. But if you happen upon a week where they have items in stock, you’re in for some great savings like I just got with the Nivea Lip Products.

Here are just a few of the deals that I found yesterday.

Is the Dollar Tree calling your name?

Hopefully, you have one near you so that you can take advantage of this Grocery Guru tip. It’s an easy one to implement.

Nivea Lip Products:
Nivea Coupon $3/2. You may not receive cash back, so they will take $2 off to make it FREE.

You may use 3 coupons for a total of six free Nivea lip products. My girls were thrilled!

Loreal Make Up Products:

Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my assortment of coupons inside the store, but as I started looking around with a Grocery Guru mentality, I began to see multiple items that I knew I had coupons for in the van. These FREE make up products were one of them. I will be going back with coupons in hand.

My store had many varying products available and there were two different coupons $2/1 and $3/1 both found in 1/6’s paper. These will be free.

Hefty Sliders:
Hefty $1/2 found in 1/6
Final price: $0.50

Halls: 18 count
Halls Cough Drops coupon: $1/2 17ct or more. Found in SS 1/6
Final Price $.50 each WYB 2

Colgate toothpaste
Colgate (any toothpaste) $.75/1 found in SS 1/6
Final Price $.25 (Typically, I wait for toothpaste to be free, but I snagged it anyhow. Some papers had $1 off coupon, which will make yours free, but regions vary.)

Colgate Kids Toothbrush
Colgate $.75/1 adult or kids manual toothbrush excludes Plus and Extra Clean SS 1/6
Final Price $.25

Have you found any great deals lately at the grocery store? Have you tried the Dollar Tree?

In the past, one of the largest topics I have covered here on my blog is cutting ones food expenses and saving money without using coupons.  If you need a quick little shot in the arm, spend some time perusing those old posts.

When I wrote 31 Days to More with Less, I also covered Easy and Odd Ways to Save money in the kitchen,as well as some of the basic ways I budget for food . I offer many free printables to help you get more organized in that area because sometimes it is just hard to get started. Here’s to a great new 2013 with lots of savings. 🙂