Bargains and Great Deals

Start the year off right with this list of collected suggestions (thanks to all the Eden Baptist ladies who contributed!) to help us be frugal shoppers....

And feel free to offer your own idea below, if you want!

Groupon.com:

¨ Online coupons which change daily

¨ Half price offers on a huge variety of things

Dollar Store:

¨ Wrapping paper, gift bags, greeting cards, tissue paper, party supplies

¨ 3 liter bottles of pop

¨ Kids’ shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath

¨ Children’s color books, pool floaties

¨ hair accessories (barrettes, clips, etc.)

¨ Note on “bargain” cleaning supplies: (One woman’s observation)

"Bargain" cleaning supplies usually aren't. I have found that you get what you pay for in most cases. Either they don't work as well, or you have to use 2 or 3 times as much product to even begin to get it to work so that isn't much of a bargain.”

Craigslist: (Check to make sure offer is in your area…)

¨ household furniture type-item, bookshelf, wall shelf, bunk beds, etc.

¨ job postings are often listed here

Happenings Entertainment Book: (online $19.99 w/no shipping)

¨ Split the cost & share it with a friend

¨ Dining, sports, entertainment, attractions, educational spots, hotels, rental cars, lots more!

Turnstyle Consignment Stores:

¨ Designer clothing at huge discounts

¨ Several locations including Burnsville

Little Caesar’s Pizza

¨ For decent family pizza (that kids especially love) they offer large pepperoni for $5

¨ They offer a punch card, further reducing cost; also offer free $5 gift card if you purchase a $25 gift card

Kwik Trip

¨ Bananas $.38 per lb

¨ Milk $2/gallon; also offers milk punch card, saving even more

¨ Great prices on bread and buns, also eggs & butter

Aldi’s – low prices without the hassle of coupons (bring own bags & pay w/cash)

¨ Chips, crackers, cereal, mac –n- cheese, lunch meat, produce, canned veg

¨ Fresh flowers, salmon,

¨ Most items “Aldi’s” brand but offer money-back guarantee if not satisfied

¨ Bring your own groc. bags and pay with cash

Michael’s

¨ 8 pack notecards - $1

¨ Weekly 40-50% off coupons

Ikea

¨home organization options

¨ compare prices: huge variety doesn’t always mean best value

Medford Outlet Mall

¨ Thursdays they put out “new” product’ & often discount old

¨ Email discount coupons sent out if you sign up

Unique Thrift Store

¨ 25% off at Unique on Tuesdays; VIP Card gives same discount Fridays

¨ 50% off most holidays

¨ One woman’s observation: “Even with all the thrift store and online options out there, garage sales are still the best bet on finding cheap kids’ clothing & shoes. (Except for hand-me-downs, which are AWESOME!!!)

Sunday Paper Coupons

¨ Combine store ‘specials’ with manufacturer coupons for biggest discounts

¨ Get an inexpensive coupon holder and cut each week, have on hand for shopping

Online Coupons – don’t forget to go on a manufacturer’s website

Minnesota Historical Society - for local educational and cultural attractions

¨ Family membership for a year often only slightly higher cost than a single visit (by a family)

¨ Membership gives no cost entrance for a calendar year to state-wide attractions including Mill City Museum, Fort Snelling, James J Hill & Alexander Ramsey house, North Shore Lighthouse and many more attractions

Lingerie: And yes, I did have one brave soul offer a lingerie suggestion….(probably because of all the husbands that do this kind of shopping for their wives…J)

¨ Comparison shop as many things offered at Victoria’s Secret can be found much cheaper (though very similar) at other retailers

Have another suggestion? Leave it as a comment below...