I realize that the title of this post could trigger whatever the modern-day version of “duh” (I realize that dates me). However, I’m not sure if it’s merely the discovery aspect of an unadvertised deal or if unadvertised deals are somehow inherently better deals. Whichever they may be, they are of my favorite kinds of deals to score. And, there’s a corollary to this principle. This applies to all stores, even the ones you may consider “pricey!”
Stores like Walgreens and Target usually have clearance items marked with red tags and placed at the ends of the aisles. However, once in a while, clearance items are left on the shelves. At my local grocery store recently, I found some organic whole bean coffee, which normally sells for $12, marked as clearance for $4. At first I thought that maybe it was old and something was wrong with it. So, I only bought one as a test. It was just fine. So, I went back and stocked up. The price is back up again. I’m sure they were just clearing out stock. It was good timing for us, good pricing for us…and delicious!
I’ve heard some people say that they won’t shop at Whole Foods because it’s just too expensive. I wouldn’t tell anyone to go to any store that’s out of their way to browse aisles and shelves for deals. However, if it is a relatively easy stop for you, it would be worth it. I happened to be browsing the aisles at Whole Foods last week and found the Garden of Life probiotic that we give our children that I normally order online for about $18 (the best price I’ve found anywhere) for $16.99. So, saving a dollar is nice but nothing to write home about. It just so happens that the Whole Foods website has a $5 off coupon for any Garden of Life probiotic. Yep! What they normally sell for$24.99 and what I normally buy for $18, I bought for $11.99 last night. Now, that’s a deal!
What’s the best unadvertised deal you discovered recently?
I have to confess that for me, when I can combine a coupon with a clearance item at any time of the year, it feels like Christmas! 
Target has some great, fun and very practical items being marked down right now. Here is a list of a few that have been spotted. But, always check your local store since sales and clearance deals can vary both from one region to another and from store to store. Happy hunting!
M&M’s Salty & Sweet Snack Mix, 8 oz (reg $2.49) $2.11, clearance price
Use $1.00/1 M&M’s Chocolate Candies Snack Mix, 8 oz or larger from RP 1/13 (exp 2/24)
Or $1.00/1 M&M’s Chocolate Candies Snack Mix, 8 oz from RP 12/9 (exp 1/20)
Final Price: $1.11
Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, 14 oz (reg $1.99) $0.98, clearance price
Archer Farms Frozen Spinach & Artichoke Purses, 10 oz (reg $4.99) $2.48, clearance price
Herbal Essences Split End Protector, 6 oz (reg $4.99) $2.48, clearance price
Use $1.00/1 Herbal Essences or Aussie Product, excludes trial/travel size, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 12/30 (exp 1/31)
Final Price: $1.48
Select Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Hair Color (reg $7.99) $3.98, clearance price
Use$1.00/1 Clairol Color Product or Herbal Color, excludes trial size, Limit 4 like coupons per household per day from RP 1/6 (exp 2/28)
Or $1.00/1 Clairol Natural Instincts or Nice ‘n Easy Hair Color, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 12/30 (exp 1/31)
Final Price: $2.98
Vicks Nature Fusion Nighttime Relief, 8 oz (reg $7.49) $3.74, clearance price
Vicks Nature Fusion Caplets, 20 ct (reg $7.49) $3.74, clearance price
Use $1.50/1 Vicks Nature Fusion, excludes VapoDrops and ZzzQuil, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 12/30 (exp 1/31)
And use $2.00/2 Vicks Cough/Cold Relief Items, excludes trial size, limit 4 identical coupons per household per day, Target Coupon from Hi, Coupons! (exp 2/20)
Or $0.50/1 Vicks Nature Fusion Cough/Cold Relief Item, excludes trial/travel size, Target Coupon from A Daily Dose of Cha Ching coupon book (exp 1/26)
Final Price: $1.24
Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste, 7 oz Plus Free Travel Size, 0.8 oz (reg $3.69) $3.13, clearance price
Use $1.00/1 Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste, 5.6 oz or larger from RP 1/6 (exp 3/3)
Or
$0.50/1 – Aquafresh Extreme Clean – (aquafresh.com)
Final Price: $2.13
Crest Pro-Health For Life, 16.9 oz (reg $4.49) $3.81, clearance price
Use $1.50/1 Crest Rinse, 458 ml or larger, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 12/30 (exp 1/31)
Final Price: $2.31
Febreze Holiday Set & Refresh (reg $2.99) $1.48, clearance price
Use $2.00/2 Febreze Car Vent Clips or Set & Refresh Starter Kits, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 12/30 (exp 1/31)
Or $3.00/3 Febreze Products, excludes trial/travel size, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from RP 12/9 (exp 1/31)
Final Price: $0.48 each, when you buy 2
WordLock Flexible Steel Cable Bike Lock (reg $14.99) $7.48, clearance price
Shaun White Backpacks 50% Off
GE Energy Smart LED Candle Bulb (reg $11.99) $5.98, clearance price
Use $1.00/1 GE Energy Smart, Reveal CFL, Energy Efficient Reveal or Energy Efficient Soft White Lighting Products from SS 1/6 (exp 3/6)
And use $3.00/1 GE Lighting Item, limit 4 identical coupons per household per day, Target Coupon from
Hi, Coupons! (exp 2/20)
Or
$2.00/1 – GE Energy Smart CFL, Halogen, Reveal or LED Item, limit one coupon or offer per guest, Target Coupon – (target.com)
Final Price: $1.98
Hot Wheels High Speed Wheels! (reg $2.19) $0.65, clearance price
Select Leap Frog Tag Books 70% Off
Thomas & Friends Talking Diesel and Thomas (reg $24.99) $7.48, clearance price
And, if you’re like me and have little ones with birthdays coming up, a good toy deal is hard to pass up! Will you be picking up any post-Christmas “gifts” at Target this week?
I’m sure by this time in the season, most people are not thinking about going to buy a pair of boots…unless, your old pair is ready to be replaced (like mine is!), you don’t have a good pair or you don’t want to miss out on a great deal on some boots! Clearance time is one of my favorite times of every season!
Right now, Amazon and 6pm have some great deals on boots. They have boots that are 40-75%! With Amazon, you never know how long before the prices change. But, for now, check out some of these deals:
If they had my size, I would have bought them just before posting this. I love these! And, only $34.99 at 6pm.
Here’s another great looking pair that’s $23.70, that’s 70% off at 6pm.com!
Over at Amazon, this Rockport ankle boot was originally $150. You can get it for $41.64 and ships free!
There are so many styles and brands that are on sale that I could go on and on. Remember, at 6pm.com everything ships free. And, at Amazon, if the shoe is being sold directly by Amazon and costs more than $25, that will ship free also.
So, why wait for next season to think about getting boots, when you can get them on clearance now? 
Is it time for you to get some new boots?
If you are anything like I am, you have been counting down until the acceptable date to decorate for Christmas. I know that some wait until December 1. However, I am in the day-after-Thanksgiving camp! I guess I should call it the day formerly known as the day after Thanksgiving and now known as “Black Friday.” While I love all the Christmas decorations, I have already been thinking about what to buy the day after Christmas, which (thankfully) does not have another name.
I am doing something a little more strategic to prepare for the day after Christmas this year. I’m making a list of things I need to replace or get for next year. Our wreath is one of those that I bought green and added the pieces to decorate. It’s taken a little hit over the last couple of years. So, some of those pieces are gone. So, that’s made it on my list for post Christmas shopping.
Also, we always add special ornaments, ones that represent highlights of the year, on our tree each year. And, I have no shame in buying and putting them on the tree the day after Christmas. Our tree is up until the 1st of January. So, I don’t mind. Besides, then we have it for the following year. However, as I was decorating the tree this year, I realized that we actually need more of the simple red ornaments we use as a base for all the decor. So, that’s on my list.
We also lost a couple of strings of lights. How long are those supposed to be good? Anyway, we’ll get lights this year too.
So, make your list now while it’s all fresh in your mind…before the next Turkey goes in the oven! And, check it twice before it all gets discounted 50-75% off. It’ll be worth it.
Are you planning on shopping the day after Christmas?
I’m amazed at how quickly decorations go from “Trick or Treat” to “Merry Christmas” in drug stores and grocery stores every year. I was out looking for costume items for my children when I noticed Christmas decorations already up in one store. Now, I’m a huge Christmas fan; but, even I think it’s a shame that Thanksgiving so often gets less love in its place in the holiday line up! Thankfully, this month’s sales should help us in our preparation of the big Thanksgiving feast!
Baking Goods
This is my favorite category…every month! This month look for nuts, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut as well as cake and brownie mixes to be on sale.
Holiday Staples
There are always deals on turkeys! Unfortunately, they are usually specific brands and are not usually the all-natural or organic. Nevertheless, expect to see promotions on turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes, ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows, hot cocoa, olives, fried onion topping and broth.
Seasonal Produce
Keep in mind that even with produce that is usually discounted at this time of the year, it may vary from one store to another. I’ve been looking for apples to be on sale for a while now at my local grocery store. But, to no avail (so far). I won’t stop looking. Here are a few things you can expect to be discounted in November: apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkin, squash and yams.
Halloween Clearance
The best time to get great deals on holiday items is the day after that holiday! So, get your Halloween decorations now. Look for door decorations, spider webs, candy bowls, yard and outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins and tablecloths, window clings, pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights among other Halloween-related items. And don’t forget to pick up next year’s costumes while they’re on clearance!
Cold/Flu Season
This is the yucky but necessary category. We should see deals on cough drops, flu/cold medicine, tissues and lip balm.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday
Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Do your homework to make sure you are getting the best deal!
What’s your favorite November sale category?
Target clearance items are some of my favorite items for which to use my coupons. Clearance items can vary from store to store. However, I thought I’d give you a heads up on a few things that have been spotted on clearance at Target this week. Just be sure to take your coupons with you to your local Target in case you find other fun unexpected items on clearance when you get there!
Circo Girls Bubble Skirt (reg. $5.00) $2.50, clearance price
Circo Kids Swim Hat with Sun Protection (reg. $7.99) $3.98, clearance price
Conair Beauty Storage Bag (reg. $11.99) $5.98, clearance price
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Irritation Defense, 2.5 oz (reg. $1.49) $1.04, clearance price
Use $1.00/1 Gillette Fusion Shave Prep or Pro Series Skin Care, limit 4 like coupons per household per day, from PG 8/26 (exp 9/30)
Final Price: $0.04
Leap Frog Tag Junior Winnie the Pooh Piglet Saves the Day Game (reg. $10.99) $5.48, clearance price
Mott’s For Tots All Natural Fruit Snacks, 10 ct (reg. $2.19) $1.53, clearance price
Use $0.75/2 Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit Flavored Snacks, Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks, Mott’s Fruit Flavored Snacks OR Sunkist Fruit Flavored Snacks, no other coupon may be used with this coupon from GM 8/5 (exp 9/29)
Or
$0.60/2 – Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers or Fruit Roll-Up. Ocean Spray, Mott’s or Sunkist Fruit Snacks – (boxtops4education.com)
Final Price: $1.16 each, when you buy 2
Nerf Motorized Super Soakers Water Guns (reg. $9.99-$19.99) $4.98-$9.98, clearance price
RE Folding Jelly Chair (reg. $16.00) $8.00, clearance price
Have you scored great clearance deals at Target?
I know. I know. You think I’m crazy for mentioning the “H” word in August. Perhaps it is because I live in one of the hottest cities in the nation, or just because I can be a romantic, I’m already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, it’s not just for romance sake; there’s a practical side too.
Who says we have to wait until commercials tell us to go buy Christmas presents in order to buy Christmas presents? I have found some great deals lately that I’ve decided to turn into Christmas gifts. I recently got a great deal on a couple of educational toys for my children. Everything in me wants to give it to them now. However, it will be just as fun and just as educational in just a few months. So, I’m throwing some Christmas wrapping paper around them now (in order to keep me from caving)!
There are great deals on office and school supplies now. That includes crayons and craft supplies. So, while it’s fun to use all these crafts and crayons now, think through what you may want to save or use as part of a gift just a few months from now.
If you live in a city like mine, you can actually keep wearing some summer attire in the fall and winter. So, as summer items go on clearance, think about clothes that may work as gifts where appropriate.
Companies like Shutterfly and VistaPrint make offers available all year long. Walgreens and Target sometimes have free print deals. Keep an eye out for any offer that may work as a gift for a friend or family member (whoever would appreciate pictures of your family). Right now, VistaPrint has a fantastic deal on a personalized calendar. You can post your own pictures and personalize dates on a 12-month calendar (you decide the 12-month period). The calendar is free; shipping is $5.32. Head over to VistaPrint between now and August 31 to take advantage of this great gift idea!
Have you started your Christmas/holiday shopping yet?
On clearance for $14 (down from $24.97) this 8 piece towel set at Walmart.com.
10 colors to choose from.
Free site-to-store shipping!
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