31 Ways to Save in 2011: saving on family entertainment

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Going to the public attractions in your area such as the zoo or The Children’s Museum is a fun family activity, but it could easily be a budget buster, too! In my area, a trip to the zoo would cost $40 for our family of four and a trip to the children’s museum would be $32 (plus $7 for parking).

Here are some tips for helping to save on family entertainment:

*Check the website – In my area, the zoo and the children’s museum both have times where you can get free admission listed on the website!

*Check with local grocery stores – Many times, local grocery stores will offer discounted admission to area attractions when you purchase tickets at the customer service desk

*Buy a City pass – Some cities offer a “City Pass” that offers heavily discounted admission to area attractions at a bundled rate.  The “catch” is that you usually only have nine days to access all of the activities included in the pass, but this is perfect if you’re visiting a city on vacation or if you’re on spring break, summer vacation, or Christmas break!  Click here to see if a City Pass is available for your city.

*Watch for free offers from businesses:

Bank of America offers free admission to more than 125 museums nationwide the first weekend of every month if you have a Bank of America credit or debit card!  In my area, this includes the zoo and the children’s museum!  Check to see what’s included in your area here.

Target Supports the Arts provides more than 2,200 free events at over 120 locations nationwide.  The Museum of Fine Arts in my area is free the first Sunday of every month, but they have also sponsored free events at the zoo and the art museum.  Find out what free events Target sponsors in your city here.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Make it a Blockbuster night….for free!!

If you get a three day weekend, take it easy and watch a free movie from Blockbuster Express!  You can get a free one night rental when you enter the code ESU11B at check-outThis code is valid through January 18th. 

The following code is also available: 14CH2DX (expires 1/20)

The code can be used once per card.  Search for a participating Blockbuster Express kiosk in your area here.

NOTE: You will be charged a fee of $1 per night if you do not return the movie by 9 p.m. on the night following your initial rental.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Walgreens deals for the week of 1/16

If you are new to shopping at Walgreens, make sure you check out my tips for shopping at Walgreens here.  If you need coupons for the deals this week, check out My Coupon Hunter!

These are not all of the weekly RR deals.  These are just some of the highlights!

FREEBIES:

Buy Full Fast Appetite Control Spray – $10, get a $10 RR
Final Price = FREE after RRs 

Buy Joint Juice Glucosamine Chondroitin – $10, get a $10 RR
$1/1 Joint Juice printable
Final Price = $1 moneymaker after coupons/RR

Buy Pill Glide Swallowing Spray – $5, get a $5 RR (this is a monthly deal)
Final Price = FREE after RR

Buy Thermacare Pain Relief Heatwrap – $2.50, get a $2.50 RR
$1/1 Thermacare, any printable
Final Price = $1 moneymaker after coupon/RRs

Spend $5 on participating Vicks products, get a $5 RR or spend $20 on participating Vicks products, get a $10 RR
-Vicks NyQuil, DayQuil (20 ct) or liquid (10 oz), or Formula 44 (6 oz) – $5/each
$1.50/1 Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – 1-16 PG
$4/1 Vicks Sinex – 12-26 PG

SCENARIO:
Buy 4 Sinex – $5 each

Use 4 $4 coupons

Spend $4 OOP, get a $10 RR
Final Price = $6 moneymaker

Buy 4 Vicks NyQuil/DayQuil – $5/each

Use 4 $1.50 coupons

Spend $14 OOP, get a $10 RR
Final Price = $4 for 4 ($1 each)

RR DEALS:

Buy Cascade Powder, Gel, or Actionpacs (15 ct) – $3.99, get a $1 RR
$.25/1 Cascade – 12-26 PG
Final Price = $2.74 after coupons/RR

Buy 2 Chloraseptic, get a $5 RR (PSA $3.99)
$1/1 Chloraseptic printable

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Chloraseptic – $3.99/each

Use 2 $1 coupons

Spend $5.98 OOP, get a $5 RR
Final Price = $.98 after coupons/RR

Buy Gillette Fusion Pr-Glide manual or power razor – $9.99, get a $5 RR
$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide – 12-26 PG
Final Price = $.99 after coupon/RR


Buy Kotex maxi pads, pantiliners, or tampons – 3/$9, get a $3 RR
$2/2 Kotex – 1-16 SS
Final Price = 3/$4 after coupons/RR

Buy Listerine (Pocketpacks, Zero/Total Care/Advanced mouthwash) – $2.99, get a $1 RR
$1/1 Listerine – 1-9 SS, 10-10 RP
Final Price = $.99 after coupons/RR
NOTE:  This is the same RR as the Reach deal below

Buy Pantene hair care – 2/$7, get a $2 RR
$3/2 Pantene products – 12-26 PG
Final Price = 2/$2 after coupons/RR


Buy Pampers Jumbo Pack diapers – 2/$18, get a $3 RR
$1.50/1 Pampers – 12-26 PG
Final Price = 2/$12 after coupons/RR ($6/each!)


Buy Reach Advanced Design toothbrushes (2 pk) – $2.99, get a $1 RR
$2/2 Reach toothbrushes printable
BOGO free Reach toothbrush – 1-3-10 RP
$1/1 Reach toothbrush – 10-10 RP


SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Reach Advanced Design toothbrushes – $2.99


Use BOGO free coupon
Use $1/1 coupon

Spend $1.99 OOP, get a $1 RR
Final Price = $.99 for four toothbrushes after coupons/RR!

Buy Tom’s of Maine – $3.99, get a $3 RR (includes toothpaste, deodorant, and mouthwash)
Final Price = $.99 after RR

OTHER DEALS:

Carefree Pantiliners (22 ct) – $.99 (w/ in ad coupon)
$.50/1 Carefree – 1-9 SS
$.50/1 Carefree printable
Final Price = $.49 after coupons

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (5.8 oz, PSA $4.29) – STOCK UP PRICE!
$.75/1 Colgate Total – 1-2 SS, 1-16 SS
$1/1 Colgate Total – Diabetes & You Magazine (found near the pharmacy in Walgreens stores)
$1/1 Colgate Total Walgreens store coupon – Diabetes & You Magazine

SCENARIO:
Buy 2 Colgate Total Advanced – $4.29

-$4.29 (from BOGO free promotion)
-$2 (2 $1 manufacturer’s coupons)
-$2 (store coupon should deduct $2)

Final Price = $.29 OOP ($.15/each!)
NOTE:  I did this deal last week and it worked perfectly!  No beeps or glitches!

Dulcolax Balance – $6.49
$3/1 Dulcolax printable
$3/1 Dulcolax Walgreens in ad coupon
Final Price = $.49 each after coupons

Kraft Homestyle macaroni & cheese – 3/$5
$1/1 Kraft Homestyle Mac & cheese – 1-16 SS
$1/2 Kraft Homestyle Mac & cheese – Walgreens January coupon book (you can find this by the ads in the front of the store)
Final Price = $.17 each (when you buy 6)

Valentine’s M&Ms – 2/$5
$1/2 Mars holiday candy (includes M&Ms) printable
$1/2 M&Ms – Walgreens January coupon book (you can find this by the registers in the front of the store)
Final Price = 2/$3 after coupons

FILLER ITEMS:
*Arizona tea – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)
*Dawn dish liquid – $.99 (w/ in ad coupon) – $.74 after both coupons
$.25/1 Dawn – 12-26 PG
*Mars candy – $.49 (w/ in ad coupon)
*Novelty Valentine candy – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)
*W candy (3.5-9.5 oz) – $.49
*Wrigley’s Extra gum – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)

The following scenarios are for people who are new to shopping at Walgreens or who have very few RR to “roll” into deals: $19.06 in merchandise for $3.27 OOP

NOTE:  This is assuming you don’t have the $4 Sinex coupons (these were hard to come by!)  If you do have these coupons, start with the scenario under the Sinex match-ups above

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy Thermacare Heat wrap – $2.50

Use $1/1 Thermacare coupon

Spend $1.50 OOP, get a $2.50 RR

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine deodorant, toothpaste, or mouthwash – $3.99

Use $2.50 Thermacare RR

Spend $1.49 OOP, get a $3 RR

TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Listerine – $2.99
Buy 2 Colgate toothpastes – $4.29/each (BOGO free)
Buy 2 Wrigley’s gum – 2/$1 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use $1/1 coupon
Use 2 $1/1 Colgate manufacturer’s coupon
Use $1/1 Colgate Walgreens coupon (from Diabetes & You magazine) – will deduct $2
Use $3 Tom’s of Maine RR

Spend $.28, get a $1 RR

MY PLAN:  I am starting with a $5 RR$50.52 in merchandise for $4.24 OOP, $2.50 RR left to spend

TRANSACTION #1:
Buy 1 Gillette Fusion Pro Glide razor – $9.99
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use $5 RR
Use $4 Gillette razor coupon

Spend $1.49 OOP, get a $5 RR

TRANSACTION #2:
Buy 2 Chloraseptic – $3.99/each
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)

Use 2 $1 Chloraseptic coupons
Use $5 Gillette RR

Spend $1.48 OOP, get a $5 RR
TRANSACTION #3:
Buy 1 Tom’s of Maine – $3.99
Buy 2 Reach toothbrushes – $2.99/each

Use BOGO free Reach coupon
Use $1/1 Reach coupon
Use $5 RR

Spend $.98, get a $3 RR and a $1 RR

TRANSACTION #4:
Buy 1 Thermacare heat wrap – $2.50
Buy 1 Wrigley’s gum – $.50 (w/ in ad coupon)
Buy 2 Colgate toothpaste – $4.29 (BOGO free)
Buy 6 Kraft Homestyle macaroni & cheese – 3/$5

Use $1 Thermacare coupon
Use $3 Tom’s of Maine RR
Use 2 $1 Colgate coupons
Use Walgreens Colgate coupon (will deduct $2)
Use 6 $1 Kraft Homestyle coupons
Use $1/2 Walgreens Kraft coupon (should deduct $3)

Spend $.29 OOP, get a $2.50 RR

FAQS: (Check out Walgreens new coupon policy here!)

Do you do multiple transactions at one store on one visit?
It just depends. Several stores in my area have gone to a “one RR per item per day” rule, which means I can’t do more than one transaction where I’m earning RR for the same product at the same store. Some of the stores in my area also will not let you use the RR you earn from one transaction on another transaction in that same visit.  I’m fortunate to have several stores within a few minutes of my house, so I usually try to break up transactions at different stores and on different days to stay in the good graces of my stores.

What is Walgreens policy on using BOGO free coupons with a BOGO free offer, adjusting down coupons, etc.? 
The new coupon policy does not really using a BOGO free coupon with a BOGO free promotion, but it does say you can use up to two coupons as long as the total doesn’t go below zero, so, you SHOULD be able to do this!!

Walgreens coupon policy is now to adjust the value of coupons down – YAY!!

Some helpful tips:
*At Walgreens, you can use ONE manufacturer’s coupon and ONE store coupon per item (always give the store coupon last to avoid problems)

*At Walgreens, you cannot do a promotion more than once in a transaction and earn Register Rewards. (for example, if you buy 2 Listerine, you will only earn a RR for one)

*You also typically cannot use the Register Rewards earned from a promotion on the same promotion and earn Register Rewards again. For example, if you buy the kid vitamins and use the RR from that to buy more, the RR will not print

*Register Rewards are considered to be “manufacturer’s coupons” and you can only use one manufacturer’s coupon per item. You will have to add “filler” items if you are using a manufacturer’s coupon and a RR. The in ad coupons often have good, inexpensive filler items. (check out the weekly match-ups for ideas)

*If you are using more than one RR in a transaction, always give the RR with the highest value FIRST. Sometimes strange things happen with coupons and taxes and even if you think you have planned out your scenario very well, you will end up with more overage than you planned for.

*If you are buying items that would result in a “free” item or “overage” when combining a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon, give the manufacturer’s coupon FIRST, and the store coupons LAST to avoid beeping/issues at the register! Make sure that you are purchasing enough items in your total transaction to “cover” the overage. You will not get cash back and you will have to add items to cover the overage or they will not take the coupon.

*If your Register Reward doesn’t print for some reason and you have fulfilled all of the obligations for the “deal” (including not using RR from the same parent company to pay) DO NOT let them tell you it is because you used coupons! Chances are they didn’t print because the catalina machine is not working. You have two choices: you can return your items and try again or you can contact the catalina company by doing the following:
*The store will give you a form to fill out and mail in to catalina
*Call 1-877-210-1917, option 1

This post is part of Becentsable’s Grocery Gathering.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Magazine Deals: Parenting – The Early years 2 year subscription for $4.99!

Tanga’s “Deal of the Day” today is a one year subscription to Parenting:  The Early Years for just $4.99! This magazine is geared toward moms of kids ages 0-5. They’ve had Amazon 20% off diaper coupons and Gymboree coupons for several months now and for that price, I don’t want to miss out on any more hot coupons! 

Go here and click on “Parenting:  The Early Years” Then, click on the red “Buy” button and enter the code “EARLY”.  You can make payment using Paypal or any major credit card.

Right now, you can also get Shape Magazine for $3.99.  This magazine has 12 issues per subscription and you can order up to 3 years at once.  Start your Shape subscription today by clicking here.  Make sure you enter the code SHAPE at check-out to get the discount.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.

Babies ‘R Us deals: 70% off clothing plus Buy 2, Get 1 free baby care!

Babies ‘R Us has some HOT deals right now that you won’t want to miss out on!  While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a FREE copy of January’s American Baby magazine.  It has a coupon for 20% off a diaper purchase on Amazon.com!

Babies’ R Us has a HOT new printable coupon that gives you a free reusable tote plus 40% off all the clothing and shoes you can fit in the tote! This is a great time to stock up on fall and winter clothing for next year as well as shoes for your kids!  (Don’t forget to check out my post from yesterday about “Clothing Your Kids on a Budget”)

You can print the coupon here and it is valid through 1/23/2011! Limit one coupon per guest. Bring your coupon to guest services to receive your free tote. Quantities limited. No rainchecks.

It’s time to stock up on baby products during the Toys ‘R Us/Babies ‘R Us “stock up” sale. Baby personal care items are Buy 2, get 1 free right now!  Even if you don’t have babies that you need to buy for, this is a great time to buy for baby showers!

Here are a few scenarios for you:

If you need diaper creme:

Desitin – $3.79/each (according to online pricing)
$1/1 Desitin printable
$1/1 Desitin – 1-9 SS2

SCENARIO:
Buy 3 Desitin – $3.79 each

-$3.79 (store Buy 2, get 1 free promotion)
-$3 (3 $1 coupons)

Spend $4.58 OOP ($1.53/each)

If you need shampoo or body wash:

Aveeno baby shampoo is priced at $4.79 (according to online pricing)
$1/1 Aveeno baby products – 1-9 SS
$1/1 Aveeno baby products printable
Free Full Size Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion when you buy 3 participating products printable

SCENARIO:
Buy 3 Aveeno baby shampoo – $4.79/each

-$4.79 (store Buy 2, get 1 free promotion)
-$3 (3 $1 coupons)

Spend $6.58 OOP
*Submit for the free lotion – $6.58 for four products ($1.65/each!)

Buy Johnson’s Head to Toe body wash or baby shampoo – $3.79/each (based on online pricing)
$1/1 Johnson’s baby product – 1-9 SS2
$.75/1 Johnson’s bubble bath or baby wash printable

SCENARIO
Buy 3 Johnson’s baby shampoo or body wash – $3.79/each

-$3.79 (Buy 2, Get 1 free store promotion)
-$3 (3 $1 coupons)

Spend $4.58 OOP ($1.53/each)

**You can mix or match items!

**Don’t forget about your ‘R Us rewards you earned from your holiday spending.  They expire on Friday, 1/14 and you should be able to use them with this deal!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.