Borders: 33% off coupon, 50% off CDs and DVDs.

Borders has shaken off its post-holiday malaise and is ready to party with some new coupons. Luckily, I resolved to shop more in 2011, so this will get the year off to a good start!

• 33% off any one item
• 50% off CD and DVD box sets

Free Slimfast Peanut Butter Crunch Time bar.

It's Peanut Butter Crunch Time!
It's Peanut Butter Crunch Time!
It's Peanut Butter Crunch Time!
It's Peanut Butter Crunch Time!
All right, I'll stop. But it really is Peanut Butter Crunch Time, courtesy of this Sam's Club free sample. Normally you have to be a Sam's Club member to get these, but this time it's open to everybody, or at least everybody who gobbled 500 lbs of food over the holidays, like me.
 
PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH WITH A BASEBALL BAT!

Facebook: Get a free 64 oz carton of Cool Juice.

All juice is cool, but especially Cool Juice, which is so cool that they are giving away free cartons of juice to everyone who "likes" them on Facebook before Dec.31.

Step 1. "Like" CoolJuice
Step 2. Send ShoutOut@CoolJuice.com a message with your mailing address
Step 3. Get your coupon

I've never heard of Cool Juice, but evidently it's a 100% juice blend with no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, added sugar, artificial colors, or artificial flavors, so that sounds pretty good. If you get the coupon and find it in stores, tell us where you saw it in the comments!

Free Chik-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Biscuit.

I wasn't going to write about this at first because I was sulking about not being able to participate in the offer myself, but I very generously decided to post it anyway for those of you who live in Chik-Fil-A-having states. Sign up now for your free Spicy Chicken Biscuit.

You may recall that plenty of these fast-food freebie offers have crashed and burned, and Chik-Fil-A's solution is to have you "reserve" a date-specific coupon from Jan. 3-8, to spread the craziness out. It seems a little strict, but if that's how they ensure enough spicy chik patties for all, then I support it. I mean, I'm not going to get one anyway. *sob*

(Thanks, Elisha!)

Borders: Selected hardcover bestsellers, 50% off.

Well, as coupons go, it's kinda lame, but this is all I've got, so I'm posting it anyway: get 50% off selected hardcover bestsellers through Wed., Dec. 29. You can see a full list at the bottom of the coupon if you click the link, but it includes some royal and presidential memoirs, a dash of cookbookery, a few suspenseful thrillers, and even some sci-fi and fantasy.

Personally, I only like to buy a book after I've read it, because how do you know if it's worth owning until you've read it? But 50% off makes me 50% more likely to buy.

Reminder: Cash in $40 at Coinstar, get a bonus $10.

Don't forget, this deal is about to end on December 31! Cash in $40 at Coinstar for an e-gift card with participating merchants, and on the bottom of your receipt you'll see a promo code. Enter the code on Coinstar's website, and they'll mail you the bonus $10 gift card!


Participating merchants include Borders, Lowe's, iTunes, and Regal Cinemas. You like free books, music, DVDs, home stuff, and movie tickets, right?

Making the best of those unwanted gift cards.

In this modern age, it's hard to get through a holiday season without receiving at least one gift card (I got four myself). But do you know all the applicable federal and state laws surrounding gift cards? Of course not, and that's why this handy state-by-state guide to gift card law is so awesome. For example, here in Washington state, gift cards are redeemable for cash if the value is $5.00 or less - good to know if you assumed you HAD to spend down to the last penny (and end up spending your own money to cover the difference on that last purchase).

Lifehacker has a good article on ways to make sure you use your gift cards to their fullest, including electronic reminders when you're close to an expiration date.

And if you have a dog of a gift card that you know you'll never, ever use in a million years, consider using a trade-in site like Plastic Jungle to exchange it for one you actually will. Yeah, you'll lose a bit of value on that card, but you'll end up with something you'll really use.

A slow day in freebieland.

I don't know if the whole Internet is just knocked out from holiday fatigue or what, but there's not much stirring in the freebieverse today. Borders sent me an email announcing 50% off calendars and 50% off selected toys, games, and holiday items, so I may go and check that out later today, but we'll see.

Hope you made it through the holidays in one piece and got everything you asked Santa for!

Free coffee and tea at Peet's all day on Dec. 24!

While you're out bustling around tomorrow and doing those last few holiday errands, stop by Peet's for a free brewed coffee or tea. They'll be giving it away all day long as a thank-you to the local community.

Each Peet's store has chosen its own nonprofit organization to donate holiday fundraising efforts to, so you could also do a good deed and drop a buck or two into the collection box while you're enjoying your free beverage.

Free NPR Best Music of 2010 playlist.

NPR has a holiday gift for you: a free playlist of the best music of 2010, hand-picked by them. Download the iTunes playlist (if you don't have iTunes, it's free, but you need to download it first). The selection includes folk, electronica, jazz, and world music, so it sounds eclectic, to say the very least.

13 free iPhone city-guide travel apps from Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet has an early Xmas present for you... 13 city-guide travel apps, absolutely free (normally $9.99). Even if you're not going to one of these places right now, if you think you might in the future, it's worth the free download, since you'll have access to it forevermore. Here are the cities:

• Amsterdam
• Berlin  
• Copenhagen 
• Dublin  
• London  
• Moscow 
• Munich
• Paris 
• Prague  
• St. Petersburg  
• Stockholm  
• Vienna  
• Warsaw

If you're an Android user, they have Android versions for a mere 99 cents, too.

Borders: 33% off one item, 40% off DVDs.

Last call for pre-holiday shopping! Borders has one more round of coupons to send out before it's time to strap on those Santa beards.

• 33% off any one item
• 40% off all DVD and Blu-Ray (limit 2)

Tick tock!

Facebook: Free Aveda 'poo samples.

Aveda has 20,000 free samples of Smooth Infusion 'poo, conditioner, and style-prep smoother to give away on Facebook, and they want you to have one! Just "like" them and sign up for your free products.

Facebook: Free bag of Ruffles.

Well, if you want to get cute, it's "99 cents off a 99-cent bag," but I think we all know what that means. FREE RUFFLES.

"Like" Ruffles on Facebook and unlock the power of your 99-cent-subtracting coupon, good for the "mantastic" flavors of Molten Hot Wings and Loaded Chili & Cheese.

40% off at Ann Taylor, 30% off at Express, Gap, Old Navy.

Last-minute holiday gifting panic? Or are you all done and ready to shop for yourself? Either way, check out these clothing sales:

• 40% off everything at Gap, today only (30% off tomorrow, 25% off the next day)
• 30% off everything at Express, today only
• 40% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor with promo code SAVE40 (through Dec. 28)
• 30% off any one item at Old Navy

Shop till you drop!

Coffee-Mate Free Flavor Friday party hosting kit.

I'm intrigued by this Coffee-Mate Free Flavor Friday party hosting kit offer. Free Flavor Friday is February 4, 2011, on which date they will be giving away 100,000 free coupons for full-size bottles of Coffee-Mate flavored creamer, but I guess they want you to also throw your own themed house party to celebrate... flavored creamer.

"Choose one of four entertainment themes to host your party with kits loaded with fun activities – Bistro Baking, Classic Game Night kit, Art Party, or Office Party. Give party attendees free product coupons to purchase any one flavor of COFFEE-MATE®."

So this is the idea:

1. Sign up for a kit and choose one of the four themes.
2. If you're selected, they will send you a party kit bursting with fun, including baking supplies, board games, art supplies, partyware, and free Coffee-Mate creamer coupons for your guests.
3. PARTY TIME
4. Upload photos depicting the wild good times you had at your coffee party.

I chose the Bistro Baking theme because I would like a free muffin pan, so we'll see how that goes. If you'd like to get in on the fun, sign up (unless you're coming to MY party).

Today is Free Shipping Day - WITH guaranteed Xmas delivery.

Now, of course I'm not talking about you here, but if you have a friend who maybe hasn't gotten all their holiday shopping quite done yet, they'll be glad to know that today is Free Shipping Day. Over 1,000 merchants have joined in a mighty fellowship, making a sacred pact to offer free shipping AND guaranteed Xmas Day delivery if you order today.

Some stores are offering this deal for all orders; some require a minimum purchase; and some are offering discounts and sales on top of the free-shipping offer, so you should browse the list of merchants and check out your options. Just don't take too long, because that's what got your friend into this mess in the first place.

(Courtesy of Hey It's Free)

Seattle: Buy a $10 Cupcake Royale gift card, get a free cupcake or drink.

Panicking over last-minute surprise gifts, Seattle? Why not keep a $10 Cupcake Royale gift card in your pocket, and you'll be ready for whatever the holidays throw your way. 

• Thank-you gift for coworker, mailman, pet sitter
• Emergency present-ambush defense 
• Toss it in a "white elephant" party and watch the blood fly as people fight for it

Plus, when you buy a $10 gift card, Cupcake Royale will treat YOU to a free beverage or cupcake as a little thank-you. See, it really is better to give than to receive.

30% off, free Peace-Keeper lip balm with any order through Dec. 24.

Peace-Keeper Causemetics has a great sale for you last-minute shoppers: get 30% off everything and two free lip balms with every order! I can personally vouch for their minty-fresh Eco-Sensual lip balm, which is scattered all around my house, car, and office.

"For this last week (until December 24), we're combining all the best bits of our Holiday Promotions! Starting today, whenever you place an order with PeaceKeeper, you get the following:



- 30% Off Everything In Stock
- 1 Eco-Sensual Lip Balm Absolutely FREE* (valued at $3.89)
- 1 YUM Balm Absolutely FREE** (valued at $14.00)
- 1 Personalized Gift Note
- 1 Conflict Resolution Card (for all those irritating relatives)"


Well, I don't know if this can prevent conflict resolution by itself, but at the very least you can slink away from family arguments to give yourself a non-toxic mani-pedi.

Today only: Free medium brewed coffee or regular latte at Borders, 33% off.

UPDATE: If you're the kind of person who feels guilty about marching in, presenting your free coupon, and marching back out, you can always use this 33% off coupon to allay your guilt and get yourself something nice. Maybe a bag of Ghirardelli chocolates to go with that latte?

Borders is doing one final push before the holidays are over to get you into their stores and shopping. Their latest clever tactic is offering a coupon for a free medium coffee or regular latte, good today, December 17, only.

Not good on the fancy flavored ones, but it seems likely that they'd add a pump of flavor and just charge you the difference if you ask nicely.

Borders: 50% off one item, free small coffee or tea.

Remember, everybody, today is the last day for that 50% off coupon at Borders, so if there are any last-minute gifts on your list, now's the time to use it.

And if you need a little boost of holiday energy, caffeinate yourself with a free small tea or coffee whilst you shop.

True Wellness free pet food sample.

Here's a freebie for our furry friends - get a free sample of True Wellness cat or dog food when you fill out the form. Looks like you can even request multiple samples, but please be considerate of others and only ask for what you need, so it doesn't crash for everybody.

If you're one of those pet owners who likes to fill stockings for their animal companions, sample-size bags of pet food would make an excellent and much-appreciated stocking stuffer, I bet.

Consumerist: U.S. Xmas shipping deadlines.

Here's some handy info compiled by the peeps at Consumerist to help you figure out the last possible moment you can procrastinate on your holiday shopping and still get it there by the 25th.

Having logged some time at the post office a couple of days this week already, I encourage you to get your holiday mail out ASAP!

Borders: 50% off one item!

Yes, you read that right... Borders has released their biggest discount coupon ever: 50% off any one item! There are the usual restrictions and you need to be a Borders Rewards member (membership is free), but otherwise it's a shopping bonanza!

If there's a DVD box set or special-edition hardcover book you've been eyeing, now's the time to print the coupon and snap that sucker up. What a deal!

Free cup of Yoplait yogurt... unless you live in CA.

Yoplait is running an offer for a free yogurt coupon - unless you are unlucky enough to live in CA, where evidently state dairy laws prohibit them sending a coupon for a dairy product. Who knew? I'm glad that doesn't apply to Washington, since I've received coupons for free goat cheese and Brie in my time.

If you live in CA, however, they will send you "an alternate offer," so you could give it a try and see what you get.

Sears: $10 off $20, Dec. 15 and 16.

Sears has a pretty good coupon for later this week... receive $10 off your $20 in-store purchase on apparel and accessories. Good Dec. 15-16, and of course some restrictions apply, so check out the coupon before you go.

Facebook: Free Wendy's coupon for Natural Cut Fries.

It's a slow day out there in the freebieverse - I guess everyone's energy is focused on holiday prep. But I did find one offer out there for you. Click on the “Like” button on Wendy’s Facebook page and play the "Fry for All" game, and you’ll be able to print a coupon for a free order of Natural Cut Fries. We can all use a little sodium and fat to sustain us while powering through all that holiday shopping, wrapping, mailing, and baking, right?

Free sample of Natural Dynamix gummy vitamins.

Gummy vitamins are a deliciously painless way to get your daily vitamin supplements in, and now you can try them out free from Natural Dynamix. Choose from a multi-vitamin or a fiber vitamin when you fill out the form.

And don't believe the label that says they're for kids... they're totally for grownups too.

Borders: 40% off one item.

IT'S HERE IT'S HERE IT'S HERE! No, not Xmas... the long-awaited 40% off coupon from Borders. It's valid through Dec. 13 and good on almost any one item, so go nuts!

Oh, and I tried out the show-this-coupon-on-your-mobile-device method earlier this week and the cashier confirmed that that works just fine. He also said that you can even "write down the barcode number on a sticky note" and bring that in, though I don't know how his coworkers across the country will feel about that.

Starbucks: Get a $5 gift card when you buy a 12-pack of VIA.

Starbucks' 12 Days of Sharing campaign still has a few more days to go... and VIA fans may enjoy today's deal. Get a $5 gift card free when you purchase a 12-pack of VIA (that doesn't include the iced or the new flavored kinds, but does include the brand-new Christmas Blend). 12-packs are usually $10, so that's like getting it for $5... or getting a couple of free coffees... or getting a stocking stuffer or thank-you gift that you can pass on to some deserving soul.

Ahem.

Waffle House: Free bowl of Walt's Soup.

The Waffle House has another freebie coupon circulating... this one is for a free bowl of piping-hot Walt's Soup. I don't know what that is, but it sounds awfully warm and cozy, don't you think?

No purchase necessary, good through Dec. 27. Find a location near you.

Free Seattle's Best Coffee sample.

Whatever you may think of their newly redesigned logo (I think it looks like a mouth open wide with dangling uvula), you can get a free sample of Seattle's Best Coffee here. Apparently they've created a new rainbow-colored system ranging from lightest to boldest blends, but while they invite you to "find your level," the sample you'll be ordering is Level 3, the medium roast.

It's SCIENCE, people!

Free Garnier Fructis anti-dandruff shampoo sample.

Garnier Fructis, maker of bright green hair products, is moving into the anti-dandruff 'poo market, and offering a free sample to entice you. If you like it, you can also print out a $1 off coupon for a full-size bottle.

Be "flake-free for free," as their website says.

Information: Secrets of online "dynamic pricing."

If you've ever put something in your online shopping cart at one price, only to come back a day later and see that it's mysteriously gone up a few bucks, you'll be interested in this Slate article on dynamic pricing. We all know that online travel booking sites do this - you can select tickets at one price only to see it go up by the time you finish checking out - but I didn't know that retailers like Amazon, Pottery Barn, and Zappos also do it, as well as banks and credit card companies.

The article has some interesting tips on juggling browsers and clearing cookies to help compare your options and choose the best deal. Of course, you should also search online for low prices, check for promo codes and special offers on deal-sharing sites like the HTN, and use those cash-back rebate portal sites for any online purchase anyway. How do you outsmart retailers to get the best online deals?

Starbucks: 12 days of sharing.

Starbucks is currently running their "12 Days of Sharing" promo, which offers a different deal or BOGO every day. Today's deal: get a free pack of flavored VIA when you buy the 16-oz tumbler shown.

Personally, I just like the idea of coming back each day to "open" a door on the virtual advent calendar. Though maybe that's because I actually want a chocolate advent calendar.

Borders: 33% off one item, 40% off DVD box sets.

Borders has a few more tricks up its sleeve this holiday season... here are a couple more coupons for you this week:

• 33% off any one item
• 40% off DVD box sets (limit 2)

I haven't started wrapping gifts or sending out Xmas cards, so I'm starting to get a little nervous. At least the tree is up and the gingerbread house is slathered in candy; you know, the important things.

Puma in-store and online: 40% off everything.

Today's the last day for this sale at Puma, both in-store and online. Get 40% off everything when you print the coupon and take it to a store, or use the promo code

MEXA-REDM-FA5B-I6P2 (dashes included).

 

Alas, it doesn't look like free shipping is included, but I guess you can't have everything.

 

(Thanks, Jill!)

Amazon: 25 days of free music - a new holiday MP3 every day.

And speaking of free music from Amazon, how about a new holiday song for free every day from Dec. 1-25? Download festive music each day, free, using the Amazon MP3 downloader (which is free, easy to use, and automatically exports songs to iTunes).

Last year I got a wacky Lady Gaga Xmas song this way, so I'll be curious to see what they offer us this year.

Washington, Oregon: Free bottle of Genesis Juice.

I'm not exactly sure what Genesis Juice is, but it sounds like some organic hippie health potion to me. If that's your thing, and you live in Oregon or Washington, sign up for a coupon for a free bottle of Genesis Juice!

Amazon: Free National Geographic world music sampler.

Oh, they can try to make me call it "Nat Geo," but I won't. I won't, do you hear me? That's... pretty much the dumbest rebranding ever, and is it actually convincing anyone that NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC is hip to what the kids are saying these days? Should NG even care about that?

(On a side note, it turns out that National Geographic has its own music label, which I did not know, so maybe this is like their rapper name or something?)

Whatever. Fine. Here's a free world music sampler, courtesy of a certain DJ Nat Geo in the hizzy.

Coinstar: Cash in $40, get a free bonus $10.

Want to cash in some of that change that's been piling up in your coin jar, and get a little something extra for yourself at the same time? Coinstar makes it easy with their current promotion. Through Dec. 31, cash in $40 at Coinstar for an e-gift card with participating merchants, and on the bottom of your receipt you'll see a promo code. Enter the code on Coinstar's website, and they'll mail you the bonus $10 gift card!

Currently participating merchants include Borders, Lowe's, iTunes, Regal Cinemas, and Rixty, and Amazon will be joining the fun on Dec. 9. Scrounge up some change and get the rest of your holiday shopping done painlessly!

Viva Pinata for PC: $0.99, now through 8:30 am on Dec. 5.

For once, I'm kinda bummed that I have a Mac, because this is a pretty great deal: Viva Pinata for PC, normally $19.99, is on sale through tomorrow at 8:30 am for just $0.99. That's a full computer game for the price of a (cheap) iPhone app, y'all!

If you've never played it, Viva Pinata is a cute, fun sim game in which you're trying to design and plant a garden to attract a variety of colorful pinata animals. But just like real life, some animals eat other animals, so your challenge is to find the right balance of species, make them breed and have babies, and eventually collect 'em all in your garden. It's a fun game and you can't beat the price!

Seattle: BOGO VIA at Starbucks.

As much as I love the Internets, sometimes you just have to go out into the real world to find a freebie. Like just now, when I discovered that Starbucks is offering BOGO VIA 12-packs (which means, sadly, that this doesn't include the flavored ones or iced VIA), today only in stores!

This does include the brand-new Christmas Blend VIA that just came out, which I am about to have some of right now with a little eggnog enhancement.

Borders: 33% off all games in-store.

I just came from Borders, where all games are currently on sale for 33% off... and I might have gotten one or two to put under the tree. If you have board game lovers to shop for, you may want to check it out - they have Bananagrams and its fruity siblings, along with an interesting selection of unusual games and puzzles.

(Thanks, Matt!)

Seattle: Free Cupcake Royale eggnog or rum ball cupcake w/drink purchase.

'Tis the season for a free eggnog or rum-ball cupcake from Cupcake Royale! Print the coupon (or show it on your mobile device) and take it into a store this weekend, Dec. 3-5, to get your free cupcake with any drink purchase. It says coffee, but they are understanding of the fact that not everyone's a coffee person.

But which one to pick? It's like Sophie's Choice! My solution is to take a friend with you, and then you can each get one flavor and share.

P.S. If you like Cupcake Royale, put this on your calendar: the Madrona store is having an anniversary party on Sat., Dec. 11, including free snacks and drinks, Sprinkle Your Own Cupcake bar, a free show, and more!

The Body Shop: Free full-size Jolly Orange Body Butter + free shipping with any purchase.

Looks like Santa's elves made an extra batch of Jolly Orange Body Butter, because the Body Shop is giving away a full-size body butter with every order! Plus, free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase. (No code required for this one.)

Additionally, if you're an Ebates member, the Body Shop is offering 10% cash back when you go through the Ebates portal. If you don't know about Ebates, check out my referral link and get a $5 bonus when you sign up for cash back on all your online purchases!

Borders: 33% off one item, again.

Heaven forbid you should have to go a day without a Borders 33% off coupon! No, no, that simply won't do. Here, have another one, good through Monday, Dec. 6.

Borders: 33% off one item, still.

Well, there really isn't much going on out there today, but that Borders coupon for 33% off is still good through today, so, um, there's that. I guess.

Are we all worn out from Cyber Monday, dear Internet? Is that really the best you can do for us?

American Apparel: 30% off + free shipping.

Assuming that you, unlike me, can actually fit into anything that American Apparel makes, this is a pretty good deal: 30% off and free shipping, no minimum, when you use promo code FREESHIP30.

Though actually, I have always wanted one of these "Unisex Thermochromatic Sheer Jersey T-Shirts." Call it what you want, but it will always be Hypercolor to me!

Free IMAX tickets to "Tron: Legacy."

In a perhaps-not-quite-that-intuitive cross-promotion (they are the razors of the future?), Norelco is sponsoring free IMAX tickets to "Tron: Legacy" in a handful of cities (click the link in the top nav bar or at the bottom): 

• Atlanta 
• Boston  
• Dallas  
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis/Apple Valley
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix/Tempe
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Washington DC
• Bentonville
• Chicago
• Detroit
• Fort Lauderdale/Miami
• Houston
• New York City

Seattle's showing is Monday, December 15. Each day there's an allotment of free tickets, and the pain is that you have to complete the form and hit Submit to find out whether there are any still available. But if you reeeeeally want to see "Tron: Legacy" in IMAX for free, it could be worth the effort!

Borders: 33% off one item, free $10 gift card when you spend $50 in gift cards.

Borders has a couple of things going on today... first, of course, there's another 33% off coupon good through December 2.

The other, more interesting offer involves gift cards: buy $50 worth of gift cards (either as one $50 card or two $25 cards) and you'll get a bonus $10 gift card FREE. The $10 bonus card can only be redeemed from Dec. 26-31, so you'll have to keep an eye on it so it doesn't expire, but if there's something that Santa doesn't bring you, this is a good way to snag it for yourself on the cheap while getting some convenient gift-card presents for others. Ho, ho, ho!

2011 Entertainment Book for $16.

I've talked about the Entertainment Book before here on the HTN, and while I definitely believe it has hundreds of dollars in savings, I also think you should get the best darn price available for it. Today I found an offer that brings the total cost down to $16, which is the best price we'll probably see until they get marked down halfway through the year (the 2011 edition just came out in November).

First, you'll need to be a member of Ebates - that's my referral link (it's free to sign up and you get a $5 bonus for joining). Once you've logged in, go to the Entertainment.com page and you'll see that the current promotion is for 30% off and 35% cash back! That brings the cost of, say, the Seattle book down from $35 to $24.50, and you'll get 35% cash back on the lower price, or about $8.50.  $24.50 - $8.50 = $16!  (Plus, you'll get that extra $5 bonus if you're a new member.) Just make sure to click through using the orange "Shop Now" button so your purchase gets credited.

If you want to know more about Ebates, here's a full post with all the details, but in a nutshell, it's an online cash-back rewards program that pays out quarterly checks to you. If you shop online regularly like I do, make a habit of going through Ebates and hassle-free cash back can be yours!

Cost Plus: Get 7 bags of coffee for the price of 3!

Ready to knock out a holiday season's worth of hostess gifts, office gifts, or stocking stuffers in one fell swoop? Then check out this deal at Cost Plus, where you can get 7 bags of coffee for the price of 3.

Here's how it works: first, join the World Market Explorer rewards program online, and you'll be eligible for their buy-six-bags-of-coffee-get-one-free program. Then, go to Cost Plus tomorrow, Dec. 1, when you'll get BOGO bags of coffee AND double points on your purchases (you get double points every Wednesday, too). Buy three bags of coffee, and you'll get three BOGO bags free, PLUS the double points on the three bags gets you enough points for a free bag (they'll send you an email with the free coupon)!

Cost Plus coffee runs from $6-9 for a 12 oz bag, and it comes in tasty holiday flavors like pumpkin spice, eggnog, marzipan, and peppermint chocolate. There are plenty of other blends if those holiday flavors don't float your boat, of course, but at these prices you can afford to branch out and try some new ones!

Chronicle Books: 35% off + free shipping.

Here's another fine discount for you, although this one isn't just for CYBER MONDAY: Chronicle Books offers 35% off and FREE shipping until December 5 when you use promo code FRIENDS at checkout.

Chronicle has adorable notecards and stationery, plenty of mouth-watering foodie books, and a whole Moleskine section, so you can knock out a big chunk of your holiday shopping right here!

(Thanks, Vanessa!)

Target.com: Free holiday music playlist.

Well, you're going to need something to listen to while you're doing all that CYBER MONDAY holiday shopping today, right? Check out Target's free holiday music playlist and get your toes tapping.

Ann Taylor: 40% off everything + free shipping.

Ann Taylor is rocking the same discount as its lower-priced country cousin, Ann Taylor Loft... 40% off sitewide and free shipping, today only. Use promo code MONDAY to make the magic happen. As in CYBER MONDAY, that is!

Reebok: 40% off + free shipping.

Yawn... yeah, yeah, 40% off at Reebok and free shipping today.  Use promo code CYBER40. Blah blah.

This one has a few restrictions on their fancy and clearance stuff, so read the fine print and make sure everything is priced correctly before you buy.

Ann Taylor Loft: 40% off everything + free shipping.

So it looks like 40% off sitewide plus free shipping is the Cyber Monday standard this year. Hey, I'm not complaining! Enjoy the same at Ann Taylor Loft all day today, using promo code ENJOY.

What will YOU buy? I mean, for others, of course...

Tommy Hilfiger: 40% off everything + free shipping.

Man, CYBER MONDAY is turning into quite the temptation! Now it's Tommy Hilfiger offering 40% off sitewide plus free shipping. Looks like no promo code is necessary, you just click on over and start shopping.

Think of the deals!

Borders: 33% off one item.

Borders seems to have forgotten that it's Cyber Monday, because they're just trotting out the same old tired 33% off coupon. What, not even 40% off? Not even a free coffee to sweeten the deal? Tsk, tsk, tsk, Borders. I'm disappointed.

The Limited: 40% off everything + free shipping.

Hey, for this one you don't even need a promo code! It's just 40% off everything AND free shipping all day long at The Limited.

CYBERRRR MONDAY!

Burt's Bees: Holiday grab bag now $20!

The Burt's Bees holiday grab bag returns, for a lower price than before... it contains 12 of their natural personal-care products, a $50 value for $25, and it's discounted to $20 when you use promo code 20BURT.

Free shipping on $40+ purchases, too, so if you snag a couple of these, you're all set.  This promo code is good today only for CYBER MONDAY!

(Thanks, Mom!)

Eddie Bauer: 30% off sitewide + free shipping.

The next Cyber Monday offer is for Eddie Bauer: get 30% off everything AND free shipping, no minimum purchase required. Use promo code CYBERDAY to get this offer.

Looks like it's good all day, but I'm sure the good stuff will go fast...

Levi's: 40% off your order, free shipping on all orders through Dec. 21.

UPDATE: While looking at jeggings on their site, I saw that all orders through Dec. 21 get free shipping, so you can still use that even if you miss this sale.

Hey, everybody, it's CYBER MONDAY! Are you ready for the best darn deals on the Internet? Okay then, let's get going...

The first offer is from Levi's.com, which has 40% off everything and free shipping from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Eastern time (aka 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Pacific time) today. Use promo code CYBER40 and standard ground shipping will automatically be added free.

Free sample of Matrix Biolage Volumatherapie 'poo and conditioner.

That's a lot of made-up non-words that I had to carefully type and double-check, so I hope you appreciate all the effort there. Get your free sample of Matrix Biolage Volumatherapie 'poo and conditioner and look your best for those holiday portraits!

Groupon: $1 credit.

Who's a Groupon* lover? Everybody! Now the deal-sharing site has a special promo code that will give you $1 in credit toward your next online coupon. Just go to My Account and then Redeem a Gift Card on the sidebar, and enter GRSLICK.

*That's my referral link; if you follow it and create a membership, I get... something. I think.

Black Friday: $5 magazines at Amazon.

Amazon has a bunch of $5 magazine specials for you, so this is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping! Titles include:

• Woman's Day
• Esquire
• Health
• Popular Science
• Marie Claire
• SmartMoney
• Redbook
• Travel + Leisure

Plus, if you spend $30, you get a $10 Amazon.com credit - check the sale page for details!

Black Friday: 40% off coupons and free medium beverage at Borders.

Oh, Borders is just getting started, and they want you to know it. Here's a trio of coupons that just popped up in my inbox, which I'm sharing with you for your Black Friday plans:

• 40% off any item (Nov. 26-28)
• Free medium coffee or latte coupon (Nov. 26 only)
• 40% off any kids' toy or game (Nov. 26-28)

I wouldn't mind sipping on a free latte while I peruse some discounted books and games, but whether that's enough to tempt me out of the house on a snowy, icy Black Friday is another question. Good luck on your shopping adventures, everyone!

Borders.com: 25% off your whole order + free shipping.

In case you'd rather spend your Thanksgiving Day shopping than gorging, here's a good place to start: Borders.com is offering 25% off almost everything in their online store, plus Borders Rewards members get free shipping (Rewards membership is free). Use promo code BCG1025W, which is good today, Nov. 25, only! (Promo codes are stackable if you have other coupon codes to use.)


Happy turkey day to all!

Reminder: Free small Slurpee at 7-11 on Black Friday.

Don't forget, Black Friday is the time to claim your free small Slurpee at 7-11. Get yours in two easy steps:

1. "Like" the Slurpee Unity Campaign or whatever it's called on Facebook.
2. Come back on Nov. 26 to download your free coupon and take it to a 7-11.

This offer might be more appealing if the ground weren't already covered in icy slush, but don't let me keep you from redeeming this offer if that's how you roll.

Black Friday: 50% off EVERYTHING at the Gap until 10:00 am.

Okay, let the Black Friday craziness begin... I don't really condone Black Friday, but if I see any deals floating around today, I'll let you know. Like this one for the Gap, where THE WHOLE DANG STORE will be on sale until 10:00 am.

This offer is good in stores only (not online), so you should most definitely call your local store to confirm their participation and see what time they open. If you're tough enough for the Black Friday haul, this sounds like a good stop on the tour.

Free sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue lotion.

Winter weather is tough on the skin. We've had snow here for a couple of days and already my hands are starting to get chapped and dry! So I think I'll be requesting this free sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue lotion. Help me, Vaseline, you're my only hope!

Free sample of Starbucks Natural Fusions vanilla coffee.

I've been really curious to try Starbucks' new line of flavored grocery-store coffee, available in flavors like cinnamon and caramel. Sounds tasty, right? Well, you can sign up for a free sample of vanilla-flavored Natural Fusions coffee and see for yourself.

Speaking as someone who's snowed in at home today and is about to make a steaming-hot pot of coffee, this is a very welcome freebie!

First time ever: 50% off coupon at Borders!

Oh, Borders, I knew you had it in you... all those 40% off coupons couldn't be your very best effort. And now, here you are, proving me right with a 50% off coupon! I'm... I'm... so proud.

Good tomorrow, November 24, only, so get your coupon-lovin' buns over to Borders stat.

Free IKEA breakfast Nov. 26-28.

Ready for that all-day shopathon of holiday weekend sales? Start it off by fueling up at IKEA with a free breakfast, Nov. 26-28. That includes bacon, eggs, potatoes, and a small coffee.

See your local store for details; the Seattle (aka Renton) store is participating for the entire promo period, but I'm assuming regular breakfast hours apply.

Free American Eagle holiday music sampler.

It's Thanksgiving week, which means it's officially time to start the holiday festivities, at least by my personal calendar. Let's kick things off with a free holiday music sampler, shall we? This one is from American Eagle and you can get it here; download individual tunes or the whole dang playlist.

I'm not exactly sure what makes it a holiday playlist, since none of the songs sound especially festive, but free is free, so I'm not complaining.

Restaurant.com: Give your friends and family $10 certificates for free.

UPDATE: You can also just use promo code SHPPRSRSRC and get 80% off (which is the usual $0.80 for a $10 certificate or $3 for a $25 certificate.) Exp: 12/31/10.

Restaurant.com has a new promotion called "Feed it Forward," in which you can apparently give other people $10 Restaurant.com certificates just by providing their email address. You can give up to 40 per day, though only once to each person.

I'm sure there's a catch, though I can't see it from here. Are you consenting to have them spam you? Is there some fine-print restriction that I don't see? If you're feeling brave and want to give it a try, here's some more details and the link.



"Feed It Forward™ is a free way to build community and lift people's spirits by giving the gift of $10 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates. Simply let Restaurant.com know who you want to give to and they'll take care of the rest. You can give up to 40 $10 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates every day through December 31. It's a great holiday gift for everyone on your list. And the best part is - it's FREE!"

Borders: 33% off one item.

Another (short) week, another 33% off coupon from Borders. Personally, I hit the Friends of the Library sale over the weekend and stocked up on some fabulous book and holiday-gift deals for next to nothing, but I suppose I could force myself to go take a look and see if there's anything else I might want to purchase. If I had to, I mean.

Facebook: Free "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" book.

Here's an intriguing freebie: Paula Begoun, of Paula's Choice (that makeup brand), is offering free copies of her new book, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. Just "like" them on Facebook and you'll see a form to fill out to request your copy. FREE!

(Thanks, Sarah!)

Borders: 33% off one item.

Oh, and before I forget, there's also a 33% off coupon from Borders. As usual. Now the day is complete!

Nov. 27 is Small Business Saturday; get $25 credit from American Express!

I just heard about Small Business Saturday, which is sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It's an alternative to doorbusting super-sale madness, with an emphasis on supporting your local community by choosing to shop at small businesses in your area.

Join the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook and you can get a $25 credit on your American Express card! Register your card before Nov. 27, then spend $25 or more at a participating small-business store (i.e., one that accepts American Express) and you'll receive a $25 credit on your statement. Pretty sweet, huh?

Also, American Express will donate $1 to Girls, Inc., for every person who "likes" the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook, so you can do good even if you don't do any shopping over Thanksgiving weekend.

Reminder: Starbucks BOGO holiday drinks through Nov. 21, 2-5 pm.

If you'll be running around town like a crazy person this weekend getting turkey dinner prep, don't forget that you can get BOGO holiday drinks at Starbucks now through Sun., Nov. 21, from 2 to 5 pm. That turkey can take care of itself in the trunk for a few minutes while you double-fist some eggnog lattes.

...Or, you know, share one with a friend.

There's also something called the "12 Days of Sharing," so when you text 12DAYS to 29943, you'll automatically receive some sort of coupon-code text every day from Dec. 1 – 12. That's all I know about this one, but if you're a coffee lover, it might be worth it to see what the sweet deal of the day is.

Reminder: Seattle Library Book Sale tomorrow, Nov. 20.

It's book sale time! The Friends of the Seattle Library are having a holiday book sale on Sat., November 20, at Warren G. Magnuson Park, Building 30 Workshop, 7400 Sand Point Way NE.


This isn't the ginormous twice-annual one, but there's still more than 10,000 items, including holiday books, CDs, gift books, a general selection of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as a large selection of quality children's books — most for $1.


The Friends holiday sale is open to the public; you do not need to be a member to attend. Proceeds benefit the Seattle Public Library.


For more info, see http://www.friendsofspl.org/.

Free 7-11 Slurpee on Black Friday (Nov. 26).

What are you going to be doing on the day after Thanksgiving, while all the suckers are shivering and stamping their feet outside the stores at 4 am waiting for the doorbuster sales? Why, you'll be thinking happily about the free small Slurpees at 7-11. Get yours in two easy steps:

1. "Like" the Slurpee Unity Campaign or whatever it's called on Facebook.
2. Come back on Nov. 26 to download your free coupon and take it to a 7-11.

See? Much better than getting into a fistfight over a $10 toaster.

White Castle: Free sweet potato fries.

If you're lucky enough to live near a White Castle, here's a coupon for a free order of sweet potato fries and cinnamon dipping sauce with any purchase. Which sounds pretty amazing...

Borders: 40% off one item.

Borders has another 40% off coupon going through Nov. 18 (that's tomorrow!), so if there's something you've had your eye on for yourself or someone else, now's the time to strike... until the next time they put out a 40% off coupon, that is.

Free Yankee Candle votive on Nov. 20.

If you happen to be near a mall this weekend - and you like smelly candles - you should print out this coupon for a free Yankee Candle votive, good on Nov. 20 only from 10:00 am to noon. They have some festive holiday fragrances, and as you know if you've ever walked past that store, the candles are strong enough to work like potpourri even when they're not lit, so a votive would be the perfect size for a bathroom or guest bedroom.

Tanga: Glamour subscription for $3.99.

Now, I don't want to freak anyone out with Xmas creep, but this is the perfect time to take advantage of all these great magazine discounts out there just in time for the holidays. Subscriptions generally take 6-8 weeks to get going for monthly magazines, which means if you order now, their first issue should be arriving right around Xmas!  And you can always send them a gift card letting them know you've signed them up for a whole year of entertainment.

Anyway, Tanga is offering a year's subscription to Glamour for just $4 with coupon code GLAMOUR. You can order up to 3 years at this price and you can also extend an existing subscription. That's a pretty sweet stocking stuffer!

Facebook: Burt's Bees free body lotion sample.

Want a free sample of Burt's bees body lotion?  Just go to the Facebook page, fill in the box that says “Tell Us What Your Skin Has To Say,” click "publish," and a box will come up to fill in your shipping information for your sample.

This does involve giving permission to a Facebook app to access your info and publish to your wall, so if you don't want that to happen, you should immediately un-allow them access after requesting your sample.

Reminder: Jack in the Box - two free tacos today after 2 pm.

Don't forget, today is the day you can get 2 free tacos after 2:00 pm at Jack in the Box, no coupon or purchase required. Taco Tuesday!

Seattle: Friends of the Library holiday book sale, Nov. 20.

It's book sale time! The Friends of the Seattle Library are having a holiday book sale on Sat., November 20, at Warren G. Magnuson Park, Building 30 Workshop, 7400 Sand Point Way NE.

This isn't the ginormous twice-annual one, but there's still more than 10,000 items, including holiday books, CDs, gift books, a general selection of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as a large selection of quality children's books — most for $1.

The Friends holiday sale is open to the public; you do not need to be a member to attend. Proceeds benefit the Seattle Public Library.

For more info, see http://www.friendsofspl.org/.

Borders: 33% off one item, 40% off CDs, and free coffee or tea.

The Borders coupons are flying thick and fast! Hopefully I can keep track of them all here:

• 33% off any one item
• 40% off up to 2 CDs (in-store only)
• And that free coffee or tea coupon is still going

In case you plan on traveling for Thanksgiving, now might be a good time to stock up on some holiday-weekend music and/or reading to help you survive...

Starbucks: BOGO holiday drinks, Nov. 18–21, 2 to 5 pm.

You can't ignore it any longer - THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE. Just in case your weekend forecast doesn't include snow like ours, you can watch this gooey feel-good Starbucks commercial and make a note of the free offer that comes with: buy one holiday drink, get one free, November 18–21, from 2-5 p.m.

I just got a free sample of the caramel brulee latte this morning and I can personally vouch for its extreme deliciousness, so I think I might go for that one. Which drink will you BOGO?

(Thanks, AJ!)

Borders: Free small coffee or tea.

Few things fill me with a greater sense of freebie well-being than presenting my 40% off coupon at Borders and then marching over to their in-store cafe for a free cup or coffee or tea. You can make that dream come true, or at least half of it, with the free drink coupon good through Dec. 12. But I'm quite sure that a 40% off coupon will come out between now and then, if you're patient.

(Requires free Borders Rewards membership, so don't get sucked into paying for that $20/year one!)

Reminder: Seattle Goodwill Glitter Sale this weekend!

Well, there's not much out there in the freebieverse today, but I do want to remind you about this weekend's hottest event: the Goodwill Glitter Sale. This two-day party features all things sequined and sparkly, for men and women, and it's a perfect way to get all the fancy party outfits you need for the whole holiday season. And the proceeds go to a good cause! 

I'm planning on going Sunday with a group of fashionable ladies, so maybe we'll see you there...

Seattle: Veterans get 20% off at all Goodwill stores today.

In honor of Veterans Day, all Seattle Goodwill stores will be offering a 20% discount to veterans on their entire purchase! It doesn't sound like they need to offer proof or a military ID card or anything, so it's probably just the honor system.

Free Seattle Classic Guitar Society show at the Frye, Nov. 13.

The Seattle Classic Guitar Society is offering a free concert series at the Frye Art Museum, and the first one is this Saturday at 2 p.m. The free series continues into 2011 with appearances by Jon Mendle (Jan. 29), Meredith Connie with flutist Erica Coutsouridis (Feb. 12), and Lynn McGrath (April 16).

Check out the Frye's website for more details.

(Courtesy of the Seattle Times)

Borders: Free $10 gift card when you spend $50 in gift cards.

Borders has another deal today, this one on gift cards... buy $50 worth of gift cards at Borders.com (either as one $50 card or two $25 cards) and you'll get a free $10 gift card.

If you have some hard-to-shop-for people on your list - and who doesn't? - this is an easy way to make sure they'll get something they like. If you go for two $25 cards, plus the free $10 card, that's two holiday gifts down PLUS a nice thank-you gift for a coworker, postal worker, building manager, etc.

PRO TIP: If you're ready for advanced freebie ju-jitsu, remember that you can also use these gift cards yourself, combined with all those juicy 40% off coupons. Which means your gift-buying budget will go 40% further, AND you'll get that free $10 gift card too!

I think I may have just talked myself into this one... it's an occupational hazard.

Burt's Bees: 50% off men's and women's holiday grab bags.

Burt's Bees is running another one of their grab bag deals, and this time there's even something for the fellas! 

• Women's holiday grab bag - $25 ($50 value): 12 of their regular products, including some full-size bottles! In a cute gift bag.
• Men's grab bag - $15 ($30 value): 6 products, including a Mini Black Dopp Bag, Men’s Aftershave and All in One Wash.

They're also offering free shipping with a $40 purchase, so if you get one of each, you're set. Don't forget, with so many items in each set, they can easily be broken up to make multiple smaller gifts or stocking stuffers!

Jack in the Box: Two free tacos on Nov. 16 after 2 pm.

I'm sad to say I haven't taken advantage of any of these fairly regular Jack in the Box freebie offers, because there isn't really a store location anywhere convenient to me. But I never hear about any freebie snafus, so I have to assume these promotions run pretty smoothly and people get their stuff.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, get 2 free tacos after 2:00 pm, no coupon or purchase required. Olé!

Borders: 33% off one item.

You can tell the holiday season is upon us, because Borders is shooting coupons off one after the other. I love it! And I'm going to take this 33% off coupon right over there today and knock another item off my gift list.

The staff at my local Borders probably thinks I'm the worst kind of cheapskate, because I never show up without a coupon for at least 33% in my hands, and sometimes I just get a free coffee and don't buy anything. Hey, if they offer it, I'm taking it. No remorse.

Restaurant.com gift certificates 80% off.

I've mentioned Restaurant.com several times now, so I'm going to assume that people know what it means by now, but if you want to read the full details, you can check out a previous post that gives the whole story.

Through Nov. 15, you can get 80% off their dining certificates with promo code GIVE. That means you'll pay $0.80 for a $10 "certificate" and $2 for a $25 "certificate," but just make sure you read the fine print for that particular restaurant before you buy.

Borders: 40% off any one item.

I know you've never seen one of these before, but check it out: a 40% off coupon from Borders. WHOA NUTS

Even if there aren't any books you want right now (scoff), consider all the other things you can do with this coupon. They have CD and DVDs, board games, stationery and pens, smelly bath and beauty stuff, candles, holiday cards and decor, and even fancy chocolates and candies! That's enough to take care of your hostess-gift needs for the entire party season right there. So don't give me any guff about how you don't need anything at Borders...

Seattle: Goodwill Glitter Sale, Nov. 13–14.

Seattleites, you know what time it is... it's GLITTER SALE TIME! Only the awesomest thrift-store event of the whole year, that is. All year long, Goodwill pulls the sparkliest, glitteriest items that they receive and sets them aside for this two-day sequinstravaganza. You owe it to yourself to stop by and pick up some holiday glitter for all your festive events!

The sale runs Nov. 13-14, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Eager beavers do line up at the crack o' dawn on Saturday morning, but Goodwill restocks the racks continuously, so you can come on Sunday when things are less crazy and still find some good stuff. Formal gowns, sparkly cocktail dresses, sequined jackets, belts, shoes, and bags, and much more... the guys' stuff is more limited, but you can still find some tux jackets and fancy shoes.

See you there!

Burger King: Free Seattle's Best Coffee every Friday in November.

One more reason to be thankful for Fridays: Burger King is offering a free 12-oz cup of Seattle's Best Coffee every Friday in November. The free coffee is for breakfast hours only, but it doesn't look like any minimum purchase is required, so you can stumble in on your way to work and claim your free coffee.

Borders: Buy a cookbook at 33% off, get a $10 coupon.

Borders is trying something new and I'm not sure about all the details, but here's the general idea: buy a cookbook, get a $10 off coupon. This offer is stackable with the 33% off coupon that's currently out, so it could potentially be a pretty good deal... but you'll notice it says "$10 coupon," not "$10 gift card," so I wonder if that just means it'll be a "$10 off a $25 purchase" offer or something.

Conveniently, you have to go to the store and ask in person for details on how the offer works, so you're already there with coupon in hand. I may check in and ask for the full story the next time I'm there.

Free Tylenol Sleep Solution kit.

Now here's a freebie I could really use, since I seem to have incredible trouble making myself go to bed at a decent hour and get a full night of quality sleep. The Tylenol Sleep Solution Kit is yours for the asking, and includes:

• Sleep guide and journal featuring practical tips for better sleep
• Satin sleep mask to help block out intrusive light  
  
• CD of soothing sounds


• Coupons worth up to $12  
  
• Sample of JOHNSON'S® Melt Away Stress Lavender & Chamomile Lotion

I'm a little surprised that it doesn't contain any, you know, Tylenol, but I guess they're counting on you being so grateful for your newfound sleep that you run out and purchase some painkillers?

Nov. 11 is Free National Parks Day.

Veterans' Day, Nov.11, is Free Entrance Day at 100 national parks (did you know we have 393?). In Washington, that includes Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Lewis & Clark National Historic Park/Cape Disappointment State Park, and Whitman Mission National Historic Site.

Check out more info at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Seattle: Free Trophy Cupcakes on Nov. 6.

If you're more of a Trophy Cupcake person than Cupcake Royale, fear not: Trophy is also giving away free cupcakes this weekend! is giving out freebies at its Eastside location (The Bravern, 700 110th Ave., Bellevue) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 6.

It's Trophy's first Fan Appreciation party; in addition to free cupcakes, there will be balloons and a chance to win prizes. Owner Jennifer Shea will also give cupcake decorating demonstrations.

(Courtesy of the Seattle Times)

Seattle: Free Cupcake Royale pumpkin cardamom cupcake w/drink purchase.

Cupcake Royale is feeling the holidays approaching, and wants to celebrate with a free pumpkin cardamom cupcake for you! Just print the coupon and get a free cupcake with any drink purchase (it says coffee, but they understand that not everybody's a coffee lover).

Good Nov. 5 through 7 only, so structure your weekend accordingly.

Free sample of Purina One pet food.

Freebies aren't just for humans, so treat your furry friend to a free sample of Purina One pet food. (You may have to help them fill out the online form, though.)

Borders: 40% off any one toy or game.

I love it when Borders runs multiple coupons at the same time, though you have to make sure you're juggling them as wisely as possible. For example, there's currently a coupon for 40% off any one kids' toy or game, good through Nov. 8, which is great for advance holiday shopping, and another coupon for plain old 40% off one item, good through today.

I start my holiday shopping super-early so I can use these coupons to get sweet deals on gifts, one at a time. It takes a bit of patience, but it definitely beats the last-minute mad rush of shopping. And if I can't find a gift for someone else, I can always find something for under my own tree, if you know what I mean.

Free cup of 7-11 coffee.

Start your day off right with a piping-hot, free cup of coffee! Just print this coupon (it's on page 2 of the PDF) and take it to your local 7-11 for your free cup, no purchase necessary. Whether you buy a pack of breakfast Donettes to go with it is between you and the cashier.

Free sample of Jergens Overnight Repair Nightly Restoring and Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer.

Whew! Is that the longest product name ever or what? I'm not even going to try typing it out again. Get your free Jergens lotion samples and a coupon when you fill out the form.

Waffle House: Free cup of coffee.

OK, it's not a free waffle, but a free cup of coffee from the Waffle House is still a freebie. And who knows, perhaps you'll find yourself motivated to purchase a waffle while you're there...

Borders: 40% off any one item.

Oh, Borders. You know how to take care of me as the holiday season starts ramping up. Here's another 40% off coupon, good through tomorrow; if nothing else, I could probably use a good Thanksgiving cookbook.

Free box of RePHresh tampons.

Ladies, here's the pH-balancing tampon you've been waiting your whole life for! (Right?) RePHresh Brilliant tampons have pH-Reducing Micro-Ribbons that... er... do something sciencey and beneficial in your womb. And you can get a coupon for a free box!

Use promo code 3995trynow and they'll send you a coupon, which can be redeemed at Walgreens.

Free Wisconsin cheese guide.

This cheese-lovers' freebie is an oldie but a goodie... I requested one a long time ago and have found it surprisingly entertaining. Get a free poster-sized Wisconsin cheese guide, suitable for framing, and learn about the many varieties of cheese made in Wisconsin. It also offers buying and storage tips and cooking guidelines.

I've taped this up in the kitchen and I enjoy staring at it while babysitting a pot that needs to be stirred or watched. It can be dangerous to gaze for long periods of time at all those delectable wedges of cheese, though.

Upcycle those Halloween candy wrappers, donate to charity.

What to do with all the trick-or-treat flotsam and jetsam drifting around your house after each candy binge? Why not save those wrappers and donate them to a good cause? TerraCycle wants your candy wrappers and will give $0.02 per wrapper to the cause of your choice. Just sign up and you'll receive pre-paid postage labels; fill a box with wrappers and send it off when it's full.

You can also do the same with Aveeno cosmetic bottles, baggies, Caprisun drink pouches, and more.  TerraCycle uses those items to make recycled bags, office supplies, and gifts, which you can purchase at their online store. Who couldn't use a Clif bar messenger bag?

Walgreens: $10 off the Entertainment Book.

I'm sure I don't need to rehash for you yet again the magical treasure chest of values that is the Entertainment Book. It has hundreds and hundreds of pages of discounts and coupons for local restaurants (chain, fast-food, and independent), stores, outdoor activities, and everything from museums to ballet to movie theaters. The sheets of discount coupons for Regal and AMC knock several dollars off the price of each ticket, so that alone will make the book pay for itself!

Entertainment.com has been sending me letters attempting to woo me with $5 off the 2011 edition, but I know they can do better than that. In fact, Walgreens already is, with this $10 off coupon good through Nov. 6. You can find the coupon in their weekly ad (looks like it's on the back page) and use it in-store, bringing the price from $35 to $25. That's not bad, though I think we can do better... but if you want to get started saving right away, this is a decent price for a lot of savings.

Borders: 33% off any one item.

Nothing fancy here, just the usual 33% off coupon from Borders.

IKEA: BOGO chocolate cake, free dine-in meal with $100 purchase.

IKEA has some tasty-sounding special offers going right now... first, through Nov. 5, there's a BOGO dessert offer when you buy one slice of "chocolate overload cake" for $2.99. Then, Nov. 11-14, there's an even sweeter deal: dine in the restaurant at your local IKEA store and deduct your restaurant receipt total from any home furnishings purchase over $100.


As always, they encourage you to check with your local store to see if it's participating; I couldn't find any confirmation on the Seattle/Renton IKEA homepage, so you may want to call ahead. Although their cafeteria is so cheap that it's going to take a whooole lot of Swedish meatballs to cancel out the price of that SNORJBLARF bookcase.

Seattle: Friends of the Library book sale, Nov. 20.

OK, I know this is WAY advance notice, but I want you to have plenty of time to put this on your calendar! The Friends of the Seattle Library are having a holiday book sale on Sat., November 20, at Warren G. Magnuson Park, Building 30 Workshop, 7400 Sand Point Way NE.


More than 10,000 items, including holiday books, CDs, gift books, a general selection of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as a large selection of quality children's books — most for $1.


The Friends holiday sale is open to the public; you do not need to be a member to attend. Proceeds benefit the Seattle Public Library.


For more info, see http://www.friendsofspl.org/.