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/.  

Facebook: Free Folgers Special Roast coffee sample.

Wait, wait, I do have something! Here's a little Facebook freebie: "like" Folgers coffee and get a free sample of their Special Roast blend. They have 100,000 samples to give away, so you should have plenty of time to mosey on over. I hear it's the best part of waking up...

Free Emergen-C Bone Health sample.

I don't know if everyone's battling post-Halloween sugar hangovers today or what, but there's not much stirring in freebieland, so this is about the best I can do: a free sample of Emergen-C Bone Health. Hey, all the treats were yesterday.