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Coupons & Freebies: The Secret Sauce to Shopping Like a Pro

Catherine McDiarmid-Watt | Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 875 comments

Image: Coupons + Freebies: The Secret Sauce to Shopping Like a Pro


Who doesn’t love getting stuff for less—or better yet, for free? 

If you’ve ever felt a rush from scoring a deal, you’re already a part of the Coupon & Free Sample Elite (yes, that’s a thing). 

Let’s talk about how these little gems can turn your shopping trips into adventures of savings and surprises!


Why Coupons and Freebies Are Pure Magic

  1. They Stretch Your Budget Like Gum
    That $5 coupon might seem small, but stack a few, and suddenly you’re walking out with a cart full of goodies for the price of one avocado toast.

  2. Try Before You Buy (Big Time)
    Free samples are like the "appetizer" of the shopping world. Try new products without committing your wallet—and maybe discover your next must-have.

  3. Shopping = Treasure Hunt
    Hunting for deals and finding freebies turns errands into an epic quest. Will you find a BOGO pizza or free lotion? Who knows—adventure awaits!


How to Maximize Coupons & Free Samples

  • Join Loyalty Programs: Sign up with stores to unlock a world of exclusive discounts and samples. Bonus points if they give you birthday perks!
  • Follow Brands on Social Media: Brands love giving out free samples to followers. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about flash deals.
  • Use Coupon Apps: There’s an app for that—several, actually. Apps like Honey or Rakuten are here to save you time and money.
  • Keep Your Receipts: Some stores let you upload receipts for cashback offers or special freebies.
  • Coupon Match-Ups: Pair coupons with store sales for superhero-level savings.

Fun Fact: Couponing Isn’t New!

Did you know Coca-Cola handed out the first-ever coupon in 1888 for a free glass of soda? 

We’re still riding that sweet savings wave more than a century later.


Freebies You Should Be Hunting Down

  • Beauty products (hello, Sephora samples!)
  • Snacks and drinks for taste-testing pros
  • Pet goodies to pamper your furry friends
  • Grocery staples—get creative with what’s free this week!

Ready to Save Big and Sample Often?

The next time you shop, don’t leave without your arsenal of coupons and a keen eye for those sneaky free samples. Trust us—your wallet and your inner bargain hunter will thank you.


What’s the best deal or freebie you’ve scored lately? Drop it in the comments and share the savings love!


Image: P+G Free Coupons
Have you ever made couponing into a group activity?  

Leila and her friends turned a Sunday afternoon into a coupon-clipping and recipe-sharing party. “We ended up eating chips and debating the ethics of extreme couponing,” she said. “The only thing we saved that day was time spent laughing.” 

Sign up to receive exclusive coupons, useful tips and ideas, and information about free samples! (ad)





Category: , , ,

Catherine

About Catherine: I have been writing frugal tips since 1982, when I was a young divorced mom of two - for my baby product company, Born to Love. I am now mom to three sons, who are all grown up - and re-married to a wonderful man. We have rescued two little dogs, Denny and Dexter - and Bella, the cat.

Questions? Email me at catherine (at) frugal-freebies.com or post to my Facebook Fan Page!

Check out our Frugal Freebies Deal groups for more fun, frugal tips, freebies and money-saving deals!FrugalFreebies VIP Deals!Frugal Freebies Canadian Deals!Free eBooks Club


NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Please Note: I make every effort to check the validity of all outgoing links at the time of posting, but I am not responsible for any content outside of this website. Please browse carefully. I have provided these links to other websites for your convenience only; I am not responsible for the availability of these other websites nor the freebies/coupons/information they offer.

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875 comments

  1. Laura says:

    I found it at Frugal Freebies.
    pcollins@cajunnet.com

  2. Anonymous says:

    I heard about the camera giveaway on the Frugal Freebies website. Donna Peterson dkdan3265@yahoo.com

  3. Donna Peterson says:

    I saw your camera giveaway on the Frugal Freebies website.
    Donna Peterson dkdan3265@yahoo.com

  4. Donna Peterson says:

    I follow Frugal Freebies on Facebook.
    Donna Peterson dkdan3265@yahoo.com

  5. Donna Peterson says:

    I visited the Vivitar website and I think the antishake feature would make picture taking so much easier for me at least.
    Donna Peterson dkdan3265@yahoo.com

  6. SaraLe says:

    I saw it in Frugal Freebies.

    f117f4(at)comcast(dot)com

  7. SaraLe says:

    From Vivitar website, Compact digital camera , high resolution with large touch screen.

    f117f4(at)comcast(dot)net

  8. Mary Klaiber says:

    I found it on Frugal Freebies on Facebook. jolly_prpl_budda@yahoo.com

  9. Carol says:

    I am a fan of frugal freebies on Facebook.
    ctannhauser@comcast.net

  10. Carol says:

    I visited the Vivitar website. I really like the large touch screen.
    ctannhauser@comcast.net

  11. dldaniel says:

    Found out about the camera giveaway on Frugal Freebies website. tiggerfan1973@yahoo.com

  12. dldaniel says:

    Found out about the camera giveaway on Frugal Freebies website.
    tiggerfan1973@yahoo.com

  13. dldaniel says:

    Found out about the camera giveaway on Frugal Freebies website.
    tiggerfan1973@yahoo.com

  14. Jackie says:

    I saw this giveway on facebook. I am a fan of frugal freebies on facebook.

  15. js22 says:

    I saw your giveaway listed at http://www.online-sweepstakes.com .

    email in blogger profile.

  16. js22 says:

    i follow Frugal Freebies on twitter - js22222222 .
    email in blogger profile.

  17. js22 says:

    I'm a fan of Frugal Freebies on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/js2222
    email in blogger profile.

  18. js22 says:

    I follow your blog on Networked Blogs.
    http://www.facebook.com/js2222
    email in blogger profile.

  19. js22 says:

    tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/3333523841

    email in blogger profile.

  20. js22 says:

    I follow your blog on google friend connect .

    email in blogger profile.

  21. js22 says:

    the ANTISHAKE would be great! even though I try to prop my hands against something stationary when I take a picture, there's usually a little movement. So this feature would be very much appreciated

    email in blogger profile.

  22. Anonymous says:

    I saw the post on Facebook and followed the link to Frugal Freebies! Thank you chrissydm79@yahoo.com

  23. Anonymous says:

    I saw it at frugal freebies and it has a lot of wonderful features.
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

  24. ky2here says:

    I found you from Facebook.

  25. Lovely L says:

    I saw this on twitter from you! @frugalfreebies

  26. Jeff says:

    Frugal Freebies site

  27. Unknown says:

    I found the Vivitar Vivicam giveaway on Frugal Freebies.

    jawily@yahoo.com

  28. Unknown says:

    Found camera giveaway on frugal freebies.

    jawily@yahoo.com

  29. Anonymous says:

    Frugal Freebies. dwaller75@yahoo.com
    d

  30. Laura says:

    saw this on facebook :)
    laurakelly00@gmail.com

  31. Laura says:

    following you on FB
    laurakelly00@gmail.com

  32. Laura says:

    blogged it
    http://laurakelly00.tumblr.com/post/163755018/frugal-freebies-com-is-having-a-great-vivitar

  33. Laura says:

    follow you on FB, Twitter and Networked blogs

  34. Mysharona says:

    my sister told me about it

  35. Kiara says:

    I found out about this from www.online-sweepstakes.com
    austma7@aol.com

  36. Unknown says:

    I found out about this giveaway from my Facebook notifications from Frugal Freebies updates.

    carlafoster09@gmail.com

  37. Laura says:

    stole the button
    http://laurakelly00.tumblr.com/post/163763038/frugal-freebies

  38. Lisa R says:

    I found it on momgiveaways

  39. I found it at Frugal Freebies on fb.

    yankeesfan19@hotmail.com

  40. Carolyn G says:

    I saw a tweet on twitter and it brought me here.

  41. Carolyn G says:

    tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/3335586255

  42. anti shake feature is freaking awesome

  43. Hi,
    I found the giveaway listed at Online Sweepstakes

    Thanks!

  44. McKim says:

    I saw your giveaway listed at http://www.online-sweepstakes.com

  45. Nice giveaway! I found this giveaway on Frugal freebies. Great website:)

  46. Burcu says:

    I found it on smartcanuks.ca

    burcuacar1624@hotmail.com

  47. Vicky Kyle says:

    I heard about the Vivitar giveaway through Gather.com
    spammebaby@msn.com

  48. Amylee says:

    found this on gather.com

    amyleebalter(at)hotmail(dot)com

    need a new camera! hope i win!!

  49. Missa says:

    I found this giveaway on this blog, frugal-freebies.com

    sweetmissa@gmail.com

  50. Missa says:

    I blogged about this giveaway: http://sweetmissa.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-vivitar-vivicam-8025-from-frugral.html

    sweetmissa@gmail.com

  51. Missa says:

    I follow on facebook :-)

    Melissa E.
    sweetmissa@gmail.com

  52. i found this at online-sweepstakes.com

    vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

  53. elizabeth p says:

    SSSSHHHHH! I found this great giveaway at http://www.online-sweepstakes.com I am queenesperfect at yahoo.com

  54. following your blog

    vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

  55. tweet

    http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/3337034246

    vanitizebaby@yahoo.com

  56. Anonymous says:

    I heard about this on Frugal Freebies site.

    I also follow on twitter
    and facebook

    gfagan72(at)yahoo(dot)com

  57. Bonster says:

    I heard about the camera giveaway on the Frugal Freebies website.

  58. Online-sweepstakes.com

    Thanks.

  59. Shannon says:

    I found it in my Facebook inbox. It was sent by your Frugal Freebies Facebook page

  60. I heard about your giveaway because I have a giveaway blog and I also offer a space where people can submit their giveaways and I link them for them.

    lagrande2tall4u@hotmail.com

  61. I tweeted the giveaway
    lagrande2tall4u@hotmail.com

  62. I follow frugal on twitter

    lagrande2tall4u@hotmail.com

  63. Frugal freebies

    jessica.rae.st at gmail dot com

  64. mverno says:

    online contest mverno@roadrunner.com

  65. peg42 says:

    I follow your blog and found out about it this way. Thanks so much.

  66. Heard about this great giveaway from your email!

  67. I blogged:

    http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/08/frugal-freebies-digital-camera-giveaway.html

  68. i follow you on twitter
    @canadagiveaways

  69. tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/canadagiveaways/status/3338373834

  70. I have your button in my sidebar

    http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.ocm

  71. I visited vivitar.com and I think the antishake feature their cameras have would be really helpful in taking good pictures.

    Have to say though that their website was really hard to navigate and I could barely see the links to specific products. It just seemed to not be working properly

  72. Anonymous says:

    I found it at frugal freebies website. ktdurham@comcast.net

  73. Unknown says:

    I found this giveaway on gather at the frugalfreebies group

  74. I found this from entering one of your other giveaways, BUT got to your blog via an email from the Kadydid & Kid blog.

    lbaran @pcsedu.com

  75. I found the contest at frugal freebies on facebook. I could use a new digital camera.

  76. CathyH says:

    I found the camera giveaway following Frugal Freebies on my blogger dashboard

  77. Anonymous says:

    I found it at frugal freebies website. pjclark@execulink.com

  78. CathyH says:

    I think the large touch screen would make this a fun camera to use

  79. mar says:

    I found out about this giveaway from on-line sweepstakes

  80. I heard about this through http://contest-corner.blogspot.com/

    Thanks!

  81. Anonymous says:

    Frugal-Freebies.com is having a great Vivitar Vivicam 8025 digital camera giveaway sponsored by Vivitar.com - "We make it easy!" - with digital cameras, DVR's and accessories. Stop by before midnight Aug 28th EST to enter to win!
    i follow on facebook
    stickitinmybutt2@hotmail.com

  82. Stephanie says:

    friend directed me to frugal freebies
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

  83. Katie says:

    I found this post through Google Reader

    katie_kitty@msn.com

  84. Anonymous says:

    i found it on frugal freebies! mshanson23@yahoo.com

  85. I saw your amazing giveaway at

    http://canadiangiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/08/frugal-freebies-digital-camera-giveaway.html

  86. I have blogged about you here:

    http://canuckiancontests.blogspot.com/2009/08/frugal-freebies.html

  87. I am following you, where are we going, the beach is nice!!

  88. I follow you on twitter Walshsurvey

  89. Tweeted you here:

    http://twitter.com/walshsurvey/status/3340334116

  90. I love the feature of the vivitar camera that it can accept an 8G card. That is a whole lot of Buddy doing the Happy dance

  91. Daer0n says:

    I found this giveaway via prizey.net :)

    http://kontactr.com/user/daer0n

  92. Daer0n says:

    i blogged:
    http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/08/vivitar-vivicam-8025-giveaway.html

    http://kontactr.com/user/daer0n

  93. Daer0n says:

    I follow frugal freebies on twitter.

    http://kontactr.com/user/daer0n

  94. Daer0n says:

    I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/daer0n/statuses/3340915319

    http://kontactr.com/user/daer0n

  95. Daer0n says:

    The camera feature that would me it more fun for me would be the 3x Optical Zoom, Auto Focus Lens, 36~108mm 1:2,8-4,8 (Far/Macro switch), this feature would make a big difference when we try to take pictures and zoom into something to get as much detail as possible, like a flower or an insect, it's so much fun to be able to see them upclose and see the smallest detail of them :)

    http://kontactr.com/user/daer0n

  96. Tanya says:

    facebook frugal freebies

  97. Anonymous says:

    I found this giveaway through frugal freebies!

    sweepswin41(at)gmail(dot)com

  98. Anonymous says:

    The large touch screen would help me a lot! I take really bad pictures.

    sweepswin41(at)gmail(dot)com

  99. Erica C. says:

    Saw it on Frugal Freebies, thanks :)

  100. Laura says:

    tweeted
    pcollins@cajunnet.com

  101. I found it at online-sweepstakes.com, thanks.

  102. hale2005 says:

    I found about this site through google.com!

  103. mverno says:

    Found out about the camera giveaway on Frugal Freebies website.
    mverno@roadrunner.com

  104. Unknown says:

    I found it at Frugal Freebies on Facebook, Tina Wojciechowsi tinawoj@gmail.com

  105. Jenn says:

    I found out about this giveaway from the frugal freebies website! this is awesome we could really use a new camera!

  106. Anonymous says:

    I saw your giveaway listed at online-sweepstakes.com .
    traymona[at]aol.com

  107. Anonymous says:

    I was directed by my sister in law who posted it on her face book page to Frugal Freebies. Mindie Hernandez Mindieh@verizon.net

  108. laura m



    found at acontestblog.com

  109. Anonymous says:

    found this through Gather stormchaserblue@yahoo.com

  110. Anonymous says:

    found this through Gather Also I went to join you at facebook stormchaserblue@yahoo.com

  111. lsfish says:

    I found it at online sweepstakes

  112. Unknown says:

    A friend told me about this great giveaway.

  113. Alice H says:

    I found you originally through Prizey, but now I subscribe via google reader - thanks! alicedemskehansen at gmail.com

  114. denyse says:

    Online-sweepstakes is where I heard of this.

    denyse_g@hotmail.vom

  115. Anonymous says:

    I saw it on my friends facebook page.
    dunmees@aol.com

  116. Ellen C. says:

    I found out about this giveaway from sweepsadvantage.com. Thanks for the chance.

    sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

  117. Anonymous says:

    Saw it on Frugal Freebies. ruthing73 at hotmail dot com

  118. Unknown says:

    I found the add at frugal freebies, really could use a new camera, my old one still uses film!!!!!!!!

  119. I subscribe to your RSS feeds.

  120. jou-bee says:

    Linked in through gather. I hope I win this. would give it to my son, he is leaving for college in canada.

  121. alycep says:

    I found this on OLS-on-line sweepstakes site. Thank you for offering this.


    apoalillo at hotmail dot com

  122. Got Your Button: http://onlyfreestuffheresubmitgiveaway.blogspot.com/

  123. I learned about this contest at www.online-sweepstakes.com

  124. Tweeted Giveaway: http://twitter.com/free__giveaways/statuses/3345802543

    Also mentioned on facebook but I don't know how to find the link: http://www.facebook.com/kgthan?ref=nf

  125. dmsloma says:

    I heard about the camera givaway on Frugal Freebies website on facebook. I was impressed about the 8x Loom with Auto Focus Lens, plus the large touch screen. Really Cool! dmsloma@yahoo.com
    Donna-Marie Sloma

  126. L Harris says:

    I found this through either Canadian giveaways (blogspot) or Frugal freebies.

  127. kdkdkd says:

    What a cool camera! I found out about this from OLS (on-line sweepstakes site)

  128. Unknown says:

    I found out about your giveaway here
    http://theblackcell.com/blogs/?cat=282&paged=16
    jedoggett@embarqmail.com

  129. Elkaye says:

    I found the giveaway on online sweepstakes.

    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

  130. Anonymous says:

    I found it on OLS

    autumn398 @ yahoo.com

  131. Unknown says:

    I like the touch screen feature!
    jedoggett@embarqmail.com

  132. Elkaye says:

    I follow on twitter as Elkaye.


    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

  133. Elkaye says:

    I follow your blog.

    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

  134. Elkaye says:

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Elkaye/status/3346504813


    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

  135. Unknown says:

    blogged
    http://abdoggett1.blogspot.com/2009/08/frugal-freebies.html
    jedoggett@embarqmail.com

  136. Unknown says:

    I follow
    jedoggett@embarqmail.com

  137. stepperB says:

    Found this at online-sweepstakes.

  138. ms. Holly says:

    I really like this camera. I heard about this giveaway on FACEBOOK. entered on frugalgreebies how awesome. Ms. holly

  139. Nikki236 says:

    I'm a fan of Frugal freebies on Facebook.
    robniclox(at)gmail(dot)com

  140. Lee P says:

    I found out about this giveaway from coolcanucks.ca Thanks for this giveaway and please count me in.

    chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

  141. Lee P says:

    I like the Large Touch Screen feature.

    chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

  142. Anonymous says:

    Found this on cashnet sweepstakes. Luv your site and prize.

    susan wiener swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com

  143. Homero Gutierrez says:

    Vivitar website

    empire90@hotmail.com

  144. I found this giveaway on Delaney's Top Pick Giveaways blog.
    bearchicko (at) AOL (dot) com

  145. llinda29 says:

    I found it listed at online-sweepstakes

  146. Anonymous says:

    I found out about it on Frugal Freebies

  147. Unknown says:

    I found out about it on frugal freebies.
    wolfpups42 at gmail dot com

  148. Unknown says:

    I follow this on facebook
    wolfpups 42 at gmail dot com

  149. 409cope says:

    I found out about this giveaway through the online-sweepstakes site. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  150. Unknown says:

    I found it at Frugal Freebies.
    I use Google Reader.
    jswandrn @ gmail.com

  151. barbara says:

    My sister told me about this giveaway. I would guess that she found about it at Online-Sweepstakes, but I can't be positive.

  152. barbara says:

    I follow you on Twitter - bsw529

  153. barbara says:

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/3348509905

  154. barbara says:

    I like the face and smile recognition of this camera

  155. Dove420 says:

    I saw this giveaway listed on www.online-sweepstakes.com

    dove42(at)comcast(dot)net

  156. Julie says:

    I found this contest on Prizey

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

  157. Julie says:

    I follow your blog

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

  158. Dove420 says:

    I'm following you on Twitter (Dove42)

    dove42(at)comcast(dot)net

  159. Julie says:

    the large touch screen is a feature I like about the camera

    aunteegem@yahoo.com

  160. Anonymous says:

    found out at frugal freebies
    jessicatang90@hotmail.com

  161. Cjnedrow says:

    I found this giveaway listed at Online-Sweepstakes.
    cjnedrow at gmail.com

  162. Anonymous says:

    I think this is such a great giveaway, I really need a camera so I can take some pictures at the beach.

  163. Heard about it on Facebook, Frugal Freebies updates (fan page)
    Linda at charaid@gmail.com

  164. I'm a fan of Frugal Freebies on Facebook.

  165. I found you on cashnetsweeps.com

  166. Fokxxy says:

    I found this giveaway through google.

    ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

  167. Fokxxy says:

    I follow you on twitter.

    ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

  168. I saw it posted on Twitter

  169. sphinx63 says:

    Found it on Frugal Freebies. Thanks!

    sphinxcw at aol dot com

  170. Fokxxy says:

    I tweeted this giveaway

    http://twitter.com/fokxxy/status/3349810742

    ssummmer@gmail.com

    twitter name : fokxxy

  171. I saw it on Twitter

    fostermcdonald@rogers.com

  172. I tweeted it (@those2girls)

    fostermcdonald@rogers.com

  173. Abby says:

    I found this through Sweepstakes Advantage.










    ajcmeyer at go dot com

  174. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I found this contest on http://www.cancontests.com

    Thank you!

  175. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I blogged your contest! http://www.cancontests.com/2009/08/contests-from-elsewhere-win-vivitar.html

    Thank you!

  176. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I'm a follower on Twitter. :) antispamgirl

    Thank you!

  177. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I'm a Facebook fan - Kitty Cartouche. Thank you!

  178. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I'm a NetworkedBlogs follower - Kitty Cartouche. Thank you!

  179. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    Tweeted! :) http://twitter.com/antispamgirl/statuses/3350918454

    Thank you!

  180. clenna says:

    I found it at Frugal Freebies.

    clenna at aol dot com

  181. clenna says:

    I follow

    clenna at aol dot com

  182. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I'm a follower on Blogger/Google Friend. :) Thank you!

  183. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    Dugg - spamgirl

    Thank you!

  184. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    I faved you on StumbleUpon - Spamgirl. Thank you!

  185. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    Kirtsy - http://www.kirtsy.com/story.php?title=vivitar-vivicam-8025-giveaway

    Thank you!

  186. Spamgirl says:

    realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*com

    A feature that will help me take better photos is the anti-shake... my photos are blurry!

    Thank you!

  187. Stephanie says:

    I saw the giveaway on Cashnet Sweepstakes. I need the camera for my Mom's 80th birthday.

  188. Andrea Hostutler says:

    I saw this on frugal-freebies.com

  189. Andrea Hostutler says:

    I saw this on Frugal-freebies.com
    hostutler4@sbcglobal.net

  190. Anonymous says:

    I follow on facebook.frugal-freebies.com
    hostutler4@sbcglobal.net

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