Using the Drug Store Stockpile
It is easy to get caught up in the drug store games. It is fun and exciting to get things for free or practically free. Some people play the game and max out on all the freebies and good offers. Others only take advantage when there are deals on their current shopping list. I am trying to take a moderate approach by loading up on items we will use, and skipping the items that we will not.
Even with taking a moderate approach, I find myself with a stockpile of items. What can I say? I find it very hard to pass on free toothpaste or shampoo, even if I already have several in the cupboard. But that doesn't mean that it will go to waste. Here are some ideas to use up the stockpile of drug store deals.
1. Sell it.
In her article, Making CVS Work for You, Crystal shares that she sells some of her surplus items in their bi-annual garage sale.
Seem like an odd thing to sell at a garage sale? It has been awhile since I've had a garage sale. (Those of you who know where I live are probably rolling on the floor at the thought of me having a garage sale here.) The last time I did have a garage sale I threw in some opened perfume I'd received as a gift and didn't care for and some other odds and end health and beauty products. Those things went like hot potatoes. Imagine how quick something brand new in the box would go.
2. Donate it.
This idea came from my sister in law. She works for an agency that helps at risk families. She donated many of her CVS items to the agency. Even if you don't have a connection like that, items can be donated to shelters, food banks or other agencies that help those in need.
3. Take a shopping break.
Amy shared last week how she took used her stockpile over the summer. This let her spend less time shopping, and more time enjoying her family and her summer. That is a great way to use that stockpile!
4. Create a care package.
Recently I created a care package for a loved one who will soon be living in the dorms. I filled a box with lots of health and beauty items from my stockpile. I also added in some Amish bread, jam, and herbal tea. I think it will be appreciated by this student who pays for all her living expenses, and it cost me practically nothing.
So play the game. Get the free stuff, and create a stockpile. But don't cross the line into hoarding. Use that stockpile up, either for yourself or to help someone else who would appreciate it.
Labels:
deals,
frugal thoughts,
gifts
6 comments:
I don't play the drugstore game too much, but when I do see a good deal that will make a "profit" but I don't need the item, I don't hesitate to do #2. I got it for free, someone else should too- someone who can actually use it and would have a hard time affording it otherwise.
That stockpile goes faster than you might think. I can't believe I actually paid for razors last week. I haven't been to CVS much since band class stopped for the summer.
Since I've donated so much stuff my boss said I can incorporate my shopping into my schedule. Yippy - I get to shop for free stuff and get paid for it. I also like to keep a little stash of stuff at home and when I have visitors I always have items they may have forgotten. I just gave your Mom and Ashley deodorant!
These are some great ideas. I use my drugstore stockpile throughout the year for gifts. Many a family member has benefited from a lovely basket filled with these goodies.
Excellent ideas!
I donate all the sample size hygiene items to our homeless charity. They made little bags up for the men and women.
Some things I keep like the sample size Renu contact lens solution and detergent that I've been getting at Target.
I've known people who sold rebates or coupon freebies at the flea markets. They do pretty well as long as they price them inexpensively like the dollar stores.
I love freebies! I just got free cat food from Walmart, and free wild flower seeds from Burt's Bees today. Fun!
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