Department Store Couponing - AKA getting crap you want anyway for almost free!

This past weekend I had a fun day out just me and my Mom. We went to a boutique in Cumming, GA called Parsons. They were having a fashion show and giveaways. The fashion show was fun, but not really to my clothing tastes. I did win a candle holder, which I gave to Mom. Later in the day, we happened across a free photo booth at a nearby mall and this happened...

Anyway, back to Parsons. The real excitement for me was the $5 store coupon they handed out to everyone. I didn't see on the coupon whether or not there was a purchase limit. Normally when department stores give out coupons like this they make you spend at least the amount of the coupon. I know this isn't coupon rocket science, but I treat these occasions as a personal challenge to get as close to the coupon amount as possible. Now I'm not condoning buying a bunch of crap just because you have a coupon. That is a no no. But if there happens to be something at a store that you have a coupon for, that you need / would have purchased anyway / could gift to someone, then by all means milk that puppy for all it's worth! I've gotten birthday gifts for people for $5 or less this way, by using the coupons to purchase a clearance item I knew the receiver would love. I've also gotten a Food Network oven mitt for 50 cents. I have an Aunt that purchased a new fluffy white towel each time she received a $10 Kohl's coupon in the mail. With patience and persistence she now has a linen closet full of new towels for most likely less than the cost of one towel.

Some might call me cheap for doing this. They'd be right. But I can't help it. It's so much fun! Anytime I get one of these coupons from a store I know I could use something / find a gift, I walk around the entire store and pick out a few things I want / need for as close to the coupon amount as possible, while still being just a weeeeee bit over or right at the mark. This time at Parsons with my $5 coupon I found two hair elastic bands that I've been dying to try for $2.50 each. I picked two out, took them to the register and got them for free!! That's the closest I've ever gotten in this coupon "game"! I normally try not to spend over a buck or two. Definitely not even $5 over (unless it's a gift. $5 for a gift ain't bad!).  It's fun to see what you can get for free or under a couple dollars. So bring on those $10 coupons Kohl's, World Market, & DSW! I'm on it!!