16 Things You Only Bought Because of a Coupon
These are the purchases you probably never needed but grabbed anyway just because you had a coupon.
- Daisy Montero
- 6 min read
Coupons had a way of convincing us to buy things we never thought we wanted. A discount suddenly made that odd snack flavor or extra gadget feel like a “must-have.” Looking back, many of these items ended up in the back of a drawer, half-used or forgotten. This list runs through those funny coupon-fueled buys that still make us shake our heads.
1. Chips in a Weird Flavor
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You never planned on buying jalapeño-pineapple chips, but that coupon made them sound like a bargain you could not pass up. Saving money somehow made the weird flavor seem worth the risk. The first bite felt more confusing than delicious, but you kept eating just to justify the deal. Eventually, the bag sat half-eaten until you quietly tossed it away.
2. The Extra Chocolate Bar
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The “Buy One, Get One Free” coupon gave you the confidence of a smart shopper. You planned to buy only one bar, but leaving the second behind felt like wasting money. The first bar disappeared quickly, while the second melted somewhere in a forgotten drawer. Even so, you convinced yourself that the deal was worth it.
3. Flavored Yogurt You Never Liked
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You never enjoyed mango-peach yogurt, yet that coupon persuaded you to give it another chance. It looked healthy and refreshing on the shelf, so you decided to try it again. The first spoonful instantly reminded you why you always preferred vanilla. The rest of the pack stayed in the fridge until it expired quietly.
4. That Extra Two-Liter of Soda
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You only needed one bottle, but the coupon encouraged you to take two. Carrying both bottles to the car felt like more work than expected. The first bottle was gone within a few days, while the second sat unopened for weeks. By the time you poured it, the fizz had vanished and so had your excitement.
5. A Random Cleaning Spray
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A coupon made you believe that a lavender-scented oven cleaner would transform your cleaning routine. You used it once and quickly regretted how strong it smelled. For a short while, you felt proud of your productive moment. After that, the bottle ended up collecting dust under the sink with the other forgotten products.
6. The Extra Toothbrush Pack
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The “two-for-one” toothbrush deal convinced you that buying extra was a smart and responsible move. You felt organized, as if you were preparing for the entire year. However, the first brush felt awkward compared to your usual brand. The rest stayed unopened in a drawer for years, waiting for their turn that never came.
7. A Candle in a Strange Scent
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“Pumpkin spice cinnamon pie” sounded inviting when the coupon offered 40% off. You imagined your home smelling cozy and warm, like a bakery in autumn. Instead, it filled the air with a sharp, sugary scent that was hard to escape. After a few minutes, you blew it out and never lit it again.
8. Bulk Sponge Packs
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The coupon made you believe that buying twenty sponges at once was a smart decision. You felt proud of your practicality as you placed them in your cart. After using a few, you realized that sponges last longer than expected. The remaining pack sat under the sink untouched for years.
9. A Random Magazine Subscription
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The discounted subscription made you think you were about to develop a new hobby. The first issue arrived and captured your interest for a few minutes. After that, the magazines started piling up faster than you could read them. By the time the subscription ended, most of them went straight into the recycling bin.
10. Ice Cream You Did Not Plan On
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That coupon made it seem like the perfect time to buy a family-sized tub of Rocky Road ice cream. You convinced yourself it was for guests or a future celebration. Instead, you ate it alone one random evening while watching TV. The rest turned into an icy brick at the back of your freezer.
11. Crackers in Bulk
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The coupon made you believe that stocking up on multiple boxes of crackers was a good idea. It felt like a practical purchase for parties or guests. Unfortunately, most of those parties never happened. The boxes stayed on the shelf until the crackers went stale.
12. Shampoo That Did Not Work for You
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A coupon persuaded you to try a new shampoo that promised shiny, salon-style hair. You expected great results after just one wash. Instead, your hair felt dry and difficult to manage. The bottle stayed in the shower for months as a constant reminder of your misplaced optimism.
13. A Random Energy Drink
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The discount tag on that brightly colored can convinced you to give it a try. The packaging promised unstoppable energy, but the taste was far from pleasant. You forced yourself to finish one can just to justify the purchase. The second can remained in your refrigerator until you finally decided to throw it away.
14. Lotion in a Scent You Hated
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You only wanted one lotion, but the “Buy Two, Get One Free” coupon convinced you otherwise. The free one came in a scent you immediately disliked. You tried to use it, hoping the smell would grow on you. Instead, it stayed unopened in a drawer until you eventually gave it away.
15. A Pack of Pens You Never Needed
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The coupon made you believe that a 30-pack of pens was a practical investment. You imagined always having one nearby whenever you needed to write. In reality, you only used your favorite pen and ignored the rest. The remaining pens rolled around in drawers, waiting for a use that never came.
16. The Free Tote Bag Add-On
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The coupon promised a free tote bag with your purchase, and that was enough to convince you. You imagined a sturdy, stylish bag you could use for errands or groceries. When it arrived, it was thin, flimsy, and awkward to carry. Eventually, it joined the pile of other unused tote bags in your closet.