My main thing is that I really only shop around for deals on more expensive items, like $50 or over. I make a list and watch slickdeals for deals on items that I want to buy. I really think the key is knowing what you plan on buying ahead of time and how much you want to spend.
I'm about the same, but anything over $25 at least I'll look for cheapest. I gave up on clipping grocery coupons, I rarely used enough to pay for the papers I bought in a month... since I already don't by name brand (store tends to be cheaper even with coupons around here) and really don't buy into the junk they're trying to sell otherwise! I know who I buy for every year (gift wise) and shop all year for everyone.
If I know exactly what I'm looking for I start with eBay, esp if it's something I need soon. I also keep an eye on the stores I know have it for sales. Otherwise I check dealnews several times a day. It's amazing how often I've found gifts I never would have thought of for people and CHEAP! Or things we need or could use super cheap. ie we needed new towels, have for awhile but I refused to pay $5-6 a piece... managed to finally hit a Kohl's sale online for towels for less than $2 a piece and either .99 or free shipping
I also usually check the coupons sites before ordering online, retailmenot is the first I go to, then the first 2-3 that come up on a search. As PP said they tend to all have the same ones.
My other favorite thing to do is put things in my
Amazon cart, which I check every morning for changes. You can usually see a pattern on what your stuff is doing and know about when to buy. I have been watching something for my boys for over a year now, I refuse to pay $40 for it, ONE time it was down to $20, but still more than I want. If I'd see it hit a price I'm willing to pay for it I'd grab it since I know it probably won't get better. As you can see I'm very patient and will watch something for a long time to get my price
Now these dumb pillow pets, UGH!! Best I can do and figure will ever do before the holidays is with a $5 off coupon for BBB, so I got that all taken care of already. This is very uncommon for me, I'd prefer to wait and find it for at least 50% but once in a while ya have to bite the bullet and pay more!!!