This week’s CVS flyer has a lot going on, but not all of it is worth your money. I went through it with one question in mind:
Would I buy this here instead of Target, Walmart, or the grocery store?
Below are the holiday gift deals that pass that test, with exact pricing and ExtraBucks math so you know what you’re getting before you step into the store.
Important basics (quick)
- You need a free CVS ExtraCare card for sale prices and ExtraBucks
- Prices below assume sale prices only, no special coupons
- ExtraBucks trigger automatically unless noted
🍎 Teacher Gifts
Goal: thoughtful, neutral, easy
🍫 Boxed Chocolates (Most Reliable Option)
Russell Stover (7.1–12 oz) or Whitman’s Sampler (10 oz)
- Sale: Buy 1, get $2 ExtraBucks
- Shelf price: ~$7.99
- Net cost: ~$5.99 after EB
Ferrero, Lindt, Ghirardelli, Godiva boxed chocolates
- Sale: Buy 1, get 1 50% off (mix & match)
Example math:
$8.99 + $4.49 = $13.48 total
~ $6.74 per gift
Why this works:
Comparable boxed chocolates at grocery stores are usually $7–$10 each with no rebate.
🧴 Beauty & Personal Care Holiday Gift Sets
- Deal: Buy 1, get 2nd for $1
Example math:
Gift set A: $9.99
Gift set B: $1.00
Total: $10.99 for 2 gifts
~ $5.50 per gift
No ExtraBucks needed. This is one of the strongest straight-up gift deals in the flyer.
🏡 Host / Hostess Gifts
Goal: looks good, feels intentional
🍬 Premium Boxed Chocolate
(Same deals as teacher gifts, but great for dinner invites)
Best value recap:
- Russell Stover / Whitman’s: ~ $6 net after EB
- Lindt / Ferrero / Ghirardelli: ~ $6–$7 per box when paired
These prices are on par or better than grocery stores this late in the season.
🥜 Well Market Gourmet Snacks
Sale prices:
- Holiday trail mix or specialty nuts: $4.99
- Premium chocolate-covered nuts or trail mix: $5.99
- Large mixed nuts or pistachios: $10.99
Why this works:
These are CVS-exclusive items that gift like Trader Joe’s snacks, without TJ’s parking lot stress.
🎄 Stocking Stuffers
Goal: small, useful, low out-of-pocket
💅 Nail Polish & Makeup (Best EB Value)
essie nail polish
- Deal: Buy 1, get 1 FREE
Example:
$9.99 + $0 = $9.99 for 2
~ $5 each
O•P•I nail polish
- Deal: Buy 2, get $7 ExtraBucks
Example:
$11.49 × 2 = $22.98
Earn $7 EB
Net: ~$15.98 → ~$7.99 each
L.A. Girl cosmetics
- Deal: Spend $10, get $5 ExtraBucks
Example:
Two $5 items = $10
Earn $5 EB
Net: $5 → ~$2.50 per item
👄 Lip Care & Small Seasonal Items
Burt’s Bees cold lip care
- Deal: Spend $15, get $5 ExtraBucks
Example:
Two items at ~$7.50 each = $15
Earn $5 EB
Net: $10 → ~$5 per item
Great practical stocking stuffers that don’t feel throwaway.
🍭 Candy Singles
Russell Stover singles and holiday candy minis are often BOGO 50% off or small ExtraBucks offers.
Typical cost: $1–$2 per item, depending on brand.
🧾 ExtraBucks, Explained Simply
If you’re new to ExtraBucks, here’s how it works in real life:
- You buy qualifying items
- ExtraBucks print on your receipt or load to your app
- On your next CVS purchase, you use them like cash
Example:
You earn $5 ExtraBucks today.
Next visit, your total is $18.
You use the $5 EB and pay $13 out of pocket.
No clipping required unless the flyer says “digital coupon.”
🧠 Quick Strategy Recap
- Teachers: boxed chocolate or $5–$6 gift sets
- Hosts: premium chocolate or Well Market snacks
- Stockings: nail polish, lip care, candy
You walk in with a list, see the math, and leave without wondering if you missed something.
