Where to Get Mini Toiletries

Smaller Versions Save Space When Traveling

© Michelle Snow

May 11, 2007

Whether you need just a few items or are putting together a mini-kit for your next trip, check out these sources to fill your travel needs.

• Free Samples Via the Internet. Whenever a health and beauty company launches a new product, they often offer samples of the new product via their websites. In recent months, there have been samples for such products as Dove deodorant and lotions; shampoo from Head & Shoulders, Pantene and Sunsilk; toothpaste from Crest; energy snack bars from Luna; and medicinal samples from Advil and Aleve. How do you find these samples? If you’re brand loyal, visit the website for that brand. If they have any new product samples, there will usually be a “free sample” link on the main page. If you’re not brand loyal, you can also visit the Wal-Mart website sample area to sign up for whatever they’re promoting that month. Worried about spam? Get a free email account (from gmail, hotmail, etc) and use that when signing up for the samples.

• Free In-Store Samples. Some bath and body care stores, like Lush and Origins, offer customers one or two free samples upon request. These are the perfect size for traveling and not only do you get to try some new luxe products, you save space and money when packing.

• Minimus.biz. This online store offers miniature size versions of products ranging from shampoos to food condiments. They’re so popular they’ve even supplied products to clients as diverse as NASA and TV production crews. If you’re traveling with your family or friends, pool your orders together to save money on shipping charges.

• Drugstores/Discount Stores. Stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens and CVS have sections in their health and beauty areas dedicated to baskets of travel size versions of products. The selection may not be huge, but you should be able to pick up the necessities like hair care, dental products and deodorant, at prices averaging 80 cents to $2 each.

• Do It Yourself. In or near the travel size sections in most store health and beauty departments are empty cases for you to fill yourself. This is a great way to use your favorite products without having to bring the full-size bottles. Get creative and use those empty pill carriers sold in stores to carry small amounts of creams or toothpaste (nothing too runny) or use them to make your own mini-first aid kit for traveling.

• Reuse and Recycle. Wait! Don’t throw out those used up travel size bottles. Rinse them out and refill them with products you have in your bathroom.

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