If you read the fine print on the Michael's coupons, they are not good for books or magazines; each store I guess has their restrictions and that is why I buy my books at JoAnns. I have gone to my JoAnns and used myriads of coupons especially when they have their "holiday" coupon bash. As for BB&B, I pulled a mangled coupon from under my car seat (almost 2 years old) and had no problem. In fact I love BB&B, because you can use multiple coupons (did 12 coupons for 12 items one day). Yippee!