I remember the pin curl days, wish I had saved all those clips. I have bought 4-5 packages of the binding clips from JoAnns, but always use either a coupon or get them when the quilting notions are half price.
Another tip for your cutting mats: when batting or fabric lint get lodged into the mat, I use a nylon scrubber (keep mine with my quilting supplies) to scrub the mat with, helps fairly well.
When making a quilt as a gift, I always make at least one extra block then use that and either some of the other fabric used in the quilt or the backing fabric and make a matching pillow. (pillow also bought on sale or with a coupon) My daughter lucked out and got 2 matching pillows, with her name stitched in the center of the block instead of the tulip.