Did you know Coinstar® coin-counting kiosks will do a 100% conversation–no hefty fee–if you convert your metallic monies into gift cards instead of cash? Make sure to read on the on-screen instructions, but you can expect to convert 100% of your loose change, for example, to an Amazon.com gift card. If you were already going to buy supplies from Amazon.com, as you should, this easily translates to money saved. Many other gift card options are available, but I believe a conversion to Amazon offers the most value since your money goes further, particularly if you are buying necessities.
Note: Coinstar only converts to gift cards on amounts greater than $5, last I checked. Don’t try and walk in with $4.99 in change, or you will be weeping 49-cent tears as you are forced to redeem store credit.