Frugal Family: Great Buys For Parents

These days, we’re all watching every dollar. From coupons to Craigslist, local families are taking advantage of a variety of deals to stretch their budgets even further.

This weekly column is dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family save money, and, since we are doing the legwork for you, save time, too.

Your guide for this low-cost journey is a self-proclaimed coupon queen who can empty the Baby Gap’s sales racks and the cereal aisle at Safeway for mere dollars.

You, the reader, are a big part of this column. Feel free to share deals you have come across in the comments box below!

Check back each week to see what we have found to help save you money.

Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions to deals published here.

1. Old Navy
The deal: Get $1 flip-flops for the whole family during this one-day in-store special. There is a limit of five pairs per customer, and popular sizes usually sell out quickly. For those unable to get into the store early, it is possible to exchange sizes once the stock is replenished. The nearest Old Navy is located at 4502 South Steele St. in Tacoma.
Good through: Saturday, May 21 only.

2.

The deal: Receive an additional 40 percent off all clearance at this clothing store beloved by tween girls, and stack this coupon for another 40 percent off your purchase. That could mean deals as low as $3.59 on items priced $9.99. Clearance items include ruffled tank tops and sequined shirts.
Good through: Through Monday, May 23.

3. Barnes & Noble
The deal: Save 30 percent on graduation gifts, including humorous books and quote frames, and on children’s graduation books, including the ever popular “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss with this coupon.
Good through: Through Monday, May 23.

4.
The deal: Snag Up & Up brand goods including Ibuprofen, nail-polish remover and feminine-care products for mere pennies – or even free – with these printable store coupons (found under Beauty Items and Healthcare.) Prices vary by store.
Good through: Ongoing, but e-coupons are replenished regularly.

5. Cold Stone Creamery
The deal: Sign up for the popular ice-cream franchise’s My Cold Stone Club and receive an email coupon for two creations for the price of one, as well as a free creation on your birthday. Popular flavors include Cake Batter, Strawberry and Sweet Cream. The nearest store is located at 2601 North Pearl St. #B in Tacoma. 
Good through: Ongoing