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. Children’s Museum of Tacoma
The deal: Purchase a one-year membership for the whole family for $37, half the regular price of $75, through the Saavysource, a flash site for parents. The museum, in downtown Tacoma, features hands-on, interactive exhibits including a “garden,” art studio and design-and-build area. Membership also includes discounts on museum-store purchases and birthday parties, members-only playtimes and events and more. Offer is for any two adults and all accompanying children.  
Good through: Purchase by July 8; redeem by Oct. 8.

2. Barnes & Noble
The deal: Snag two real fruit smoothies for the price of one in the bookseller’s café with this printable coupon.
Good through: July 11.

3. Amazon.com
The deal: Buy one video game or accessory and get one free for PlayStation 2 and 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and DS, Sony PSP and PCs and Macs. Many titles are already on sale, making this an even better deal. Games include “Michael Jackson: The Experience,” “Lego Rock Band” and “Minute to Win It.” Orders worth $25 or more ship free with Super Saver Shipping.
Good through: July 9.

4. Pottery Barn Kids
The deal: Need luggage for your family vacation – or hoping to get ahead on back-to-school shopping? Tote bags and backpacks in various sizes and styles for kids of all ages are on clearance for as low as $16.99, and shipping is free.
Good through: Ongoing, but online deals change regularly.

5. Michaels
The deal: For those with a list of summer crafts, take advantage of this printable coupon for 20 percent off your total purchase, including sale items. This is a great opportunity to stock up on everything from acrylic paints in every color to supplies to make swanky cupcakes.
Good through: July 9.