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: The clothing retailer’s semi-annual Friends and Family event has been extended through today due to weekend weather conditions on the East Coast. Take advantage of the extended savings by getting 30 percent off your entire in-store purchase with this coupon. Certain exclusions apply; the discount does apply to Halloween costumes, sale items and clearance.
Good through: Aug. 31

2. Babies R Us
The deal: Trade in any used crib, car seat, bassinet, stroller, travel system, play yard, toddler bed or high chair and receive a coupon good for 25 percent off the same-day purchase of any new baby item in any of those product categories from select manufacturers. No limit on trade-ins per customer.
Good through: Sept. 18

3. Amazon
The deal: Get a free $5 Amazon Video On Demand credit by clicking here and tweeting a message about the promo through your Twitter account. Amazon will automatically configure your tweet, and you’ll be on the way to renting episodes of “Glee,” new movies such as “Something Borrowed” and “Rio,” and more.
Good through: Sept. 2

4. BabyLegs
The deal: Stock up on tights, socks and BabyLegs leg warmers at half-price from this popular Seattle-based company using code HALFOFF at checkout. Free shipping on orders over $30; otherwise it is $3.95. Most of the leg warmers are $12 regularly, and several fall styles are available, including plaid, polka dots and candy corn.
Good through: Sept. 6

5.
The deal: Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of one adult entrée per child. Options include a quesadilla, taco, bean-and cheese burrito, chips and queso or rice and beans. All kids’ meals come with a drink.
Good through: Ongoing.