Frugal Family: Great Deals 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. Gymboree
The deal: The popular children’s clothing retailer is holding its popular Baby Sale in-store and online, with prices up to 50 percent off on clothing in sizes newborn to 5T. Pricepoints include $6.99 for bodysuits, $10.99 for knit pants and graphic T-shirts, and $20.99 for dresses, sweaters and fashion jeans. Online shipping is $5.
Good through: Ongoing.

2. Southwest Airlines
The deal: Travelers, here’s a deal for you: Snag one-way fares for as low as $59 during this fare sale. Tickets must be purchased 10 days in advance and can be one way or roundtrip. Popular destinations from Seattle include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Denver.
Good through: Book by Sept. 8; travel between Sept. 16 and Dec. 14. Travel is not permitted between Nov. 17-28.

3. Olive Garden
The deal: The Never Ending Pasta Bowl is back once more. For $8.95 per person, order as many combinations of seven pastas and six sauces as you want, plus unlimited salad and breadsticks. Options include penne, spaghetti and whole-wheat linguine; and Alfredo, marinara and meat sauce.
Good through: Oct. 9.

4. Amazon.com
The deal: Looking for a practical baby gift or in need of gear for your own little one? The First Year’s Infant to Toddler Tub is on sale for $15.50 – 30 percent off the regular price. It comes with a soft sling to contain squirmy infants, and your frugal guru will be the first to say it is a great tub and very easy to clean.
Good through: Ongoing, but online prices change regularly.

5. Cost Plus World Market
The deal: Sign up for the World Market Explorer program and receive a coupon for 10 percent off your purchase, as well as free coffee and a birthday gift. Members also receive sneak peeks of new merchandise and advance notice of sales.
Good through: Ongoing