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. Black Bear Yogurt
The deal: Earn $2 in Bear Bucks with your purchase Friday through Sunday, and redeem them Monday through Thursday for a discount on yogurt, coffee, pastries and more. Some items may even be free, including kid-sized frozen yogurt or a cup of hot cocoa. One Bear Buck will be issued and is redeemable per purchase.
Good through: Ongoing

2. Safeway
The deal: Cheerios are on sale for $1.49 a box if you purchase four boxes. Print a coupon for $1 off two boxes of General Mills cereals from both Coupons.com (on the fourth page of the foods category) and Smartsource and each box will be a mere $.99. A great stock-up price for families with little kids that eat them with their fingers, and big kids that eat them by the bowl.
Good through: March 8

3. See Kai Run
The deal: Free shipping on all online orders from this Seattle-based company known for trendy, comfortable shoes for children. Preppy argyle loafers and pink ruffled sandals are among their spring offerings. Shipping usually costs $6.50 for orders under $60, so this offer is great for those wanting to buy just a pair or two.
Good through: March 7

4. Dine Around Seattle
The deal: Get out of the house for an adult dinner at some of Seattle’s top restaurants including McCormick and Schmick’s on Lake Union, Barolo downtown and Salty’s at Alki Beach for $30 per person for a three-course meal. Some of the restaurants are also offering a $15 lunch. A great opportunity to have an upscale time at a reduced cost.
Good through: March 31, Sunday through Thursday only

5. Supermall
The deal: It is nearing time to start looking for shorts and T-shirts. Sign up for coupons for 15 percent off at the Gap Outlet and $20 off a $50 purchase from both Carters and OshKosh, all of which are at the Supermall in Auburn. The latter two are currently running sales of up to 50 percent on baby clothing and/or spring apparel.
Good through: Ongoing, but sales change regularly