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Community Corner

Frugal Family: Great Buys For Parents

University Place Patch scours the South Sound to help find deals that can save parents a buck or two.

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.

Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

1. Gap
The deal: Bring in a donation of old clothing and receive 30 percent off your total purchase (enjoy an extra 5 percent off if you use a Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic card). Donate as many items as you wish – the number or type of clothing has no impact on the discount – and know that they will find a good home with Goodwill during this “Let It Go” event.
Good through: May 29.

2. Babies R Us
The deal: Receive 20 percent off one regular-price baby item with this printable coupon. A great chance to pick up a bigger-ticket item, such as a stroller, car seat or piece of nursery furniture at a significant discount. Formula, diapers, toys and select brands are excluded.
Good through: May 28.

3. Safeway
The deal: Snag a $2 Grande Frappuccino at Starbucks kiosks inside Safeway stores after 2 p.m. Popular flavors include Caramel, Mocha Coconut and Strawberries and Crème for non-coffee drinkers.
Good through: May 27-30.

4. BabyLegs
The deal: Stock up on stylish socks, BabyLegs leg warmers and tights for 30 to 50 percent off during the Seattle company’s Memorial Day Sale. Free shipping on orders over $30, otherwise it is $3.95. Sock sets start at $5; BabyLegs for newborns, toddlers and preschool-aged children are $6-$8. Current offerings include dashing dinosaurs and cute cupcakes.
Good through: May 27.

5. Nordstrom
The deal: The Seattle-based retailer’s Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids is under way. Get deep discounts on everything from giant handbags to tiny shoes – all designer brands. Quicksilver, Keen, Boden, Ralph Lauren and Adidas are among the children’s brands with sale items. The men's sale will be in June.
Good through: Ongoing.

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