Mother Of All Deals: 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. 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: Feb. 21

2. Albertsons 
The deal: General Mills cereals including Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Trix, $2 a box. Print a coupon for $1 off two boxes from a variety of sources including Pillsbury.com,bettycrocker.com or eatbetteramerica.com and that brings the cost per box down to $1.50. A definite stock-up price.
Good through: Feb. 15

3. Restaurant.com 
The deal: Purchase a $25 voucher for $2 using the code LOVE at checkout. Most restaurants require a $35 minimum to use the certificates, so diners should expect to pay about $10 after the gift certificate; 18 percent gratuity is built in. Local restaurants include Casa Mia in Lakewood and Wingers and Southern Kitchen in Tacoma.   
Good through: Feb. 14 (to purchase; restaurant certificates do not expire)

4. Old Navy 
The deal: Baby & Kids Sale, prices start at $5 for basics including onesies and pants; graphic t-shirts for $6 and jeans for $10. Triple-roll socks are a mere $1 a pair. Sale also available online. Visit oldnavy.com to print an in-store coupon for an additional 25 percent off one item.
Good through: Feb. 17

5. Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant
The deal: $7 two-item combination plates on Mondays and Tuesdays at this family-owned Tacoma favorite.  Items include enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, tamales and chile rellenos; all are accompanied by beans and rice.
Good through: Ongoing