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. Amazon.com
The deal: Amazon Mom members (free to join for any parent or caretaker) can purchase a 12-jar case of Earth’s Best 1st Foods for $6.03 ($.50 a jar) or 2nd Foods for $7.94 ($.66 a jar), which is a great stock-up price. There are several fruit and vegetable flavors to choose from. To get the deal, you must select the Subscribe & Save option, but can cancel it as soon as your shipment arrives.
Good through: Ongoing, but online prices change regularly.

2. KitchenAid/Amazon.com
The deal: As fall approaches, plot your baking of pumpkin breads and gooey cookies with a new KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart Stand Mixer. There is a $30 rebate for the popular mixers available to send in with the UPC and packing list (or in-store receipt). Amazon currently has the red and white mixers for $226 (plus free shipping), which makes them $196 after the rebate – a good price for a great addition to your kitchen.
Good through: Sept. 24.

3. Walgreens
The deal: Turn your favorite summer memories into fun mementos – or sock them away for stocking stuffers – with this online coupon for $5 off $5 photo-gift orders. Use coupon code 5OFFANY at checkout; it can be used five times per account. Items that would be free include folded greeting cards ($1.99 each), 2x3 photo magnets ($4.99) and flip books (starting at $4.99). Pay shipping to have them delivered, or pick them up in-store for free.
Good through: Sept. 17.

4. Old Navy
The deal: The retailer is holding its semi-annual Baby Sale, with clothing in sizes newborn through 5T starting at $5. Select onesies, pants, dresses, coats – and Halloween costumes – are discounted. Add this printable coupon for 30 percent off one item (40 percent with a Gap or Old Navy card) for an even better deal.
Good through: Sept. 22.

5. Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza
The deal: Kids eat free on Mondays with every $10 spent by a paying adult. Options include a 6-inch pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders or a cheese calzone, and are normally $4.99. All meals come with a beverage.
Good through: Ongoing.