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Business & Tech

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.

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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.

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

1. See Kai Run
The deal: Get free shipping on all online orders from this Woodinville-based company known for trendy, comfortable shoes for children, including the new Kai line in sizes 8-13. Trendy oxfords for boys and pink Mary Janes for girls are among their fall offerings. Shipping usually is $6.50 for orders under $60, so this offer is great for those wanting to buy just a pair or two.
Good through: Aug. 18.

2. Drugstore.com
The deal: Know of a “Thomas the Tank Engine” fan? Snag the popular Mega Bloks Percy’s Special Delivery set for just $18.98 (usually $39.95) for a savings of 52 percent, plus free shipping on orders of $25 or more. This set, which comes with two trains, is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Good through: Ongoing, but online prices change regularly.

3. Babies ‘R’ Us
The deal: As summer starts to wind down, all clearance clothing is $5 or less – no coupon needed. A great price to stock up on shorts, shirts, pajamas and more for your own children, baby-shower gifts or charitable donations. Select brands are excluded; stock is limited to what is on hand.
Good through: Aug. 20.

4. Vistaprint
The deal: Getting an early start on Christmas shopping? Order a personalized wall calendar, photo flipbook, T-shirt, mug, photo mouse pad or photo magnet for free. Just pay shipping, which varies depending on which item you purchase – and the more items you buy, the less shipping will be.
Good through: Ongoing.

5. Chevys Fresh Mex
The deal: Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of any regular price adult entrée per child under 12. Options include chicken or beef tacos; a cheese quesadilla; and chicken bites, and are served with a beverage.
Good through: Ongoing

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