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Business & Tech

Frugal Family: Great Buys For Parents

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. Carters
The deal: Pick up essentials for the little ones in your life for up to 50
percent off during the popular retailer’s semi-annual Baby Sale for sizes newborn through 24 months. Today is the last day, so head out to the Supermall or Southcenter – or hop online and pay $6 flat-rate shipping. Deals include three-piece outfits for $10, a five-pack of printed bodysuits for $13 and microfleece jumpsuits for $9.
Good through: Sept. 21.

2. Betty Crocker
The deal: Have Halloween on the mind yet? Download seven free pumpkin carving templates through ShopAtHome.com. Simply create an account to download them – you do not need to add the toolbar to get them – and start plotting your “Boo O’Lantern” and more.
Good through: Ongoing.

3. Amazon
The deal: Get a free $2 credit toward Android apps in the Amazon Appstore by clicking here and tweeting a message about the promo through your Twitter account. Amazon will automatically configure your tweet, and you’ll be on the way to playing “Angry Birds,” “Finger Football” and more.
Good through: Ongoing, but online deals change regularly.

4. Umi Shoes
The deal: Snag stylish and super durable children’s shoes for up to 50 percent off – with free shipping and free returns included on all purchases. Use code KIDORABLE to receive an additional $10 off any pair of shoes, including clearance.
Good through: Sept. 26.

5. Duke’s Chowderhouse
The deal: Sign up for Duke’s e-mail club and receive a coupon to buy one lunch or dinner entrée and get one free, as well as a free meal on your birthday at the Ruston Way location on the Tacoma waterfront. Among the popular offerings are four types of chowder, grilled mahi tacos and beer-battered fish and chips.
Good through: Ongoing.

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