Frugal Family: Five Deals to Stretch the Family Budget

It's no secret — we're all watching our budget these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for other deals and specials, taking advantage of offers and savings helps us stretch our dollars.

In this column we'll give you five local deals each week to help your family’s bottom line. And since we do the scouting, it saves you time as well as money.

You're a big part of this column — let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box, then come back each week and see what we've found together.

This week, Frugal Family scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on kid's clothing and weekly story time (with free gift), movie concessions, getting fit and two-for-one grocery specials. Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions, if any:

1. Kid's Clothing: Gymboree – White Flint Mall, 11301 Rockville Pike, 301-984-0290.

Deal: Up to 60 percent off semiannual sale, plus earn Gymbucks (offered only a few times a year). For every $50 spent at Gymboree (in the store or online), receive $25 in Gymbucks which can be redeemed on a future purchase. Gymbucks can be used to buy already-discounted clothing, for even deeper savings.

Good through: Gymbucks can be earned on purchases now through April 3 and can be redeemed April 7-17. Clearance sales underway.

2. Storytime, Kid's Book Club plus Free Gift: Pottery Barn Kids,White Flint Mall, 11301 Rockville Pike, 301-231-5831.

Deal: Bring your kids to Pottery Barn Kids' free weekly Storytime, sign them up for the Book Club and receive a official Book Club "passport." After five storytimes, the kids will receive a free gift.  (*This Saturday only kids can also attend a "Doll Tea Party" at the store, with stories, refreshments and a Valentine's craft. RSVP required).

Good through: Story Time, Tuesdays 11-11:30 a.m. (ongoing);  Doll Tea Party, Saturday, Feb. 12. Call store for more details.

3. Movie Concessions: AMC Movie Theatres – 11301 Rockville Pike, 888-262-4386.

Deal: Get $5 in concessions for only $4; plus get free refill on large popcorn or soda. Purchase concession saver coupons at box office; limit one coupon per ticket. Refills are one per large popcorn or drink.

Good through: Good day of purchase only (ongoing).

4. Getting Fit: Bally Fitness – 11010 Viers Mill Road, 301-933-6100

Deal: Online special – Sign-up for $0 enrollment fee and as low as $12.99 every other week, with no long-term contract required. Details on website. (Extra tip: you can also get a free Guest Pass online to try out the club for seven days).
Good through:  Thursday, Febr. 10.

5. Two-for-one Groceries: Safeway ().  

Deal: Buy one and instantly get the second free, on your pick of 14 packaged foods (adding up to savings as much as $9.99 on some items). Stock up your freezer to save on meals, with selections including Shady Brook ground turkey breast; Aidells Gourmet Sausage; Ball Park and Hebrew National Beef Franks; Wholly Guacamole or Queso; Gorton's frozen Shrimp Scampi or Breaded Tilapia, and more.

Good through: Tuesday, Feb. 8. (Hurry, this one expires fast!)

Happy savings!