This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Frugal Family: Deals and Steals at Plato's Closet

Frugal Family is a weekly column dedicated to informing people in the community of great deals and freebies.

Fingers crossed, but it seems as though we've made it through what should be winter's last stand over the previous weekend. With the high end of Weather.com forecasts in the 60s and 70s for this coming weekend and no rain expected, the time is right for some frugal shopping in the community.

Here at Patch, we hope to clue in readers each week to a selection of five choice deals from area businesses.

1. in Kirkwood

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This store features everyday low prices for gently used clothes. The selection is skewed toward younger adults and teens, although there are bound to be a few items of interest to adults past their twenties as well.

Deal: Trade in clothes for cash or pick up some new threads for obscenely low prices. Check this article's image gallery for two examples of bargain items from name brands. 

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Good Through: Continuous

2. in Maplewood

Five hours of free tastings is a hard deal to beat for adults hoping to brush up on their knowledge of wine.

Deal: Visit Saint Louis Cellars this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. to taste from a selection of more than 90 wines as part of the store's annual . RSVP on the Facebook event page.

Good Through: April 2

3. in Maplewood

On the way home from school, reward the kids on a job well done for an A on a spelling test or math quiz with a cold treat from Steak 'n Shake.

Deal: Shakes and drinks are half price from 2 to 4 p.m. every weekday.

Good Through: Continuous

4. in Crestwood

If you must drink bottled water, buying in bulk is the way to go.

Deal: Members can buy a case of 32 16.9-ounce bottles of Aquafina water at the Crestwood Sam's Club for $3.98. 12.4 cents a bottle before tax sure beats the cost of purchasing a bottle at a gas station.

Good Through: Continuous

5. in Crestwood

Using rechargeable batteries saves e-waste from entering landfills and contaminating the groundwater.

Deal: Purchase a four-pack of AA rechargeable batteries from Chicago Electric Power Systems for $4.99, marked down from $8.99.

Good Through: While supplies last

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kirkwood