Frugal Family: Steep Discounts on Children's Outerwear

The best things in life are free — or so they say. For everything else, there's Frugal Family.

Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch's weekly column geared toward parents living on a budget includes five noteworthy discounts to help you keep your checking account in the black.

1. in Kirkwood

Sure you've heard of "man caves," but how about mom caves, where busy women can relax or socialize with girlfriends?

Deal: Visit the store or check out HomeGoods' Mom Cave website for ideas on how to save money while creating an ideal personal space. HomeGoods' deals include lamps for $49.99 that would cost $60 in other stores and candle holders that range from $2.99 to $8.99 instead of $5 to $20.

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2. in Brentwood

REI has put high quality cold weather clothes for kids on sale to make room for spring clothes. Their loss is your gain, as you can buy fall and winter clothes for your newborn to wear at six months or for your six-month-old to wear at age one.

Deal: Infants' outerwear has been discounted by more than 50 percent and in many cases by more than that. See the pictures for specific examples of sweaters and coats on sale.

Good Through: Until the last discount coat or sweater sells.

3. in Maplewood

If your family uses ketchup with most meals, this would be a great week to stock up at Shop 'N Save.

Deal: Shopper's Value brand ketchup costs just 84 cents for a 24-ounce squeeze bottle.

Good Through: March 12

4.

When the price is right, bowling can be a great time for kids and an effective stress-reliever for parents.

Deal: Print an online coupon to receive one free game of bowling after paying for one game at regular price, with up to three free games per person.

Good Through: Sept. 1

5. in Sunset Hills

If you are concerned that your child may be spending a little too much time vegging out playing video games and watching TV, and you think her or she could use some more exercise, you might sign him or her up for a gymnastics class.

Deal: Brand new students can receive one free trial class, after which the child can be placed into the appropriate class level. Parents can also receive $5 discounts for paying for classes early. When one child takes two classes or a second child enrolls in the program, the second class or second child's class is discounted 25 percent.

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