Frugal Family

We’re all watching the family budget these days. Whether it’s shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we’re taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column is dedicated to giving you five great deals—both to local stores or online—that will help your family’s bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you’ve seen. Just add them to the comment box!

This week, Frugal Family scoured our resources and uncovered deals on flowers and other gifts, books, video games, tutoring services and more.

1. FREE YOGURT FROM THE MIX YOGURT SHOP

Deal: FREE YOGURT FOR EVERYONE! The Mix is celebrating one year since it opened its doors. Bring the kids, or anyone who likes free yogurt (and who doesn’t?!) over to The Mix for free yogurt, toppings and tastings, along with music, prizes and face painting. The Mix is at 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park.

Good Through: Only on Saturday, noon-5 p.m.

2. 50 PERCENT OFF AT FLOWERSHOP.COM

Deal: Find a last-minute gift for that special someone for Valentine’s Day, or save it for an upcoming birthday or even Mother’s Day; however you choose to use it, you can’t beat $20 for $40 worth of flowers or gifts from FlowerShop.com, with delivery anywhere in the U.S. Flowers, cookies, teddy bears and even kid-themed gifts—these guys have it all! Just click on the link above to visit Wow.com and find it in the deals for the San Francisco area.

Good Through: Tonight by midnight only! And if you cash in your voucher right away and order tonight, FlowerShop.com can guarantee delivery in time for Valentine’s Day!

3. FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTAIN VIEW LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Deal: Books for $1 or less! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or have kids who love to read, books can be expensive, so here’s your chance to stock up on juicy reads to last you a good, long time. The sale takes place Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, 9-9:45 a.m. is the early-bird part of the sale for Friends of the Mountain View Library members only; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. is open to all. On Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. is open to all, but you may want to stick around for the Bag Sale from 2-4 p.m.! Fill an entire grocery bag with as many books as you can fit, and pay just $3 for the whole bag!

Good Through: Sale dates are Saturday-Sunday only. Sale takes place in the garage behind the library at 585 Franklin St. in downtown Mountain View. CASH AND CHECKS ONLY.

4. DISCOUNT ON ROCK BAND 3 FOR NINTENDO WII

Deal: Have a kid that loves to play Rock Band—or, admit it, maybe you do, too? Best Buy has the latest and greatest from the Rock Band series of games on sale right now for just $19.99. That’s nearly 50 percent off the usual retail price of $35-$38! Find it at any one of Best Buy’s locations, such as the stores in East Palo Alto, Mountain View or Sunnyvale, or have it shipped to the store closest to you for pick-up for free. If you want to save yourself a trip to the store altogether, have it shipped directly to you for only $2.99.

Good Through: Indefinitely.

5. $100 OFF TUTORING ASSESSMENT AT HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Deal: If your child is struggling at school or could perhaps just use some extra advice for test-taking or writing skills, Huntington Learning Center can help. With locations in Cupertino and San Jose, Huntington offers assistance with reading, writing, math, spelling, phonics, study skills, prep for SATs and other important tests, and much more. Right now, Huntington will offer $100 off a complete assessment for your child, normally priced at $195. For more information, click on the link above or call 408-996-1200.

Good Through: Feb. 28.