Frugal Families: Best Deals Around Town

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether 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 local deals each week 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 our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

Be sure to check with your local merchant for additional conditions. This week's deals:

Staples (many area locations, including )

Deal: All backpacks are discounted by 50 percent.

Good through: Saturday, Sept. 10, or while supplies last.

Sports Authority (many area locations)

Deal: Get ready for an active fall season. Save 20 percent off the price of men's, women's and kids' apparel. Save up to 50 percent off the price of camping gear and kayaks. There are great savings on sports equipment, too.

Good through: Saturday, Sept. 10.

 (2410 Linden Ln., Silver Spring)

Deal: Get $25 off the price of any in-home service job of $250 or more, get $100 off the price of any in-home service job of $1,000 or more, or get $5 off the price of any in-store purchase of $25 or more with these Valpak coupons.

Good through: Sunday, Sept. 18.

My Eye Dr. (many area locations, including , and )

Deal: Get an eye exam for only $49 with this Valpak coupon.

Good through: Sunday, Sept. 18.

(4613 Willow Ln., on the border between Bethesda and Chevy Chase)

Deal: Get $10 off a bill of $40 or more, or get $5 off a bill of $20 or more, with this Valpak coupon.

Good through: Sunday, Sept. 18.