Deals

Looking for local deals? Check these websites for all kinds of savings, all over DC.

Certifikid – This is THE deal site for parents in the Washington, DC-Metro area (and Baltimore & Pittsburgh, too).  Every single discount offered has families in mind — you can find classes, birthday parties, eateries, kids activities and entertainment, camps, and much, much more at significantly reduced costs.

LivingSocial – One of the original deal sites, they offer discounts on everything from restaurants to salons to home goods and services. But the best part for parents is their Families section, which features deals on classes and camps for kids, activities and adventures for the whole family, and services that parents will appreciate, like photo sessions and tutoring.

Groupon – Another original, their offers run the local gamut — eateries, classes, services, museums — and they’ve also had several “no-brainer” national deals for stores that many parents patronize, like Amazon.com, Old Navy, and Gap.

Juice in the City – Just launched in DC in October 2011, Juice “aims to bring moms what they really want: insanely good deals on crazy-fun things to do.” Save on everything from food to kid fun to spa treatments to fashion, both around the DC-Metro and nationally online.

Plum District – Their “By Moms for Moms” slogan is apparent in their selection of deals from local and national merchants. Spas and salons, products for the home, goods for kids, and personal services are always on offer here.

The Capitol Deal – Brought to you by the Washington Post, they deliver discounts on local entertainment, dining, fashion, home, travel, and more.

Mamasource - Most of their offers seem to be for national merchants accessible online, but they are all relevant to families — kids products, magazine subscriptions, and personal services. On top of this, they give back:  You can select a school of your choice to receive 5% of your purchases to be spent at the school’s discretion.

Goldstar – Specializing in savings on entertainment, I recommend always checking this site before purchasing tickets.  They often have steep discounts on theatre, tours, museum admission, and more. The catch is that it’s usually for select dates, but if you have an open calendar, you can score a great deal.

Specialicious – Brought to you by Northern Virginia Magazine, these deals cover the same area as their content with discounts on all kinds of NOVA goods and services.

Bloomspot - If you’re looking for local luxury, this is a go-to site.  While the deals might be pricier than other companies, they are usually for higher-end products and services.

Eversave  – Find both local and online deals on a variety of activities, goods, and services.

TRAVEL

Groupon Getaways – Most of the discounts are for hotels, inns, and resorts all over the world, including many that are family-friendly and some within driving distance of DC. Now and then, you can also find deals for air transportation on private planes.

SniqueAway – Save on luxury stays around the globe, including some relatively close to home for a weekend family getaway.

Jetsetter – You have to be invited in to this site offering savings on all kinds of adventures all over the world. Consider yourself my guest and sign up here.