Frugal Family Finds: The "Flash Sale" Edition

Frugal Family Finds is focused this week on “Flash Sales.”  Banish that image in your head of illicit trench coats, flash sale websites are on the up and up. The sales offer deep discounts on luxury items for the home, fashion, restaurants, services, vacations, kids clothes and more at prices within reach. The flash sale sites require “membership” which is usually just a request for registration and then members are sent frequent invitations to shop on deals that are only offered for a short time period. Many flash sales also offer extra deals and incentives when members refer friends or deals.

Caveat Emptor: Some flash sale sites have not-so-friendly return policies so be sure to read the rules before you shop.

1. Gilt.com – Fashion and Home

The Deal:  A fave among the fashionista set, Gilt Groupe provides instant insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. Become a member and find something new every day for women, men, kids and home as well as exclusive local services and experiences, and one-of-a-kind travel packages.

2. Ideeli - Fashion and Home

The Deal: Popular among those with a passion for fashion the site offers authentic luxury items at preferential prices along with weekly giveaways which have a surprise start time. Ideeli offers limited-time daily sales starting at 11 a.m. EST that feature brands in fashion, home and beauty and products including: designer accessories, apparel, and home goods.

3. Groupon   - Local Deals

The Deal-  Home-grown Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50-90% off—on daily deals with popular local businesses from dry cleaning to bowling to restaurants and anything you else you can think of. Once purchased, Groupon sends in a couple of days, an electronic coupon for redemption. Groupon’s mobile apps make “grouponing” paperless and painless.

4. LivingSocial  -  Local Deals

The Deal:   - LivingSocial offers one fantastic deal every day with discounts of up to 90% at local restaurants, bars, spas, theaters, and more, similar to Groupon, Each day, members are sent via email a deeply discounted deal to use at local businesses.

5. Zulily  – Children’s apparel and accessories

 The Deal - Zulily offers daily sales events on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids featuring the best brands and new brands at savings up to 90% off retail prices.  Zulily sales events last 72 hours and then new brands move in and get for the next three days event.

6.  Mamapedia Sweet Deals – Local family-focused deals

The Deal -  Mamapedia.com is a mom-centric site offering advice and an online mom network. Mamapedia Sweet Deals is the group-buying program that delivers exclusive local deals especially for busy moms and their families - for family-friendly restaurants, family entertainment, kids activities, fun places for a Mom's Night Out, and much more.

7. Jetsetter – Luxury Vacations

 The Deal – Gilt’s equally glam sister site offers daily teases of discounted luxury trips and hotels all over the world. More than just discounted sales, Jetsetter is a community of travelers that provides members with insider access, expert knowledge and exclusive deals on the world's greatest vacations. Jetsetter’s correspondents and curators hand-select and verify all the partners featured on Jetsetter. The site’s “Flash Sales” offer rates not found anywhere else, for a limited time only.

8. Travelzoo Newsflash – Flights, Hotels, Trips

The Deal - Travelzoo boasts over 23 million subscribers and sends its Newsflash e-mails periodically when Travelzoo's deal experts find a time-sensitive offer targeted to a member’s region. Each offer is researched, evaluated and tested to confirm its true value. Bon Voyage fellow deal seekers!