Parent Hacks

Amazon TODAY ONLY: Fisher-Price Infant to Toddler Swing 50% off

This is one of those simple, inexpensive items that will make your kid(s), future siblings, visiting friends and neighborhood children very happy for years to come. A swing hanging on a tree in the front yard invites families to come together. In fact, I met a good friend for the...

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Amazon today only: Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series (DVD or Blu-Ray) 62% off

I know about a thousand fathers who'd love this for Father's Day. My favorite TV series in recent years, Battlestar Galactica, is in Amazon's Gold Box for over 60% off the list price. If you're a Netflixer, you've already got the entire series on streaming. But if you're not, or...

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Amazon deal: Willmaker Plus 2011 71% off

Be sure to read the fantastic conversation in the comments about estate planning.

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Amazon deal: 40% off Trunki ride-on kids' suitcases

The Trunki appeared here as an airport entertainment hack a couple years ago (see: Trunki suitcase keeps toddlers entertained during flight delays). Adorable hard-sided suitcase designed to be ridden around, which kids do with regular wheeled luggage anyway. Amazon has put a selection of Trunkis on sale at 40% off...

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Amazon deal: Rayovac head-mounted flashlight 77% off

This hands-free lighting contraption comes in handy at our house several times a week. Great for: Crafters and model-builders Mechanics Campers Home repair Backyard spies and treasure hunters Sneaky bedtime reading Not the most attractive tool around, but VERY useful. And it just popped up in Amazon's lovely Gold Box...

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Amazon today only: Dr. Who series collections 61% off

Holy Tardis! One of our favorite shows, BBC's modern-day Dr. Who, is today's Daily Deal at Amazon. The individual DVD collections for Series 1 (with Christopher Eccleston), 2, 3 and 4 (with David Tennant) are each on sale for $31.49, which is 61% off the list price of $79.98. We...

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Amazon Gold Box next hour or two ONLY: Tivo Premiere HD DVR 83% off

Right now! In the Gold Box! Till 10am PST (or earlier if they run out)! The Tivo Premiere DVR is $49.99, or 83% off the list price of $299.99. Wha? If you're still an actual TV watcher (as opposed to a Net-only video junkie), a DVR's the only way to...

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Amazon deal: Glow stick bracelets 70% off

Just discovered: Amazon's put a pack of 100 glowstick bracelets on sale for 70% off the list price, which means that, for $8.95, you outfit your family for the rest of the year. What? You don't have a ready supply of glow sticks? But they're so hackable! They're great as...

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Amazon this weekend only: Great $5 magazine subscriptions

I'm always watching Amazon for good deals, and $5 magazine subscriptions are one of my favorites. Five to ten minutes with a good mag perks me up on days when I don't have a longer snatch of time to relax. Today and tomorrow, Amazon's put a bunch of good ones...

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Amazon today only: Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula 29% off

Any formula discount is meaningful, so here you go: in today's Friday Sale, Amazon's selling Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula (four 25.75 oz. canisters) for $92. Subscribe & Save members save an additional 15%, bringing the current price to $78.20. Two-day shipping is free for all. If you're an Amazon...

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Amazon Mom gets you cheap diapers and 3 months of Amazon Prime

Amazon's gotten smart about reaching out to busy parents with its new program Amazon Mom. Free membership in Amazon Mom nets you the following benefits: 30% off diapers and wipes ordered through Subscribe & Save -- twice the 15% offered to regular Subscribe & Save buyers. Three free months of...

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Amazon today only: Wooden food play set 65% off

This is one of those toys (like the Brio train set or the Lego bricks) that gets played with periodically for years, and then makes a great hand-me-down for younger relatives or future grandchildren. "Cutting" through the Velcro fruit feels immensely satisfying. At Amazon today only, it's $17.64 (and eligible...

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Amazon today only: Rayovac head-mounted flashlight 73% off

This hands-free lighting contraption comes in handy at our house several times a week. Great for crafters and model-builders Great for mechanics Great for campers Great for backyard spies and treasure hunters Great for sneaky bedtime reading Not the most attractive tool around, but VERY handy. And, today only, it's...

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Amazon deal: Children's safety vest 90% off

It's not that every kid needs a reflective safety vest (can I have an "amen," Lenore?). But at this price, I can think of a number of times they could come in handy: Auto emergency kit: Your car breaks down at dusk and you and the kids have to walk...

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Amazon today only: Lorex LIVE video baby monitor 75% off

Video baby monitor? Really? This sounds like a setup for one of my rants about baby gear you don't really need. And you don't, in my opinion, really need this product. But if you're one of those parents who would rest easier every night with a video monitor sitting on...

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