Free & Cheap for July 9

Here's a roundup of bargains and deals from our Free & Cheap blog at TBO

.com. You'll find them here each Saturday.

Free kids activity: Build a tow truck

If you're looking for something to do this morning with Junior, head on over to Lowe's for the "Build and Grow" project.

Your child can make a tow truck for free.

Just sign up on the website so Lowe's can reserve a build-kit for him or her.

The offer is limited to the first 50 kids. Next week, Lowe's has another Build and Grow project scheduled: binoculars.

Search Free & Cheap at TBO.com to find the registration form.

75% off printer paper

Right now you can get 75 percent off at Staples on any one printer paper product designed for inkjet, laser and photo printers.

With all the paper I use printing coupons and photos, I'm stocking up.

This deal ends today.

Search Free & Cheap at TBO.com to find the coupon website.

Todd Davis

Webcast: Coupon hunt

The Sunday newspaper is the best place to start any serious coupon search, our panel of Free & Cheap bloggers agreed in their latest roundtable webcast.

Then build from there, they advised, by "liking" products such as Tide on Facebook, by scouring online coupon databases such as HowToShopForFree.net, and by signing up for e-mails from retailers including Kellogg's.

You can also get printable coupons from the two big distributors of manufacturer discounts, SmartSource.com and RedPlum.com, or go directly to one of the big manufacturers, Procter & Gamble, at PGEverydaySolutions

.com.

Search Free & Cheap at TBO.com to see all our roundtable webcasts.

Never too soon to buy

I have a philosophy about shopping for deals: It's never too early to shop for school clothes, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts and baby shower gifts.

I am lucky enough to have an extra walk-in closet that has become my gift and deal storage area.

I shop all year round for bargains and have labeled storage bins to put items in.

This saves me money because I don't have to go shopping in a rush and spend full price on my purchase.

If I find shoes and clothing on huge clearance, I will buy multiple sizes for my nieces, nephews and daughters to save for future use.

If you have the space in your house, a gift closet can mean savings.

Debbie Swartz

Cheap golf in Tampa

The Tampa Sports Authority is offering $10 off regular rates at the three municipal golf courses Monday through Thursday.

Normal greens fees at one of the courses are $24.29.

To make a reservation, required for the deal, contact a golf course directly.

• Babe Zaharias, 11412 Forest Hills Drive, (813) 631-4374
  • Rocky Point, 4151 Dana Shores Drive, (813) 673-4316
    • Rogers Park, 7911 N. 30th Street, (813) 356-1670