Steals and Deals on Babysitting, Halloween Costumes and...Guinea Pig Portraits?

It's funny: Sometimes the best deals are those that crop up when you least expect it. Take two of this week's Frugal Family finds, for instance. Free Halloween costumes and discount babysitting, both at YMCAs? We like the sound of that. Keep reading for more unexpected bargains around Melrose this week. (As always, remember to check with merchants for additional conditions.)
 
Don’t forget you're part of this column too. Let us hear about deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box, at the bottom of this page. Then come back each week and see what we’ve uncovered together.

Parents Night Out at the (Melrose) Y

Deal: It's that magical time of the month again for Melrose YMCA members: Parents Night Out. On Saturday, Oct. 15, get three hours of babysitting (6-9 p.m.) for the bargain price of $20 ($5 for each additional child; ages 2+). The kids will be fed and entertained while you get some precious Alone Time. Try as we might, we can't find a bad side to this coin. (Tip: Do be sure to read the details of the 48-hour cancellation policy.)

Good through: Oct. 15 (November Night Out: Saturday the 19th)

Halloween Costume Swap at the (Reading) Y

Deal: In the market for a new kid's Halloween costume and also eager to get rid of a few oldies but goodies? Swing by the Burbank YMCA in Reading with your old (and cleaned) costumes this Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (see Y Web site for times), then stop in again on Friday from 6-7 p.m. to participate in the swap itself. Everyone's welcome, including non-members.

Good through: Oct. 7

Deal: My, those Studio 786 folks just keep the Melrose specials coming. Are the kids' back-to-school haircuts already looking a little...long? Bring the good students into Studio 786 for an appointment with Beth and get each cut for $15. (Shampoo and blow-dry not included.)

Good through: Oct. 31

Deal: Malden's come a long way in the restaurant department these past few years. Check out Exchange Street Bistro—one of the most promising new(ish)comers—on a Sunday through Thursday and reap the benefits of its $25 three-course prix fixe menu. While you're there, you might also want to reap the benefits of their recent customer-submitted martini recipe contest. (Hint: One winner involves thin mints.)

Deal: Ongoing

When Guinea Pigs Fly

Local Etsy Deal of the Week: Without doubt, this is one of our favorite Frugal Family deals yet: the Burlington-based Etsy shop When Guinea Pigs Fly, run by artist, musician, and Renaissance woman extraordinaire (seriously, you need to read her profile) Lesley DeSantis. The shop is chock-full of the most eccentric (yet well-done!) guinea pig paintings you will ever see, from the Victorian-style portraits to the especially quaint rendering of Little Red Riding Hood Guinea Pig. (There are even a few bunnies and otters thrown in for the sake of variety.) Honestly, these affordable little conversation pieces are just begging to be bought. Do so with the special Melrose Patch discount code PATCH10 and score yourself 10 percent off.

Good through: No expiration