Save 65 to 80 percent on fall/winter kids' clothes (up to age 12) at consignment sales every weekend through mid-October. The semiannual sales are held in Eden Prairie, Eagan, Elk River, Andover, Woodbury, Edina, Maple Grove and St. Cloud. The Just Between Friends sale kicks off the season with its sale continuing through Saturday at the Eden Prairie Community Center (16700 Valley View Rd., 612-759-8873). Besides clothes, save on accessories, toys and equipment. For a list of all the sales, go to www.twincitieskidssales.com. Click on "sales" for the regional list and on "calendar" for August-October sale dates. Most sales charge an admission fee of $1 to $2 on the first day and have half-price sales on the last day.

Brand Name Deals (1000 E. Moore Lake Dr., Fridley, 763-572-9800, www.brandname deals.com) has back-to-school specials worthy of a visit. School supplies such as notebooks, Trapper Keepers, pens, pencils and markers will be 70 percent off retail. Laptops are about one-third below Internet prices on new models, but BND's computers are retailers' returns that have been inspected and tested. Example: a Dell 1545 Inspiron for $400, comparable to Dell's online outlet store. One nonschool special: a new shipment of Lenox giftware is 40 percent off, including vases, candlesticks, clocks and votives for $10 to $30 after the discount.

Upscale thrift preview Arguably the best thrift shop in the Twin Cities for designer clothing, Second Debut holds its fall private preview event Thursday and Friday. It's a strategy similar to boutiques and department stores holding trunk shows to introduce new lines for the upcoming season. But in the recession, fashionistas on a budget get a sneak peek into what's "nearly new." At Second Debut, owned by Goodwill, the clothes and accessories are handpicked for quality, condition and label. Tickets for the event are $7 at the door, which includes free chair massages, refreshments and the opportunity to buy fall merchandise before everyone else. The preview runs 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in St. Louis Park (4300 W. 36 1/2 St., 952-922-9640) and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in St. Paul (1825 W. University Av., 651-645-5048, www.seconddebut.org). Both locations have women's clothing and accessories. The St. Louis Park location also carries men's clothing and art.

Chipotle adds kids' deal Chipotle Mexican Grill (www.chipotle.com) has added a kids' menu with four items ($3 to $4), including a small cheese or meat and cheese quesadilla. But the chain -- known for its sustainably raised food with some local and organic sources -- also is offering a free kids' meal with the purchase of one adult entree (around $8) on Sundays in August. The offer can be used more than once within a group, so if three adults bring three kids, all the kids eat free. It's good at all locations.

John Ewoldt • jewoldt@startribune.com

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