Ten "Flash" Sale Websites Every Fiscally Savvy Parent Needs to Know

Feeling overwhelmed by flash sale websites lately? Me too. Seems like a new one pops up every day -- and I'm having trouble keeping track of all my 'memberships.' My email inbox explodes at noon with all the daily deals.

But the truth is you can score some fabulous deals through these sites, which offer significant discounts on a specific product for a short period of time (i.e. a day or week). $5 for $25 worth of food at your favorite restaurant? I'm in. 50% off a Bagda Mischley dress? Hmmm...really want to try that on first. At 50% off, it still might force me to take out a second mortgage. (Of course, I'm still going to look!) 75% savings on a museum ticket? Game on.

So what flash sale sites score home runs with my family? Check these out:

Groupon: Groupon negotiates huge discounts on popular local goods, services and cultural events in a cities all over the country. Then they offer the deals to subscribers in a free daily email. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy. So subscribers get a great deal and the business gets a ton of new customers. Win-win. I got fabulous deals on Boordy Vineyard wine tasting, bowling and American Visionary Art Museum tickets! I've found that the Baltimore-area deals are pretty darn spectacular through this site.

Plum District Daily Deal: This is a relatively new find for us. Although they don't have deals specifically for Baltimore, they do have deals for Washington, DC and the surrounding area - - and specifically cater to moms. A favorite offer? 53% off ticket prices for Spots Birthday Party at Adventure Theater.

Living Social: Like Groupon, Living Social offers up to 90% off at local restaurants, bars, spas, theatres and more. Unlike Groupon, a certain amount of members don't need to "buy" the deal. Simply purchase your deal and you'll receive a voucher via email the next day. Haven't purchased anything through here yet, but I keep an eye on it.

Zulily: This is a new online store offering daily sales events on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids. They carry some fabulous brands - - Tea, Moo Boo's, Mooncakes, and Mooshu Trainers. Members enjoy savings of up to 70% off retail prices, and sales events are only live for 72 hours.

Totsy: Totsy members have access to brand-specific sales, up to 70% off retail, just for moms and the kids, ages 0-7. Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, children's clothing, toys, and educational materials — and that's just the start. Some recently or soon-to-be featured brands? Under the Nile, Baby Aspen, and Mustard Pie.

Gilt Groupe: The only way I could even think about affording designer fashion is through Gilt. Up to 70% off designer brands, this luxe-only site has both fabulous steals and seriously expensive covetables. They carry daily sales for women, men, home, children, travel and gifts. Expecting? They're kicking off a "Great Expectations" sale on September 13th at noon that features Belly Dance Maternity: BellaBand, NOM, Maternal America and more.

Woot!: A co-worker turned me on to woot, an online store and community that focuses on selling cool stuff cheap. And it is cool stuff - - Sunday's Woot was a 32" LCD HDTV for $299. Be sure to check out Kids Woot! and, for all you wine lovers out there, Wine Woot! Deals are available for 24 hours only, and start every night at midnight.

How about you? What's your go-to flash sale site?