Children grow up fast, despite science's best attempts to weigh them down with apple-filled backpacks and bronze shoes. Accommodate growing kids with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of children’s consignment clothing and toys at Munchkin Markets.

Today's Groupon can be redeemed at the following three market days and locations: Saturday, April 30 at the Washington City Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo; Saturday, May 14 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds in Anoka; or Saturday, May 21 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth. Saturday sales run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This deal is not valid on Sunday. Admission fee to the markets is $1, but shoppers can enter free by donating a nonperishable food item for the Second Harvest food shelves.

Munchkin Markets keeps whippersnappers snappy and parents’ purses plump by proffering a bounty of gently loved kids' clothing, toys, furniture, and more at their semiannual sales. Although the unique selection is ever changing, kiddie keepers can expect to find a virtual treasure trove of nursery necessities that may include everything from preowned jogging strollers ($25–$75) and apparel in sizes newborn–14, to test-driven exersaucers ($10–$35), and imaginary friends with minimal emotional baggage. Sunny summer adventures abound with vibrant vestments such as girls' sundresses ($3–$10) and boys' shorts ($2–$5), and bedtime stories and books ($1–$8), provide a whimsical alternative to bedside broadcasts of The Complete Bedtime Speeches of Winston Churchill.

Munchkin Markets holds its sales in spring and fall to ensure a seasonal-appropriate selection, and though most of the selection has been preowned, each item has been carefully inspected to guarantee it remains in excellent condition and off the North Pole blacklist. Although parents are welcome to tote their tots along in front or back carriers, strollers are discouraged as the sale can become crowded.