As a mom, I’m always looking for that alternative to the burger, fries and chicken nuggets that seem to creep into my children’s diet – and hence, mine – on an altogether too-regular basis.

Let’s face it, the food is inexpensive – especially if you buy from the dollar menus – and the whole family can eat for about $25.

But, my friends, I’m here to tell you there is a better way.

If you check out the half-price gift certificate sites online, and are able and willing to pounce when the right offer comes along, you can find some great deals for restaurants your family will enjoy and still eat out for about $25 – without a golden arch in sight.

At http://cincinnati.halfoffdeals.com/, we’ve found some great deals for some fun places. Rooster’s Award-Winning Wings and Paxton’s Grill, in the historic Loveland district, both offered $25 gift certificates for just $12.50.

Or ditch the children with a friend or babysitter for an evening, and treat your husband to some adult conversation at Sammy’s Gourmet Burgers and Beers in Blue Ash — $12.50 for $25 worth of food and drink. Not that children aren’t welcome, because the place is family-friendly despite the full bar, but I wouldn’t want to have to share my garlic parmesan bottle-cut fries with them.

If you visit http://cincinnati.halfoffdeals.com/, you can sign up to receive one email each day offering a new half-price deal. You have to purchase the deal that day, because a new offer comes along the next day, but you get a link to print out your own certificate – no shipping and handling charges! – and can use it the same day.

And ladies – there’s more than restaurants on this site. La Bella Salon & Spa was recently offered too — $25 for a $50 certificate for use on hair, nail or spa services. If I can get my hair done at a glitzy salon for about the same as I would spend in the shopping plaza storefront, trust me, I will! They’ve also had $25 certificates good toward golf and cart at Aston Oaks Golf Club for $12.50…so there’s something for everybody.

It’s a good excuse to try some new places, and maybe break out of the kids-meal rut.