Save money on your kids’ back-to-school uniform with these savvy tips – including how to get a fiver off shoes
WE’VE barely started the school holidays yet the high street is awash with clothes for your kids’ new year.
Our expert, Money Saving Mum Gemma Bird, says start shopping around now to get the best deals.
Here she shares her tips, while Abby McHale styles models Miller, seven, and Curtis, six, in the most affordable uniforms around.
- All prices based on age six-seven.
George at Asda
Curtis: Jumper, £8, pack of two; T-shirt, £3, pack of two; trousers, £9, pack of two; shoes, £17
Miller: Jumper, £8, pack of two; T-shirt, £3, pack of two; skirt, £9, pack of two; tights, £9, pack of five; shoes, £14
M&S
Miller: Pinafore dress, £10; shoes, £34; socks, £6, pack of five; bag, £16
Curtis: T-shirt, £4, pack of two; shorts, £10; shoes, £34; socks, £5, pack of three
Nutmeg at Morrisions
Curtis: T-shirt, £3.95, pack of three; trousers, £8, pack of two; plimsolls, £3.50
Miller: T-shirt, £4.95, pack of two; pinafore, £9 pack of two; plimsolls, £4; socks, £4, pack of five
TU at Sainsbury’s
Curtis: T-shirt, £4, pack of two; jogging bottoms, £8, pack of two; plimsolls, £3
Miller: T-shirt, £4, pack of two; jogging bottoms, £7; plimsolls, £3
F&F at Tesco
Miller: Shirt, £4.50, pack of two; trousers, £9, pack of two; shoes, £4
Curtis: Shirt, £4.50 pack of 2; trousers, £9 pack of 2; shoes, £13
Lily & Dan at Aldi
Miller: T-shirt, £1.75, pack of two; trousers,£1.75; lunchbox, £5.99; shoes, £5.99
Curtis: T-shirt, £1.75, pack of two; trousers, £1.75; lunchbox, £5.99; shoes, £5.99
Matalan
Curtis: T-shirt, £4, pack of two; trousers, £6; shoes, £14
Miller: Headband, £5, part of set; T-shirt, £4, pack of two; cardigan, £10, pack of two; skirt, £5; socks, £5.50, pack of five; shoes, £12
Kit your kids out for less
MONEY Saving Mum Gemma Bird shares her top tips to save on uniforms and other school essentials.
- SHOP AROUND: Asda does summer dresses for £2, while M&S is currently offering 20 per cent off all uniforms and Aldi has just launched its cheapest ever uniform at £4.50 for a set. Plus, Matalan has an under-£5 uniform section.
- GO SECOND-HAND: My kids’ school has a second-hand uniform shop. Items have to be in good condition and work out at around half the price of buying new. Also keep an eye out at school fetes as parents will often be selling items their children have outgrown.
- BROWSE FACEBOOK: Facebook Marketplace is brilliant – you can even set up alerts so you don’t miss out. Often you’ll find branded uniforms for at least half the cost or, if you’re lucky, free.
- GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT: Under the Education Act 1990, local authorities have the power to provide financial help for parents on low incomes to buy uniforms. Unfortunately, it’s a postcode lottery, but it’s worth checking if you are eligible. See gov.uk/help-school-clothing-costs.
- GET SCISSOR HAPPY: Rather than throwing out old school trousers, refashion them into summer shorts. If you’re not crafty, David Luke’s YouTube channel has step-by-step guides.
- DON’T BE TEMPTED BY CHEAP SHOES: Any time I’ve bought my eight-year-old Brody cheap school shoes, I’ve always had to replace them a few months later. So splash out a bit more on a sturdier pair that will last the year. If you return a pair of old shoes to Schuh, you get £5 off your next pair.
- OPT FOR HARD-WEARING MATERIAL: Clothes that need less washing, drying and ironing last a lot longer so look out for fabrics that fit that bill, such as non-iron shirts. Synthetic fabrics will drip dry, meaning you don’t need the tumble dryer, plus a Teflon coating repels stains.
- HUNT FOR BACKPACKS IN CHARITY SHOP: Backpacks are pricey, so head to charity shops at the start of summer and you’ll find plenty of cast-offs that students are getting rid of.
- PICK UP SUPPLIES IN POUND SHOPS: You don’t need to kit your kids out with fancy stationery. Poundland is full of fun and colourful pencil cases, pencils and pens that will more than do the job.