Yep, I’ve given muslins (coloured/patterned ones since it was a gift) and I think they were well received. I’d have been very happy to get those myself.
Gosh, branded uniform really does add up, doesn’t it? I kitted DS out in Tu trousers /polo shirts /shorts for about £30 (in 25% off) and only bought two branded jumpers, about £8 each. There were other branded things I could have got (polo shirts, a school reversible fleece, rucksack) but they weren’t compulsory and anyway I thought DS would never find his coat if it was the same as everyone else’s! Plain jumpers from a supermarket would have been acceptable. Thinking about it I probably spent more on school shoes - as I had to replace them at Easter - than the rest of the stuff put together. Secondary costs sound painful.
Just got back from a night at the cinema with some of the school mums. We are going to make a regular thing of it, hopefully monthly. £15 for a ticket and drink, I took sharing bags of chocolate from the supermarket to share and someone else brought skittles and popcorn so now my teeth feel very itchy! Ocean’s 8, very enjoyable. The school has a really nice bunch of mums, not cliquey. it makes such a difference.