How can I save money for back-to-school?

[itsalice888]

It's that time of year again - shops are going crazy, and shopping deals for back-to-school are already being advertised. But I still feel there must be more ways that I can save money for the upcoming September month... Help?I've read near enough every article online and a lot of them give the same tips which I already do. So hopefully someone can help out? Are there any money hacks that aren't widely known?Am I shopping in the wrong places?Are coupons really the route to go?Please, help!

Don't buy what you don't need. If uniform still fits then don't replace. Same with bag and pencil case, only replace it broken or missing.

M&S currently have school uniform in the sale if that's any help?

How old are your kids? Aldi has primary uniform. Generally not spending is the way but with the summer holidays coming up that easier said than done. The money saving expert website has lots of ideas on reducing spending.

Clarks outlet - ours were £10 last year. Second hand or Facebook uniform sale - got 4 jumpers and 5 trousers and a bag for £7! Then supermarket for the shirts. But you have to be ok with things not being shiny and new! Depends on the age of the kids a bit.

I've just been looking at uniform, I have one starting Year 7 so it's a pricey year!

Definitely get as much as possible from supermarkets, I've had a good look about and it still seems to be cheaper even than the M&S sale. Also look in slightly unusual places, for example I've just got some really nice Under Armour PE trainers from Amazon for £21.

Depending on where you're at with your budget, our primary also do a pre-loved uniform sale where all items are £1. Last year DD basically lost all of her cardigans a few weeks before the end of term, I got 5 for £5 and they were still great quality.

Oh I see that you didn't necessarily mean on uniform!

Aside from kids moving up to secondary of course, I’m a bit baffled by the song and dance of ‘back to school’ in September. Uniform, shoes etc just get replaced when they stop fitting regardless of the date - the summer loofah is only six week so unless they change size every half term anyway I don’t see why you would expect to need loads of new stuff?

My child is only in reception so am I missing something? He had new shoes a few weeks back and his uniform still has plenty of room in, backpack is still fine, so I don’t expect to buy anything…?!

Loofah?! Holiday that should say!

Go to your local charity shop. They'll have loads that are hardly worn in about a week or two.

OP welcome to Mumsnet.

sorry but this thread feels a tad journalistic. Are you after ideas for an article brief you’ve been handed?

What expenses are these “back to school” expenses? If you need larger clothes get some but what else?

If you need shoes, go to Clark’s to get measured and try on shoes. Note the names and styles of ones that fit. Then look on the outlet websites or eBay where people are always selling new shoes or the same one in last seasons pattern, and you can buy for half price, knowing they will fit.

StartRite outlet has 70% sale now. It will finish before the school hols. It’s a perfect time to buy.