First of all, write down everything you need for each child (your school will usually provide a list of the basics). Don’t forget to include:
- Basic uniform
- Seasonal uniform items, such as gloves, coat and thicker socks/tights for autumn/winter and lightweight shirts and coat for spring/summer
- PE and swimming kit
- Bag or backpack
- Lunchbox, if needed
- Pencil case and stationery items
- Any specific items needed for art and craft or music classes
- Anything else specific to your child’s hobbies or their school
Your objective is to tick off every item while spending as little money as possible!
Don’t automatically buy everything new
Check what you’ve already got that you can still use this year (eg, folders, pencils, pens, etc) and share out. See if you can pool resources with friends & family.
Check what items of uniform still fit, what can be passed down to younger siblings and what could be swapped with friends & family. Find out if your child’s school runs a second-hand purchase scheme or swap-shop for uniforms.
If you’re handy with a needle, consider if any items of clothing can be mended or altered to make them last into the new term. For example, could you shorten and hem outgrown trousers to make a pair of shorts?
Shop smart
Take advantage of end-of-summer sales – but don’t be seduced by offers for things you don’t really need (take your list with you and stick to it!).
Scour the internet for the best deals on schoolwear, stationery, bags etc. Even if you don’t buy online, you can compare the best prices before you hit the high street.
Don’t fall for false economy. Sometimes it’s best to spend more at the outset rather than having to replace lower-quality items later on in the year. This is especially true with shoes, where it’s worth paying a bit more for good quality.
Avoid buying things you don’t really need
For non-essential items, wait until school starts to assess if it’s really needed.
Check the school’s dress code (as well as any specifications for items that are mandatory, eg, sports equipment or particular stationery) so you don’t accidentally buy items that aren’t allowed.
Go shopping without the kids so they can’t pester you into submission for things they don’t really need but “all their friends” have. If they’re adamant they need the most expensive rucksack or the latest lunch box, ask them to save their pocket money to buy it or put towards it.
Instead of buying proper name labels, use a marker or laundry pen to write your child’s name on the inside label – less fuss than iron-on labels too.
Keep receipts in case you need to return anything!
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Why not take a look at the other money-saving ideas on the Parklife blog?
