FROM packed lunches to school trips, any parent will know just how expensive having a child can be.
So, when it comes to clothes, there’s no point forking out a small fortune…after all, chances are it’ll only fit them for a few months before they grow out of it – school uniform included.
It comes as no surprise then that one savvy mum has delighted other parents after sharing the exact way she managed to nab her daughter a brand new summer uniform for cheap.
Taking to money-saving Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, she penned: “Just wanted to share because I thought it was an absolute bargain!”
She then revealed how she snapped up gingham dresses from Very that cost £3.75 for 2, which works out at just £1.87 each.
The ‘EverydayGirls 2 Pack Traditional Gingham School Summer Dress,’ which are available in ages 3-13 years, have been slashed from £13 to just £3.75 – meaning shoppers can save themselves an impressive £12.25.
According to the online product description, the dresses feature a Teflon coating that “helps them shrug off minor spills and stains” and an anti-bacterial finish to “keep them fresh all day long.”
Searching for other bargains, the eagle-eyed shopper than snapped up 5 pairs of matching gingham socks from Asda, which cost just £4.
Available in a range of colours including blue, red and lilac, they have an elasticated topline, frilly gingham trim and bow detailing.
And last but not least, she got her daughter a brand new pair of shoes for just £4.55 from Matalan.
The ‘Girls Black Quilted Ballet Shoes’ are black patent, have pretty bow detail and a chic slip on design for easy on/off.
Delighted with her bargains, she penned: “My lg has a new summer uniform for lesser £20 with delivery for Matalan and c&c with Very.
It comes after Fabulous previously told how one parent managed to snap up a summer school dress for just £1.
Linzi Taylor took to money-saving Facebook group B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More and wrote: “Not B&M but Asda, these school summer dresses were scanning at £1!
By Miranda Knox
Mum-of-two Maddy Alexander Grout, 38, revealed her top tips to make some serious savings on school uniform.
Hit the sales
Maddy says: “Keep your eyes open, and plan in advance.
“Hit the sales for winter coats for the following year, the next size-up trainers and sports kit.
“The worst time to shop for school uniform is right before school starts as this will be when the prices are most inflated.”
Second hand savings
If you haven’t been that organised (and let’s face it, not many of us are!), you can still get bargain items at any time of year if you buy secondhand.
Maddy says: “Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Vinted and Freecycle all year round to buy pre-loved uniform and coats.
“Also, check if your school has a second-hand uniform shop.
“If you need school logo items, they will be there.
“Check out local Facebook groups and ask if anyone is selling school uniform in the size you need.
“See if your school have a Facebook page or group, you can find some real bargains from people selling or giving away old uniforms.
“My school has a second hand sale whenever they do events to raise money for the school PTA, if your school doesn’t do this then maybe suggest it, as people can donate old stuff they have have.
“You can clear some space and raise money for the school at the same time.”
Be sale savvy
Make sure you keep track of the sales in the shops too.
Maddy says: “Marks & Spencer tend to have a 20 per cent off school uniform sale in the summer term so you can buy uniform for September cheaper.
“Also for non branded items check out websites like Build A Bundle, and markets like Little Pickles.
“Buy summer uniform in August and September for the following year, when it is always discounted, along with jackets for the summer.
“Sainsbury’s TU have 25 per cent off weeks throughout the year, so you can buy items including polo tops, skirts and trousers cheaper and stock up for the following year.”
Discounts and deals
There are other ways to make savings too.
Maddy says: “Does your work have a discount scheme as an employee benefit?
“You can often buy vouchers for the big supermarkets where you can save money on the purchase of the voucher.
“Also, swap with friends, set up a WhatsApp group and see if you can do any swaps.
“I have given away lots of my sons old uniform to friends with younger children who can use them.
“Read school emails, often schools have partnerships with local places who sell uniforms.
She added: “Went back round and got some for next year too!”
And luckily for others, Linzi decided not to gate-keep where she spotted the bargain buy, revealing it was in the Huddersfield branch.
“No way! That’s a bargain!” wrote one.
A second commented: “I don’t get the chance to go up that way from Brig but might have to at that price.”
