KITTING out the kids for back to school can be an expensive business.
But one single mum-of-four has revealed the clever hacks she uses to save money on the process.
The mum, known online as Mummy Budgets, took to her TikTok page to share the tricks, kicking off with a trip to Sainsbury’s.
Showing a pack of two blue cardigans for £10, she explained: “I’ve stopped getting embroidered school logos on jumpers – found these at Tu, they’re so pretty 2 for £10.”
She got some skorts, which she said are “the best” because you don’t need to “put shorts underneath”, and nabbed three white shirts for just £8.
“These are great value,” she added.
“I get a lot of stuff in July before they hike up the prices in August!”
She found some “pretty and comfy” school shoes for £17 in the supermarket, as well as a pack of two cycling shorts for £4.
But when it comes to her teenage boys, they are “really fussy and only want branded things so I have to shop around to get the best deals”.
So she headed to Sports Direct, where she managed to get packs of adidas socks for £5 each, a pair of swim shorts for £6 and a pair of Speedos for £2.
She also got a pair of adidas trainers – this time from TK Maxx – for just £14 from their website.
As for accessories, she “always gets them from Home Bargains“, adding “they are definitely the cheapest” and have “such a great variety of things”.
They also had some girls’ school shoes for £8, which were “so decent for the price”, and she got a lunch box complete with water bottle for £4.99.
“Back to school shopping doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” she concluded.
“I know some things are unavoidable but there is definitely cheaper options available for other things.”
Other parents were quick to praise her for the inspiration in the comments section, with one writing: “Aww, lovely bundle – you should be proud!
“Not easy these days!”
“Ooh I didn’t know Sainsbury’s did skorts! I will have to keep an eye out,” another added.
IF you can't get targeted help from your council, you might have some other options available to you.
In some areas, you can talk directly to your school, which might be able to offer you clothing.
Or, you might be able to get cheap garments from low-budget shops or charity stores.
Some charities offer help to families in need too.
But bear in mind charities often have a limited amount of money to give and usually have specific criteria which must be met in order to get a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Meanwhile, you can always try approaching your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch.
If you don’t know where your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch is, you can find out by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you’re not eligible for a school uniform grant you might be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
“It costs a fortune for back to school stuff,” a third sighed.
“My son’s at secondary school his bag was £49, shoes £80 – the list goes on.
“Thank god my girl’s only in reception!”
“I literally put all my change in a tub to go towards their school uniform, had £87,” someone else wrote.
