With a fortnight until the kids go back to school, here are some of the best and cheapest places to stock up on all that kit they'll need
There are just two weeks left of the summer holidays - aww! And now's the time that most parents start to think about buying school uniforms and other school kit for their kids as they've hopefully had their summer growth spurt!
Uniforms
According to one of my favourite parenting sites: Netmums, the bare essentials of uniform requirements comprise:
- 4 shirts/polo shirts
- 2 jumpers (one with logo if required)
- Shoes, socks etc.
Plus:
- Boys: 2 pairs of trousers; 1 pair of shorts, belt if required.
- Girls: 2 pinafores/skirts; 1 pair of trousers.
Clearly, this little lot won't be cheap, and with the rate at which kids grow will probably need replacing within the year. Plus you may have more than one child to buy for.
So where is the best place to get it all from?
Specialist school shops
Well, many schools have uniform stockists - specialist shops that sell items with logos particular to your school. But they're often not cheap. Many mums recommend buying just your jumpers/ cardigans with logos from these shops and the rest more cheaply, elsewhere.
Second hand sales
Alternatively, find out if your school holds second-hand sales or swap-shops as you can often pick up barely worn uniforms for a fraction of the price.
Failing that, check out Patched Elephant, a kind of eBay for second hand school uniforms - just search for what you want, say if you "want" the item, and the seller will contact you to organise payment and delivery.
Cheap and cheerful
But the good news is there is plenty of choice regarding who stocks school uniform basics these days. Most of the big supermarkets sell them, and for rock-bottom prices.
Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco each stock shirts, polo shirts, skirts, pinafores, crease resistant shorts and trousers, and socks - and with shirts costing just 75 pence in Asda, and skirts and trousers just £1.50 in Tesco, you could buy all you need for under a tenner!
You can also shop online at Woolworths. There's a 20% off sale this month.
Fall to bits?
But will they fall apart after three turns through the washing machine?
Well, apparently not.
Mums seem to rate uniforms from all three supermarkets, and at these bargain prices you can afford to replace them should you need to. Asda even offers a 100 day guarantee on its George school uniforms, claiming that you will get a full refund if not satisfied with the quality in this time!
And as many mums reckon most uniform items get lost or wrecked during the year anyway, you may be pleased not to have spent too much.
Better quality
But on the other hand, as we're in a recession some may prefer to spend a little more on items that won't need to be replaced.
For better quality clothes, Marks & Spencer's (M&S) has always traditionally been the British mother's favourite uniform stockist. Sadly, many mums reckon this quality may have dwindled a bit over the past few years in an effort to keep prices competitive.
Next, too, is a bit more expensive, but its clothes do wash well and keep their shape. However, you may find you have to buy through the catalogue (if you don't fancy taking one out, choose the items you want from the catalogue in-store, pay for it there and then and simply call in to collect in a few days).
And there's always Debenhams, John Lewis or Gap if you really want to spend some money.
Tips
But wherever you buy your child's uniform, buy it early, as by the end of August, there's hardly anything left.
Another tip is to check for adjustable waistbands to avoid ill-fitting buys as your children grow. It's also worth stocking up on stain removers!
Shoes
One area few of us wish to skimp is footwear, and if you're quick you may still be able to pick up good quality (but half-price!) shoes in the Clarks, Russell & Bromley or Startrite sales.
Cheaper school shoes can be found online from sites such as Priceless.com. And the good old supermarkets stock cheap wellies and plimsolls from just £2.50.
Lunchboxes and sports gear
You'll also need lunchboxes (if planning packed lunches), stationery and a bottle to be refilled with water - and Tesco and Asda are generally the cheapest places for these. And a friend of mine highly recommends Sports Direct for cheap sports bags/rucksacks/equipment, or check out this selection at Amazon. You can then use a shopbot to find the bag your little one wants at the best possible price.
Lunches
And if you are planning to make packed lunches, you can find some inspiration for different lunchbox fillers here or look at the top offers for lunchbox items using mysupermarket.co.uk.
Search for cheaper financial products at lovemoney.com
More: 7 free and cheap activities for kids | 21 things you can get for free