Back to School: Money Saving Tips And Shopping Hacks

In these inflationary times, it’s hard enough to keep on top of your regular monthly budgeting when price increases are happening everywhere. This makes coping with “irregular, but essential” expenditure even more of a challenge.

One of the events it’s hard to set money aside for is kitting out your kids for the new school year. But hopefully, we can help with some money-saving “back to school” tips.

1. Look out for short-term promotional offers

The summer holidays can be a good time to pick up some promotional bargains.

You can find some of the latest school uniform offers below! Many retailers, such as Matalan, Argos, and George at Asda also offer a donation for a charity you care about at no cost to you via Give as You Live Online.

Girls Grey Drop Waist Plus Fit School Pinafore Dress 2 Pack:

Boys Charcoal Half Elastic School Trouser 2 Pack:

2. Consider the second-hand market

Our school system is cyclical in its nature, every year children are progressing and often do not need some of the items they did the previous year. So why not check out whether there are second-hand options such as eBay, specialist sites like Old School Uniform, or even Facebook Marketplace?

3. Extend the lifespan of uniforms

Getting more wear out of the school uniforms you’ve already bought can only help. There are some great tips on how to make uniforms last longer despite all the wear kids put them through (assuming they haven’t grown out of them). If sizing is an issue as your kids grow, then you could consider alterations for more expensive items, like blazers and coats. You can get alterations made at many dry cleaners, but often it can be cheaper to find a local seamstress in your area by asking local friends or posting in a local Facebook group.

4. Buy your stationery in one go

Save the hassle and expense of a trip out to the shops for new stationery. Instead, find a website that offers prices you’re happy with and let the kids choose from that page. They get the opportunity to choose, but without the expense of those marked-up in-store prices!

WHSmith is currently offering 3 for 2 on all Stationery, including pens & pencils, folders, art supplies and much more! Grab yourself a discount whilst you raise a FREE donation for charity when you shop through Give as you Live Online!

5. Know the uniform policy and talk to your PTA

Understanding your options and any flexibility your child’s school can provide may save you money. If your school requires specific branded items like a PE kit or polo shirts, why not get in touch with your PTA and ask whether it might be possible to allow a non-branded version to help save money?

6. Check eligibility for free school meals and additional grants

First, do make sure you are aware of the criteria for free school meals. It may be that if you qualify for free school meals you may also be eligible for a grant towards school uniform costs which can be checked via Gov.UK.

7. Form a parents’ group to seek donations from businesses for stationery or electronics

Many local businesses are happy to help local schools. It’s hard to be a lone voice, but if you can get other parents involved you may well be able to find local support for anything from pens to laptops. You can also make your voice heard by the government. There is a current petition to scrap VAT on school uniforms. Every voice matters.

8. Look at travel options

Current petrol prices are making travel expensive, so looking at options ranging from car-sharing to cycling to school, can all help bring overall costs down. Again, make sure you’ve checked the criteria for free school transport from your local authority.

However you decide to make the best use of your back-to-school budget, there is an opportunity to give back to charities in your community. That’s where Give as you Live Online comes in, so don’t forget to raise funds, at no cost to you, wherever you can.

Fundraising doesn’t need to be extraordinary. Just give as you live your ordinary life.

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What is Give as you Live Online?

Give as you Live Online is a FREE online fundraising platform that has raised over £24 million for UK charities just through online shopping. There are over 6,000 stores listed and over 200,000 charities available to support. Sign up, click through Give as you Live Online and raise free donations whenever you shop!

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Offers, donation rates and participating stores are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please visit the Give as you Live Online website for the most up to date information.