THE new school year is almost here and kitting out your child with classroom essentials can be costly.
From stationery and school bags, to books and educational tech, the bill soon adds up.
But fret not, here are some savvy saves . . .
EVERY LITTLE HELPS: Tesco has better than half-price on stationery and school bags until September 9.
Bargains include the Tesco Essentials Drawstring Backpack, £6, down from £12, and the Sharpie Lion Box 26 Pack, £10, down from £23.
SAVING: Over 50 per cent on some items
SOUND AS A POUND: Poundland is a lifesaver for kit including themed pens, pencils, highlighters and notebooks — all £1.
That is a massive saving compared to Paperchase, where, for example, unicorn-themed notebooks cost £8.50.
SAVING: £6.50 on a notebook
REVISED PRICES: Check local Facebook groups and Facebook Marketplace for educational books — parents are keen to flog last year’s material.
For example, I found six Key Stage 3 revision guides for £10, which would cost up to £30 at WHSmith. Collect in person to avoid postage fees.
You can also find cheap second-hand books on eBay and Amazon – just check they are up to date.
SAVING: £20
KEEP TAB ON SPENDING: If looking for a tablet that is child-safe, fun and affordable, I like Amazon’s Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet, £99.99, and it can even be trialled for 30 days and returned for a full refund if you decide it is not for you.
It is built for kids and comes in three different colours.
You also get a kid-proof case and a one-year subscription to Fire For Kids Unlimited — giving children access to thousands of popular apps, games, videos, books and audiobooks, including content from Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street.
Plus, you can set screen-time limits. Compare that with Apple’s cheapest iPad Mini at £334.97 — now that is a bargain.
SAVING: £234.98
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
ENJOY 25 per cent off six bottles of selected champagnes and other wines this week at Tesco.
SAVE: up to £54
Cheap treat
SIMPLY-COOK meal kits at Tesco have been reduced to £1, from £2.50
I like the chicken katsu one.
SAVE: £1.50
