Top Tips for Back to School Shopping: Save More with Voucher Codes

Back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming, especially with uniforms, stationery, tech, and sports gear to buy. But with a little planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank. This guide is packed with practical tips, real-life cost comparisons, and answers to your most common questions, all designed to help you shop smart and save big.

Whether you're buying for Reception or Year 11, we’ll show you how to budget wisely, shop at the right time, and make the most of exclusive voucher codes from trusted retailers like Rymans, Amazon, eBay, ao.com, Sports Direct, Currys, Jessops, Tesco and The Works. Let’s make this school year your most organised and affordable yet.

Uniform Cost Comparison: Which Retailer Offers the Best Value?

Uniforms are often one of the biggest back-to-school expenses, but prices can vary widely between retailers. We’ve compared costs across top UK stores like Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer to help you find the best value without compromising on quality.

Comparing Prices of School Uniforms: Who's Cheapest in 2025?

Supermarkets usually offer the lowest prices, and many now include multipack deals that give even better value. Here's a rough guide to what you can expect to pay for a full basic uniform bundle, two polo shirts, one jumper, two pairs of trousers or skirts, and school shoes:

• Aldi: Around £10–£15. Offers the cheapest bundles, but stock is limited and seasonal.
• Asda (George): £15–£20. Great for multi-pack basics and one of the most popular low-cost choices.
• Tesco (F&F): £18–£25. Often runs promotions, especially when using our Tesco voucher codes.
• Sainsbury’s (Tu): £20–£30. Slightly more expensive but praised for comfort and durability.
• Marks & Spencer: £30–£45. Premium prices, but long-lasting and ethically sourced options.

Quality vs. Cost: What Matters Most?

From our experience we have found that cheaper uniforms from Aldi and Asda are great for budgets but may wear out faster. M&S and Sainsbury’s offer better fabric quality and durability, which can save you money in the long run. A smart approach is to mix and match, get polos or socks from value stores, and invest in high-use items like trousers or jumpers from more premium brands. This way you will not get the cheapest uniform, but a better mix of value and quality at a middle ground price range.

Tips to Save on School Uniforms

• Shop multipacks: Look for multi-buy deals on shirts, trousers and socks to bring down cost per item.
• Use voucher codes: Check for discounts from popular stores like Amazon voucher codes or Sports Direct voucher codes to cut the cost further.
• Time it right: July and early August offer the best mix of deals and size availability before stock runs low.

By choosing a mix of affordable basics and longer-lasting pieces — and using our voucher codes — you can get quality uniforms without overspending.

Timing Your Back-to-School Shopping

What’s the Best Time to Go Back to School Shopping?

We have found that the best time to start back-to-school shopping is from late June through mid-August. Spreading out your purchases gives you more choice, better prices, and avoids the last-minute scramble when stock is low and prices are high.

• June–July: Great for uniforms, backpacks, and lunchboxes.
• July–early August: Ideal for stationery, books, and classroom extras.
• Mid–late August: Best for clearance deals, but popular sizes may sell out.

Look out for retailers like Rymans, Amazon, and The Works as they typically launch summer promotions early. Shopping during this window means better deals and more time to plan.

When Should I Buy Back to School Clothes?

Clothing can be tricky. Buy too early, and your child might grow out of it. Wait too long, and key sizes might sell out. A good rule:

• Early buys: Stock up on basics like socks, underwear, and polos in late June or early July.
• Fitted items: Leave things like trousers, shoes, and blazers until late July or early August.
• Plan ahead: If possible buy the next size up, as children grow quickly and this will save you buying again around Christmas time

Popular retailers such as Sports Directs, Tesco, and eBay often run seasonal clearance events, which are perfect for getting quality clothing at a reduced price.

What is the Best Month to Buy School Supplies?

August is the key month for school supply deals — especially on stationery, tech, and bundles. That said, we have found that savvy shoppers start as early as July to get first pick and avoid stock issues.

• July: Best for full choice and early discounts.
• August: Ideal for last-minute deals and supply bundles.
• September: Great for topping up anything forgotten or missed.

Big-ticket items like laptops and calculators often go on sale in mid-August. Look to use our Currys voucher codes and ao.com voucher codes for those back-to-school tech offers.

Budgeting and Costs

How Much Is Enough for Back to School Shopping?

Our research have found that most UK families spend between £150 and £300 per child on back-to-school shopping. Your total will depend on your child’s age, school requirements, and whether you need tech or PE gear.

Here’s a typical breakdown per child:

• Uniform & clothing: £70–£120
• Stationery & supplies: £20–£40
• Backpack/lunchware: £15–£30
• Electronics (if needed): £50–£150

To stay on budget, spread your purchases over the summer, prioritise must-haves first, and make use of discounts from Amazon voucher codes or eBay voucher codes.

What’s a Good Budget for Back-to-School Clothes?

A sensible clothing budget is £60 to £100 per child. That should cover enough essentials for a full week of school:

• 2–3 polo shirts or shirts
• 2 pairs of trousers or skirts
• 1–2 jumpers or cardigans
• 1 pair of school shoes
• PE kit (top, shorts, trainers)

Look for deals early in the summer at stores with our Tesco voucher codes or Sports Direct voucher codes. Multipacks are especially useful for cutting per-item costs.

How to Keep Shopping Cheap?

There are a few easy ways to avoid overspending while still getting everything your child needs:

• Use a checklist: Know what’s essential and avoid buying extras you don’t need.
• Compare prices: Retailers like Rymans and The Works often run summer sales.
• Buy in bulk: Multipack offers can be great value for everyday items like shirts and stationery.
• Apply voucher codes: Always check My Favourite Voucher Codes before checking out.
• Reuse last year’s items: Pencil cases, bags, and even PE kits may still be in good condition.

Small savings add up. Combining careful planning with voucher code use can reduce your total spend without cutting corners.

Essential Items Checklist

What Should I Get for Back to School Shopping?

Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about uniforms. A well-planned list covers everything your child needs for a confident and organised start to the term. Here's a clear breakdown of the essentials:

• Uniform & Clothing: Polo shirts, trousers or skirts, jumpers or cardigans, PE kit, socks, underwear, shoes.
• Stationery: Pens, pencils, erasers, ruler, highlighters, glue stick, colouring pencils.
• Backpack & Storage: Sturdy school bag, lunchbox, water bottle, pencil case.
• Books & Notebooks: Subject notebooks, exercise books, folders, revision guides (if required).
• Tech: Calculator, headphones, USB stick, laptop or tablet (if the school recommends it).

Check your school's supply list before shopping to avoid buying more than you need. For great deals on essentials like bags and stationery, why not checkout our Amazon voucher codes and Currys voucher codes for the offers and discounts available.

What Is the Most Purchased Item for Back-to-School?

The top three? Uniforms, stationery, and school shoes. These are the must-haves for nearly every child and usually make up the bulk of a parent's back-to-school budget.

According to retail trends, some of the most popular buys include:

• Multipack polo shirts and trousers
• Black leather school shoes
• Geometry sets and pencil case bundles
• Character or branded backpacks and lunch kits

What Should I Buy for Starting School?

For children starting Reception or Year 1, focus on comfort, independence, and items that are easy for them to manage. Here's what to prioritise:

• Simple uniform: Polo shirts, elasticated trousers or skirts, and a jumper or cardigan with the school logo.
• Easy shoes: Avoid laces unless your child can tie them — Velcro is often best.
• Label everything: Clothes, water bottles, bags — everything should be clearly named.
• Book bag: Most primary schools prefer a flat book bag over a bulky backpack.
• Water bottle and lunch box: Choose lightweight, leak-proof options that are easy to open.

For affordable starter kits, check out our eBay voucher codes and Tesco voucher codes for the latest back to school codes. They’re great for multipacks and bundles tailored to younger kids.

Using a checklist and sticking to the basics will help you stay within budget while still ensuring your child has everything they need to settle in comfortably.

Clothing Essentials

How Many Outfits Should a Child Have for Back to School?

To keep mornings stress-free and reduce midweek laundry loads, aim for at least three to five full school outfits per child. This gives enough rotation while keeping your shopping list realistic.

A practical wardrobe might include:

• 3–5 polo shirts or blouses
• 2–3 pairs of trousers or skirts
• 2–3 jumpers or cardigans
• 1–2 full PE kits (top, shorts, trainers)
• 5–7 pairs of socks and underwear
• 1 pair of sturdy school shoes

Basics like shirts and socks wear out faster, so having extras helps. Look out for value multipacks at retailers like Tesco, Sports Direct, or Amazon.

How Many School Jumpers Should I Buy?

We have found that two to three jumpers or cardigans is usually enough. One to wear, one in the wash, and a spare just in case. In colder months, they’ll be in constant rotation, so having a backup helps avoid any midweek panic.

If your school requires logoed jumpers, buy early as sizes can sell out quickly. For best value:

• Label everything: Lost items are less likely to stay lost if they’re named.
• Check second-hand sales: Many schools sell pre-owned uniforms in good condition.

You can also find great deals on generic school-colour jumpers through eBay, Amazon, and The Works.

Keeping a modest rotation of uniform pieces helps reduce stress and ensures your child is ready for anything, from PE days to unexpected spills.

Best Places to Shop

What’s the Best Place to Go Back to School Shopping?

There’s no one-size-fits-all retailer for back-to-school shopping. The best place depends on what you’re buying. Mixing and matching across stores often gives you the best value.

Here’s a quick guide to where each category shines:

• Uniforms: Supermarkets like Tesco and retailers ebay offer affordable multipacks for everyday wear.
• Stationery: Rymans, The Works, and Amazon regularly feature great deals on school essentials and bundle packs.
• Electronics: Currys and ao.com are reliable for laptops, calculators, and other tech items needed for schoolwork.
• Sportswear: Sports Direct offer discounts on PE kits, trainers, and joggers.
• Books & extras: The Works are perfect for revision books, dictionaries, and creative supplies.

Shopping across multiple retailers may take a little longer, but it lets you handpick the best deals and apply voucher codes for extra savings.

What Is the Cheapest Store for Back-to-School Supplies?

For supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders, budget stores and supermarkets tend to offer the lowest prices. Here are some top options to consider:

• Rymans: Excellent value, especially with Rymans voucher codes on multipacks and stationery bundles.
• Amazon: Fast delivery, good bulk deals, and discounts on name-brand items.
• The Works: Ideal for early school years—affordable pencil sets, books, and accessories.
• Tesco: Great for picking up school supplies while doing your regular shop. Use our Tesco voucher codes to save more.

For best results, compare prices, use voucher codes at checkout, and shop early before the most popular items sell out.

Reducing Stress and Saving More

How to Save Back-to-School Shopping?

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to drain your wallet. With a few smart tactics, you can keep costs down without cutting corners.

• Start early: Shopping in June or July gives you the best range of sizes and early-bird offers.
• Use voucher codes: Look for discounts from trusted merchants like Currys, Rymans , and Amazon.
• Buy in bundles: Multipacks of clothing, stationery, and books usually cost less per item.
• Reuse what you can: Check last year’s kit—bags, pencil cases, and PE kits may still be good to go.
• Watch for late summer sales: Prices often drop in mid-to-late August as stores clear stock.

Even small savings add up quickly, especially if you're shopping for more than one child.

Why Is Back to School Shopping Stressful?

Back-to-school shopping can feel like a juggling act. There's pressure to stay within budget, get the right items, and do it all before term starts.

Here’s what tends to cause the most stress:

• Budget worries: The cost of uniforms, tech, and supplies can add up fast.
• Low stock: Leaving it late often means missing out on popular sizes or essentials.
• Busy shops: August weekends can mean long queues and low patience—especially with young kids in tow.
• Unclear school lists: If you’re not sure what’s needed, it’s easy to buy the wrong thing.

To reduce the pressure:

• Start early and pace your shopping over a few weeks.
• Use a checklist to stay organised.
• Shop online to avoid the crowds — ao.com and eBay often include fast delivery options.
• Let older kids help pick some of their own items — it reduces returns and gets them more involved.

With a bit of planning, back-to-school shopping can be much more manageable — and even a little rewarding when you’re saving money at the same time.

Popular Back-to-School Purchases

What Do Students Buy Most?

While parents focus on uniforms and supplies, students often care most about what feels personal to them. These are the items they’re most likely to pick out — and get excited about:

• Stationery: Pens, highlighters, notebooks, and pencil cases — especially colourful or novelty designs.
• Backpacks: Both functional and fashionable, often branded or character-themed.
• Lunch gear: Reusable water bottles and lunch boxes, particularly eco-friendly ones.
• Tech accessories: Earbuds, portable chargers, and USB drives are popular with older students.

Letting students choose a few personal items within a set budget can make shopping feel more enjoyable and reduce resistance when school starts. Find popular picks for less using by using our tried and tested eBay voucher codes, Amazon voucher codes, and The Works voucher codes.

What’s the Best Thing to Go Back-to-School For?

If you’re looking for real value, technology and uniform bundles often offer the best back-to-school deals — especially when timed with end-of-summer sales.

Top-value categories include:

• Laptops and tablets: Great offers from Currys and ao.com .
• Stationery bundles: Save more by buying in sets through Rymans or The Works.
• Uniform multipacks: Polo shirts, jumpers, and trousers are often discounted in July. Look out for offers with Tesco and Amazon.

These purchases usually offer the biggest savings compared to buying items individually later in the year. It's a good idea to prioritise them early in your shopping plan.

Specialised Shopping – Electronics & Photography

Why Should Electronics Be Part of Your Back-to-School Shopping?

Tech has become essential in modern classrooms — especially for secondary school and college students. Whether it’s for homework, research, or online learning, having the right devices makes a big difference.

Here are the most useful electronics to consider:

• Laptop or Chromebook: Ideal for coursework, assignments, and revision platforms.
• Scientific calculator: A must-have for GCSE and A-level maths and science.
• Headphones or earbuds: Great for focusing in noisy spaces or joining virtual lessons.
• USB drives or external storage: Handy for saving schoolwork or transferring files.
• Printer and ink: Still useful for physical homework submissions and project prep.

Retailers like Currys and ao.com often run summer tech deals, especially on student-ready bundles. It’s a smart time to buy quality gear at a lower price.

Is Photography Equipment Ever Necessary for School?

For students taking GCSE or A-Level Art, Media, or Photography, having access to a good camera can be a big help. While some schools provide equipment, many students prefer their own for convenience and quality.

Starter photography kits might include:

• Entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Tripod and memory card
• Editing software (or free online tools)

To save on gear, try Jessops for student discounts or cashback offers. For second-hand options, eBay can help you find quality used equipment at lower prices.

If you're not sure what’s needed, speak with your child’s teacher first. You may not need to buy everything straight away, and some schools are happy to loan gear.

Additional Tips & Tricks

What Are Some Extra Ways to Make Back-to-School Shopping Easier and Cheaper?

Once you’ve covered the basics, there are still plenty of ways to cut costs and stay organised. These extra tips can help you save time, avoid stress, and make your money go even further.

• Shop with a checklist: Avoid doubling up by knowing exactly what you already have and what’s needed.
• Spread out purchases: Tackle shopping over a few weeks to avoid big bills all at once.
• Buy bigger sizes: Kids grow fast. A slightly roomier jumper or trousers can last the full school year.
• Use cashback and voucher codes: Many of our featured retailers offer cashback in addition to savings
• Check clearance sections: Sites like eBay and Sports Direct often offer discounts on last season’s stock.
• Look into second-hand options: Many schools have Facebook groups or uniform exchanges where you can grab nearly-new items for free or a fraction of the price.

Little strategies like these can lead to big savings — especially when combined with seasonal sales and voucher codes from reliable retailers.

FAQs & Practical Guidance

How Many Outfits Should a Child Have for Back to School?

Most families find that 3 to 5 full school outfits work well. This allows for rotation during the week and accounts for laundry delays or accidents.

• 3–5 polo shirts or shirts
• 2–3 trousers, skirts or pinafores
• 2–3 jumpers or cardigans
• 1–2 PE kits
• 5–7 socks and underwear
• 1 pair of school shoes

How Many School Jumpers Should I Buy?

Two to three jumpers is usually enough. They’ll get worn daily in cooler months, so it’s good to have a backup for wash days or emergencies.

What Should I Buy for Back to School?

Your essentials list should cover:

• Uniform (including PE kit)
• Backpack, lunch box, water bottle
• Stationery and notebooks
• Tech (if needed: calculator, headphones, USB stick, laptop)

Check your school’s supply list before shopping to avoid overspending. Use our Amazon voucher codes or Rymans voucher codes for supply savings.

How to Keep Shopping Cheap?

• Start early to avoid price hikes and low stock
• Shop multipacks for essentials
• Use our eBay voucher codes or Tesco voucher codes for deals on uniforms and supplies
• Reuse what you already own
• Check for cashback or multi-buy discounts

What Is the Best Month to Buy School Supplies?

August is best for last-minute discounts, while July gives you full stock availability. Shop early for uniforms and tech, later for stationery and extras.

What to Buy for Starting School?

If your child is starting Reception or Year 1, focus on comfort and simplicity:

• Polo shirts, elasticated trousers or skirts
• Velcro shoes for easy dressing
• Book bag, not a bulky backpack
• Named lunch box and water bottle

Using our The Works voucher codes and Tesco voucher codes are ideal for affordable starter sets.

Final Thoughts and Smart Next Steps

Back-to-school shopping can feel like a big task, but with the right plan—and the right savings—you can take control of the process, stay within budget, and make sure your child is ready for the term ahead.

From uniforms and stationery to tech and backpacks, this guide has walked you through every major step. And by using trusted retailers like Rymans, Amazon, eBay, ao.com, Sports Direct, Currys, Jessops, Tesco, and The Works, you can make every pound go further.

Don’t forget — when you shop using voucher codes from My Favourite Voucher Codes, you’re not just saving money for your family. You’re also helping a good cause. We donate 20% of our profits to charity every month, meaning your savings support others too.

Now’s the time to get started. Browse our latest voucher codes, make your list, and start ticking things off—confidently, affordably, and with a little less stress this school season.

by Julian House 3rd July 2025