Jump directly to the content

A WOMAN has revealed that she made her daughter the perfect bag for going back to school next month.

So if your little darling needs a new school bag, and you aren’t sure what to get, then you’ll need to check this out.

A savvy mum has revealed that she made her daughter her very own school bag for less than £14
3
A savvy mum has revealed that she made her daughter her very own school bag for less than £14Credit: Getty
Using cheap buys from Temu, Natasha Lawless has kitted out her child with an incredibly unique rucksack, which many parents were keen to copy
3
Using cheap buys from Temu, Natasha Lawless has kitted out her child with an incredibly unique rucksack, which many parents were keen to copyCredit: Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK
Parents were left open-mouthed at the affordable yet fun rucksack
3
Parents were left open-mouthed at the affordable yet fun rucksackCredit: Getty

A savvy mum shared that thanks to bargain buys from Temu, she was able to make her daughter a frog-themed rucksack.

Costing her less than £14, not only was it incredibly affordable, but it’s super fun and unique too.

Natasha Lawless, who is from the UK, took to social media to show off her daughter’s new DIY rucksack, leaving many totally stunned.

Posting on , a private Facebook group with 2.5 million members, the bargain hunter explained: “My daughter wanted something a bit different for her next school bag. 

Read more on back to school

“She loves frogs so decided to do a frog themed one. 

“The bag itself is from Temu and was £5.67 on a lightning deal

“It has lots of little pockets to display things.”

Not only did Natasha nab the rucksack from Temu, the UK's most downloaded app in 2023. but she also nabbed a variety of accessories from the retailer too.

She continued: “I then got the key rings (except the Lego one which I got at Legoland in Billund), soft toy inserts, pins and sanitiser from Temu as well. 

“Everything cost between 46p and £1.98 (that was for the set of five pins).”

Mum left 'chuffed' as she finds second hand uniform stall in her local Dunelm, and it'll save parents hundreds

Natasha used her cheap Temu buys to accessorise the bag, taking it from drab to fab in no time at all.

Thrilled with her youngster’s new bag, Natasha concluded: “Total cost of the bag was £13.89. 

I’m so copying this

Facebook user

“She is so happy with it and guarantee no one else will have the same at her school.”

PARENTS REACT

Natasha’s post has clearly impressed many, as at the time of writing, it had quickly racked up a whopping 1,600 likes and 258 comments. 

Back to school deals to be had

SEVERAL major supermarkets and retailers are set to launch their sell-out uniform deals.

Prices for the bundles and offers start at just £5 

Among the chains offering bargain deals on kids' uniforms are Aldi, Marks and Spencer, and Tesco.

Asda
Asda's George range offers the following key pieces:
Boys Uniform

  • 2-pack polo shirt – regular fit or 2pk short sleeves shirt – from £3
  • 2-pack slim leg adjustable waist trousers - from £8
  • 2-pack basic sweatshirt - from £5
  • Black double strap cupsole school shoes - from £10

Girls Uniform

  • 2-pack scallop polo shirt – regular fit or 2 pack short sleeve shirt - from £3
  • 2-pack pleated skirt – from £8
  • 2-pack basic cardigan – from £8
  • 2 pack short sleeve shirts - from £5
  • 2-pack white short sleeve school polo shirts – from £3

Peacocks
Discount fashion retailer Peacocks is offering its cheap uniform range in all stores with 20% off from July 28.
Its kids' uniform goes from age 2-3 up to age 14-15 years, which is a new age range for this year.
Among its key items are:

  • Kids blouse - £5/£6/£7
  • Kids polo 2-pack - £6/£7/£8
  • Kids skinny trousers - £9/£10/£11
  • Kids bootcut trousers - £9/£10/£11
  • Kids Bengaline super skinny trousers - £8/£9/£10

M&S
M&S has held prices on its school uniform since 2021 and has confirmed the return of its popular 20% off school uniform early bird offer from July 2.
You can get the discount by shopping online or in stores where uniform is stocked.
Some examples of its range include:

  • From £7 for a 3 pack of 100% responsibly sourced cotton unisex polo shirts, featuring stain-resistant technology
  • From £11 for 2pk Boys' Slim Leg School Trousers
  • From £12 for 2pk Girls’ Pleated School Pinafores

Tesco
Tesco is bringing back its 25% off uniform deal again this year, the sale starts on July 23.
It doesn’t tend to run for a long time, so it might be a good idea to stock up while you can.
You need to ensure you have your Tesco Clubcard or app when you get to the till so the discount is applied.
Tesco is yet to reveal the exact items available in the offer.

Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's says it has maintained its 2022 prices on its school uniform.
It is said to be introducing its 25% off sale on June 19.
Last year you could pick up two packs of polo shirts starting from £3, trousers from £4 and two packs of gingham dresses from £10 both online and in stores.

Parents were open-mouthed by the unique bag and many flocked to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “That's so cute!”” 

Maybe I’ll look into one as well cause I’m sick and tired of the Smiggle ones that everyone seems to have at school

Facebook user

Another added: “Would love to steal this idea and make a Stitch themed one as we can’t find one my daughter likes.”

A third commented: “My daughter would love this!” 

How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays

IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...

BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.

“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.

“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”

SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.

Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.

“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.

“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.

“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”

TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.

Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.

“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.

“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”

SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.

Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.

“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.

“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.

“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”

EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.

Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.

“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.

“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”

Not only this, but another mother wrote: “What a sweet little thing and different!

“Maybe I’ll look into one as well cause I’m sick and tired of the Smiggle ones that everyone seems to have at school! Absolutely love this.” 

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Meanwhile, someone else claimed: “I’m so copying this.”

Whilst another beamed: “OH MY FROG I LOVE THAT!!” 

Topics