Deals of the Week!
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Mini cruise for less than £35pp
Hosting a cheap Halloween night
Mystery Christmas holiday bargain
Student and parent money-saving tips
Budget-friendly date night ideas
7 nights in France for less than £600
Another home furnishing bargain
Caterpillars to butterflies kits
Attraction tickets discount codes
If you're anything like me and are obsessed with a bargain you’re in the right place. But I know that searching out the best deals can take a lot of time, something we don’t always have. The good news is that I will hunt out the bargains that will save you money every single week so you don’t have to!
I only recommend products and businesses I use or would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. Some links in this blog are affiliate links or sponsored by the companies I use and recommend. This means I may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you.
Alternatives to Aldi wooden toys
Something that really gets to me is seeing people raid the Aldi wooden toy sale just to resell them on Vinted for triple the price.
Let’s not forget that the whole appeal of the Aldi toy event is that it’s affordable!
There’s no sense in paying over the odds for something meant to be budget-friendly. The good news? I’ve found an amazing alternative you’re going to love here.
Regatta kids sale
These Regatta kids’ dry robes are an absolute steal right now! They’re 50% off in the sale, and you can take an extra 12% off with code AFVCUK12.
241 on GF meals at Prezzo
Prezzo have just launched Free From Wednesdays - all gluten-free starters, mains, and desserts are 2 for 1! Such a win if you’re eating gluten free.
No7 bargains
This No7 gift set is finally back in stock — and you can grab £32 worth of products for just £10 when you use a referral code!
Here are a few shared by my lovely followers:
✨ KATE-R1DV
✨ TRACEY-R1N1
✨ EMMA-R3NK
Check out their other gift sets as they are such good bargains for what’s inside!
50% off The Entertainer at Tesco
The Entertainer now has toy ranges available in Tesco stores - and right now, many are up to 50% off. Definitely worth a look if you’re stocking up for Christmas!
Half price energy at British Gas
When you sign up to Peak Save Energy at British Gas you can get half price energy every Sunday from 11am-4pm.
A budget-friendly gift idea
A great budget-friendly gift idea for kids is to make a big batch of handmade Play-Doh and bulk buy little cutters and stamps that you can split from a pack. This gives you at least eight mini Christmas gifts. You can often get little jars and cookie cutters in charity shops too so keep an eye out for bits and bobs over the next few weeks.
Watch my video to follow along here.
A gift for under £4 idea
Sometimes we forget that it’s the simple but thoughtful gifts that mean the most, so here’s how to create a lovely gift for under £4. First get these photo strips from Snapfish - which worked out at 99p each.
They are perfect to use as a bookmark. Then I grabbed a book from the charity shop for 50p. Finally I added some chocolates for £1.50 and tied it all together. This lovely gift that came to £3.48!
Clothes to grab for winter
Christmas PJs hack
I always liked the idea of getting involved with Christmas pyjamas, but the prices are just wild, so stopped buying expensive Christmas pyjamas that the kids will have grown out of by next year. Instead, head to Primark and look for the little kids racks of Christmas T-shirts as they have such a wide selection and prices start from £1.80. What a bargain! Then pair with pyjama bottoms you already have at home. I’m a true believer that Christmas magic isn’t about the money you spend.
My new autumn/winter bargain buys
Many of you will know I’ve been stitching up my old handbag for a long time but I finally treated myself to a new one — and I’m obsessed. It’s gorgeous, practical and such a bargain!
These high-waisted leggings from Amazon were under £10, super cosy and perfect for the season. I grabbed them in black and brown in size L-XL (I’m usually a UK 16-18).
Another steal: a two-pack of wide-leg trousers in cream and brown for £38. They’re flattering, comfortable and I’m wearing a size 18.
My top recommendation to help you save for Christmas
With Christmas around the corner, I know how easy it can be to slip into debt for Christmas. The “buy now, pay later” adverts feel noisier than ever this year, but one thing that’s really helped me stay on track each year is making a budget early.
We’ve got about three paydays before Christmas, so starting now can make a big difference. This app lets you plan your budget, track your spending and make sure you’re sticking to your goals each month. It’s been a game-changer for me.
Halloween bargain buys at The Works
I’ve just ordered some really cute bits for a cosy Halloween at home with the kids this year. The Works has some absolute bargains right now, with prices starting from just £1.50.
Christmas present ideas for Lego lovers
I’ve just spotted some amazing Lego discounts - including loads of Harry Potter sets. Perfect timing with Prime Day coming up if you’re planning Christmas presents!
Another idea for Lego fans is a Brick Borrow membership. It lets you borrow sets, build them at home and send them back when you’re ready for your next one. My son’s Lego obsessed, so he’s been saving his pocket money for the £14.99-a-month plan, which gives him unlimited sets to swap. They also offer gift cards, and you can cancel anytime - such a brilliant gift option for Lego lovers of any age.
£15 Amazon reward
When placing an order on Amazon for a £100 One For All gift voucher (which you can spend at over 100 shops!) you get a £15 reward. I personally would load up this gift card with a set budget of what I’m going to spend on Christmas presents as there’s such a variety of shops you can spend it on - and then you’ve just bagged yourself an extra £15 for yourself! Use code ONE4ALPBDD25 here.
Autumn/winter mini cruise for less than £35pp!
Holiday Pirates has got some great cruise deals on at the moment! You can go on a 2-night mini cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam this autumn or winter for £33pp on selected dates! I feel like that’s the perfect time to go to Amsterdam too as it’s such a beautiful place!
Hosting a cheap Halloween night
Halloween is fast approaching! Check out my new blog to see how you can host an epic Halloween night without breaking the bank.
Mystery Christmas holiday bargain
Is it too early for Christmas talk? I’m so tempted to go on this mystery Christmas market holiday for just £99pp! You could end up in New York, Chicago, Finland or many more places!
£15 Iceland Christmas bonus
Iceland Bonus Card holders can top up their accounts to £100 before 28th October and receive a £15 Christmas bonus by 22nd November. I think this is a great idea if you would be doing your Christmas shop here anyway.
Lego brick chocolate moulds
I prepped all of my son’s birthday party myself and I was so impressed with how these chocolate bricks turned out - so good!
Play money for kids
I ordered some play money to give the kids exposure to seeing money visually whilst we are learning about the value of money and I’ve had so many messages asking for the link - so here it is!
Butternut box mega deal
We started using Butternut Box for our dog Suzie about a month ago after grabbing the starter box for just £10.85. We got 14 meals including 4 different recipes and a pack of treats for that price!
It’s fresh human-grade ingredients tailored to your dog. You can get 50% off your own starter box with my code budgetingmum plus 50% off your next box too.
Bargain kids book
My kids have been loving this book recently and it’s currently got over 50% off! Grab it while you can as we all know Amazon doesn’t keep things on sale forever!
Disneyland Paris at Christmas
You can get a 4-star Disneyland Paris Christmas stay with Disneyland tickets and flights included for £169pp! Add-ons are available to extend your stay for up to four nights and still save 28%.
50% off bowling
During October half term you can get 50% off bowling at Hollywood Bowl before 11am with the code SPOOKY50. There are some sites where this offer isn’t valid but you can use SPOOKY25 instead for 25% off.
Student and parent money-saving tips
If you are about to become parents or you are a student check out my latest blogs:
Budget-friendly date night ideas
Who says date night has to mean expensive dinners out? I’ve pulled together some budget-friendly date night ideas that you can do at home.
Positivity cards
For £3, I thought these positivity cards could help a lot with the transition of back to school if your little ones are finding it hard after six weeks off.
Wedding guest dress
I’ve had loads of messages asking for the link to the wedding guest dress I wore on the weekend - it’s from Next and it’s this one.
Swimming goggles
Welcome Baby Box
Boots has launched its first Welcome Baby Box which contains 19 products for new parents. It’s £35 but contains over £100 worth of products from skincare to teething toys.
New robot hoover
I finally got myself a robot vacuum! I went cheap to see if it paid off and the kids thought it was fascinating! I left it to go round the house for an hour and honestly the results were embarrassing! The battery life is great too, I’d definitely recommend!
7 nights in France for less than £600!
In May half term you can get 7 nights at a 4 star resort for a family of 4 in Brittany, France!
The resort is coming in at £306 and the ferry from Dover to Calais is looking at £225. It is a 5 hour drive but you could break up the journey along the way! Check it out here.
Viral Dusk coffee table dupe
I recently got this dupe of the Dusk coffee table for £130 less! Apparently JYSK is the Danish version of Ikea and honestly the quality is amazing. Check it out here.
Another home furnishing bargain
This is literally the same product but for £60 less! Check it out here.
The Sun £9.50 holiday codes
Code 1: SAND Code 2: H7G9 Just collect 2 codes and choose from over 250 holidays for only £9.50!
£5 bottomless pancakes
Bills are bringing back this promotion where you get bottomless pancakes on Fridays for £5!
Available on selected Fridays only. Available all day on most Fridays. Check out Bills website for more information.
Cheap school shoes hack
Don't forget to check out the Clarks Outlet online. They do pretty much identical shoes that were in the shops last year but for a huge discount. The styles are often 'last years' version, but the difference is so small and the savings are huge! And do the kids really care?!
Caterpillars to butterflies kit
Our butterflies hatched whilst we were away!
We bought a little kit so the kids could watch caterpillars turn into butterflies and honestly, I think I've found it just as fascinating as they have. I was watching a video about it and it turns out it's not as simple as them just ‘growing wings’. When a caterpillar goes into its chrysalis, its body actually breaks down into ‘soup’ of cells, and then those cells reorganise to form a butterfly. Isn't that wild? I had no idea!
Top games I always pack for our holiday
I LOVE a games night on holiday, both with the kids and as adults. Here are my top picks:
CLR - this is the perfect handbag game that you can crack out during a meal - so simple but fun!
Five Crowns - this got played A LOT on holiday. I’d say it’s for slightly older kids but ours can play with a little help from us both.
Murder Mystery - this is so good to pack for an evening games night! I rate this brand!
Qwirkle - This is a great little game, small enough to pack in hand luggage too.
Playing cards - honestly endless fun with a pack of cards. Our favourite games to play are Nomination Whist, Poo Head and Gin Rummy.
Where we stayed in Rome
We’ve just got back from Rome and stayed here at, Camping Fabulous. It was 20 minutes from the airport and just 30 minutes on public transport from Rome! It was ace and I highly recommend. It’s a 4-star site with loads of pools and you can stay here next August from £550 for a family of 6!
Viral cabin bags & packing cubes
If you’ve seen my latest Instagram video you’ll know that we are planning on doing seven days away as a family of four with just under the seat cabin bags! Are we mad? I don’t know but I’m fed up of getting cheap flights then having to pay a fortune for baggage!
I got these bags and paired with these packing cubes and I was so surprised at how much room I actually had!
Waterproof games
If you’re going away this summer, waterproof games are a MUST. Honestly even though we are only taking one rucksack each, these were a priority for us. We got waterproof Uno and waterproof Dobble which has 20% off currently!
Date night idea
We had our friends over recently night and did one of these. OMG it was fab - such a good date night idea for parents when the kids are in bed. I think it’s really good value for money and they currently have £5 off. I would highly recommend.
Smoke alarms
I’ve recently upgraded our smoke alarms in our house and lots of you requested the link. I got these ones as they have a 10 year battery life. They are quite good value for a twin pack.
Amazon Kids headphones
Here’s one of our most used items! These headphones are something my kids use these all the time and they don’t often go on sale! They currently have up to 35% off.
Disney tickets discount codes
I used Attraction Tickets when we went to America earlier this year and honestly it is such a great site to check if you’re thinking of doing Disney. I’ve rounded up all the deals they are currently offering if you’re thinking of going any time soon!
10% off Christmas party tickets this December with the code JINGLE (on select nights only)
Free dining and drinks packages with an extra 10% off using the code HAPPY
10% off Universal Orlando resort hotel and ticket packages with code HAPPY
Mud kitchen bargain!
If you've been following me on Instagram this week, you’ll have seen I’ve been hitting the charity shops, hunting for budget-friendly pots and pans for the kids’ new mud kitchen. This is the one I ended up getting. I went for the wall-mounted version, but there is also a free-standing one.
Luggage sale
IT Luggage currently has a huge summer sale on where you can save 30% off kids luggage bundles.
This set currently has 40% off! It doesn’t often do sales so I’d grab it while you can!
Kids toy - 33% off
My kids have been loving these building tiles and they’re meant to be so good for their brain development too!
Amazon top picks
Here are my top bargains that we currently use with the kids!
These tablets are great. You can get loads of educational games as well as Disney and Netflix so they’re perfect for keeping them entertained on a flight.
We wouldn’t be without these headphones either
H&M £5 voucher
Did you know if you take at least five pieces of unwanted clothing to H&M (any brand not just H&M clothes!) you will receive a £5 thank you voucher to spend when you spend over £25. The clothes need to be in decent condition but I think it’s a great incentive for us to recycle our clothes!
Recycle at Boots and earn points
You can receive £5 worth of Advantage Card points when you recycle 5 qualifying Boots items and spend £10 in store! Qualifying items are anything that can’t be recycled in your recycling bins at home, but the app guides you through the entire process!
50% off family attractions
Through Planet Offers you can save over 50% on family attractions all over the UK such as splash parks, play centres, museums, aquariums, and loads more!
5 products for glowy holiday skin
These 5 products have given me the glowiest skin on holiday and I’m so here for it! I never used to wear anything on holiday but I always feel more confident with a little bit of something on. I had a makeup lesson before I came away and a lot of these products are what she recommended.
So here’s my top picks for realistic 5-minute holiday makeup for mums!
This L'Oréal Glotion has been my FAVE buy! It gives you the most glowy skin without being heavy so perfect for holiday. It’s so cheap too!
Next is the product that actually makes me look like I have a tan! This liquid bronzer is a bit more money bit it’s so worth it.
When I had the makeup lesson she said stick with a cheap concealer so I went for this one as it really brightens the eyes! I got shade Fair Beige but it’s actually a little too light for me.
This liquid lipstick is amazing and it’s on sale here!! I wear 305 Velvet.
Finally this is what I set it all with. It stops everything sweating off my face in this insane humidity!
Fab summer game for kids
This game we’ve got for the kids is SO good! The classic game of Sequence made just for kids.
Bikinis: splurge and save options
I’ve had a few messages on Instagram asking for the link to this bikini. It was more of a splurge buy but well worth it in my opinion,. I love how flattering it is, particularly the bottoms with the twisted top around the tummy and they’re super high waisted. The top is also lovely and very comfy.
DEAL STACK! You can save by signing up for the newsletter to get 15% off and 3% cashback through TopCashback.
But if you are looking for something cheaper, I also got this one which fits so well and is high-waisted too - no thongs here!
Get the perfect slick back bun!
If you’ve been following my America content you’ll see I’ve fallen in love with a slick back bun for my go-to holiday hair!
My sister-in-law who’s young and cool has shown me what to do… she recommended using a hair mask instead of gel for a nicer feel on your hair and then setting everything in place with this hairspray, and using this brush.
Florida Keys RV
We’ve just checked out of the second part of our stay and these static RVs on Key Largo are the PERFECT base for exploring the Keys and the Everglades. We ended up getting an upgrade to this brand new one (which NEVER happens to us!) and you can book to stay here for £142 per night.
We paid with an everup gift card and got 4.6% cashback!
Loop Earplugs
I’ve been using these at Disney and they’ve really helped. They reduce noise but still let you chat – ideal for busy places or travel. The kids ones are great too, I would definitely worth it if loud environments get overwhelming for you too.
These are the ones I ordered for me and these are the ones I ordered for the kids.
Legoland Billund
We visited here earlier in the year but Ryanair have recently stopped direct flights here - ruining the fun! More over on my Instagram.
But I’ve been working with HolidayPirates to find some alternatives. Keep an eye on this page for alternative budget options.
I also shared more over on my Instagram the other day.
Sand and water bench table
This sand and water bench table is currently on offer and was a fab investment for us last year, still the kids favourite garden toy! It can be used as a picnic table but if you remove the centre panel you’ll reveal a sandpit and water table!
It keeps the kids busy for hours and it only takes up a small amount of outdoor space; ideal for compact gardens or patios.
Best plus size linen shorts
Shorts weather is here and if you’re anything like me, I’m dreading getting my legs out - but equally don’t want to be boiling hot.
I’ve been trying out some different shorts and these ones are my favourite so far.
They’re so flattering and really cool, would deffo recommend. Girls - this is your sign to wear the bl**dy shorts!
Summer perfume deal stack
I treated myself this week to this STUNNING perfume. I swear this is the smell of the summer!
DEAL STACK! It’s on offer here with 20% off and you can get up to 16% cashback on this too through Top Cashback.
£79 mini cruise deal
Look at this fab Amsterdam deal for November!
You get an overnight ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, stay the night in a hotel and then get the overnight ferry home from just £79pp! Absolute steal!
How we got a £700 tax refund
Whilst I was on Statutory Maternity Pay, I was earning well under my tax free allowance for the year.
I put in a claim for Marriage Allowance, which meant I could transfer a portion of my tax-free allowance over to my husband. This can save you as a couple up to £252 per year.
You can also back date your claim by up to four years, which meant we also got a tax refund of over £700. More information here.
You can check your eligibility on the Government website.
My extendable airer
This is the one adult purchase that’s worth every penny!
Drying clothes in winter can be a nightmare, but this airer is an absolute game-changer!
I’ve tried heated airers, but I don’t rate them - clothes need space to dry properly, and cramming them together just doesn’t work.
Instead, I use this extendable airer over my radiator, and it dries clothes SO fast!
Highly recommend!
Get £10 off at B&Q
Here’s how to get a free £10 to spend at B&Q:
Join the B&Q Reward Scheme next time you shop in a B&Q store
You’ll get a £10 voucher sent to you to spend on your next purchase
You’ll need to spend £75 to get the £10 discount but it’s perfect if you’ve got some DIY planned as we go into the spring
You’ll also get a couple of vouchers giving you £5 off when you spend £30 or more if you sign up for their emails.
TOP TIP! If freebies are your thing, don’t forget to head over to my freebies blog too!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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