From Labubus to Jellycat keychains, Smiggle stationery hauls to Stanley Cups, today’s kids aren’t just heading back to school - they’re chasing status. The playground has become a runway of viral must-haves, and parents (and their wallets!) are feeling the pressure to keep up.
With summer holidays already stretching budgets through snacks, day trips, and childcare, the looming back-to-school shop - costing over £400 per child - is pushing financial anxiety to new heights.
But with trends changing faster than you can say ‘limited edition’, splashing out isn’t always smart. That's why our Savings Expert, Zoe Morris, has searched far and wide for the cheapest back to school essentials, along with dupes on trending items, to make September more affordable for parents feeling the pinch.
Backpacks
A school bag that reflects what’s on trend, and also earns a few playground compliments, is the goal for 2025. While branded backpacks can cost upwards of £70, you don’t need to spend big to get the same aesthetic. This year, think bold colours, sporty shapes, and on-trend motifs and characters. Here are some budget-friendly picks that deliver the ‘cool’ look for a fraction of the price:
George at Asda – Pink Zip Pocket Backpack for £8
Primark – Butterfly Mesh Pocket Backpack for £8
Sports Direct – Spiderman and Mickey backpack for £8.50
Primark – Black Utility Sling Backpack for £10
Sports Direct – Adidas Kids Linear Backpack for £11.99
Bag accessories and keychains
This year, it’s all about the add-ons - think plush charms and mini mascots to dangle from backpacks and pencil cases. Labubus, Crybabies and Jellycats are considered the ultimate playground currency, but you can easily beat the expensive (and hard to get your hands on!) brands with these budget-friendly lookalikes:
Smiggle – Add-On Mini Letter Keyring (blue or pink) for 50p
Primark – Scented Lip Gloss Keychain for £3 (£7 cheaper than P. Louise!)
TKMaxx – Brown Capi Strawberry Bag Charm for £4.99
Amazon – 10-pack Gaming-Themed Bag Accessories for £6.99
Claire’s - Panda Jelly Coin Purse Keyring for £8
B&M – Aphmau Mystery Meemows Plushie Clip on for £4.99
Water bottles
Oversized water bottles are a school must-have, ideally in pastel shades and with chunky handles. While some viral bottles like the Stanley can cost upwards of £45, there are plenty of more affordable versions that still tick the aesthetic box. Whether it’s for staying hydrated or just fitting in with the cool crowd, here are the best lookalikes that won’t drain your wallet.
Homebase – Single Nitro Stainless Steel Tumbler for £2.99
Aldi – Travel Flask for £3.99
Argos – Lilac Travel Cup for £8
Amazon – Stainless Steel Travel Cup for £9.99
Ryman – Atlas Cup with Topper for £14.99
Matalan – Marvel Red Insultated Stainless Steel Rambler for £18
Stationery and pencil cases
We’ve all done the mesmerising walk through the stationary aisles with a child hypnotised by glitter pencil cases and scented gel pens – only to be quickly brought back to reality by the price tag.
But fear not, playful products, vibrant colours and fashionable designs can all be found in back-to-school essentials without spending big. Check out these affordable options for as little as 75p:
The Range – Pink Clear Pencil Case for 75p
The Works – HB Rainbow Pencils Pack of 8 for £1.50
Wilko – Glitter Gel Pens (pack of 10) for £1.95
B&M – Scribblez Fluffy A5 Notebook for £4.00
Accessorize – Unicorn Highlighters (pack of 3) for £5
Everyone wants their kids to feel confident and included – especially when the latest trend hits the playground like wildfire. But with prices climbing, trends fading quicker than ever, and ‘TikTok made me buy it’ a real thing, it’s okay to pause and shop a little smarter.
Our Savings Expert Zoe Morris points out that swapping viral must-haves for lookalike finds can still spark joy - helping kids feel included, while also giving parents a break from the pressure and the price tag.
And if you do want to treat your child to branded items, or want to save even more money on your purchases, Zoe recommends making sure smart shopping is front of mind - compare retailer prices, search VoucherCodes.co.uk for discount codes and hold out for seasonal sales to get the best deal possible.
