Remember to keep the cycle going, give away your unwanted things, or sell for someone else to get a bargain. 

Free things

Download the Olio app for free items, and food.

Check out freecycle groups on facebook that operate in your area.

Check what you have in the back of the garage/ cupboard/ garage. You might have what you need already.  Or at least something that'll get the job done adequately. 

Toy swaps - Rafiki and his cousin love swapping toys. They'll do one most weeks. All the benefits of discovering a new toy, without spending money. 

Friends - So especially with all the baby gubbins, see what your mates are desperate to give away before you go spending lots of money. When Rafiki was born, I got away with buying very little because I had a few friends who were keen to get baby items out of their house, including a pram, cot, clothes, changing mat etc. 

Check if there are any repair cafe's in your area where you can take things to be repaired for free, or for a small donation. 

Also, keep an eye if there are any clothes swapping events happening in your area. 

2nd Hand bargains

Charity shops - I love them. Although they are not all created equal, so make sure that you are actually getting a bargain. 

Facebook Marketplace -  I get so many things from here that are free, or cost next to nothing. 

Car Boot sales.

Ebay - It's always worth checking where something is located, in case you can pick it up, and save on the postage. Especially if it's something big like train tracks for a christmas present. The majority of Rafiki's presents have come from ebay. He doesn't give a hoot if they're 2nd hand or not. 

School shop - Most schools are now offering 2nd hand uniform sales. It  raises money for the PTA, so the money goes back into benefits for your kids. 

New things for cheap

Ok, so if you really can't find something cheaper 2nd hand, then here's a few places to look out for bargains.

Aldi - keep an eye on their special buys. Athough be careful not to get tempted by other things. It's so easy to fill up that online basket with things that weren't even on your radar before they popped up on the app. 

The Works - I get all the birthday party presents from here, since they always have great sales on small toys. 

George at Asda - Along with primark, I consistently find that this is the best place for clothes when I can't source them 2nd hand. eg, boys joggers, which are so tricky to find 2nd hand since the knees never last on them. 

Other tips 

It's worth adding the honey extension onto your browser, which checks for coupons and deals when you're buying something online. 

If you're in London then you can sign up to the library of things to borrow tools and equipment. 

Let me know what I missed!