• Year-on-year uniform costs jump by £32.56, reaching an average of £141.15 per child in 2026.
• Nearly three-quarters (73%) of UK parents say they are still forced to buy expensive branded uniform items despite government guidance.
• Coats and shoes top the expense list, costing parents over £83 combined.

UK parents are facing a significant financial squeeze ahead of the new school term, with the annual cost of school uniforms surging by almost 30% in just one year, according to new research from money-saving site MyVoucherCodes.

The nationwide study reveals that the average yearly spend has climbed to £141.15 in 2026, up from £108.59 in 2025. The £32.56 increase per child will further strain family finances.

And the spending doesn’t end when the school gates open in September. More than half of parents (57.9%) say they will have to spend even more on uniforms over the rest of the year, anticipating an average additional expenditure of £129.09 to cover replacements, growth spurts, and seasonal changes.

Strict school policies are driving these costs, with 73% of parents still forced to buy expensive branded uniforms despite government guidance. When it comes to individual items, coats and shoes are hitting pockets the hardest.

• Most expensive item: The school coat, with an average spend of £42.49.
• Second most expensive item: School shoes, coming in at an average of £41.31.

To combat the rising prices, parents are actively looking for ways to cut costs. The research found that the single most common saving tactic is taking advantage of supermarket multi-buys, utilised by 44.7% of savvy mums and dads looking to stock up on essentials like shirts, skirts, and trousers for less.

Shopping and lifestyle expert at MyVoucherCodes said,

Sarah-Jane goes on to share her tips on how to save money when buying school uniforms:

• Host or Join Uniform Swaps – Team up with other parents to trade gently used uniforms and save money for everyone involved.
• Buy Second-Hand – Platforms like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and local uniform exchanges can be goldmines for high-quality pre-loved uniform items.
• Buy Plain, Add Logos – Purchase plain supermarket clothing and attach school logos yourself. Many parents report saving over £40 per child with this method.
• Shop Out of Peak Season – Start early to beat price hikes and low stock in August. Consider shopping during sales earlier in the year.
• School Uniform Grants - Check with your local authority; you may be eligible for a school uniform grant.
• Use Discount Voucher Sites – Always check sites like here at MyVoucherCodes for the latest deals and promo codes on school wear and supplies before making a purchase.

Notes to Editors2025 data - This online survey of 1,000 Parents of school-aged children who purchase school clothes was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [26/06/2025] and [01/07/2025]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll is an MRS Company Partners, a corporate member of ESOMAR and a member of the British Polling Council. 2026 data - This online survey of 1,000 Parents of school-aged children who purchase school clothes was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [17/04/2026] and [24/04/2026]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll is an MRS Company Partners, a corporate member of ESOMAR and a member of the British Polling Council. Media Contact: Sarah-Jane Outten, PR Specialist, sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.com

New research from MyVoucherCodes reveals parents are cutting back on groceries, draining savings, and turning down promotions to manage the school break.

• 58% of parents say the school holidays impact their working lives
• 53% of households find balancing work and childcare during the school break stressful
• Almost half of parents (42%) believe the school holidays are too long
• One in four parents (25%) spend £100 or more per child, per week

Balancing work and family life during the school summer holidays has reached a tipping point for UK parents. New data released today by money-saving platform MyVoucherCodes reveals that 53% of households find balancing work and childcare during the school break stressful.

As parents struggle to navigate the loss of daily school routines, the financial and professional strain is forcing many families into drastic trade-offs to keep afloat.

While 48% of respondents spend £0 on paid childcare during school holidays, often relying on help from family and friends. Those who do pay face steep costs. One in five parents (25%) spend £100 or more per child, per week on holiday care, during the weeks in which paid childcare is used.

To cope with these soaring expenses, parents report taking extreme financial measures:

• 23% have dipped into emergency funds or savings.
• 23% have cut back on basic household essentials, including groceries and utilities.
• 18% have turned to credit cards, loans, or overdrafts to bridge the gap.
• 12% have been forced to skip or shorten a planned family holiday.

The impact extends far beyond household budgets, taking a heavy toll on parents' professional lives. A striking 63% of parents say the school holidays impact their working lives.

• 44% exhaust all or most of their annual leave simply to cover holiday childcare.
• 29% work irregular hours, such as early mornings or late nights, to make up time.
• 26% attempt to work from home whilst at home with children.

For many, the situation directly undermines career growth and earning power: 17% have had to reduce their working hours, 16% have turned down promotions, projects, or extra shifts, and 7% have quit or left a job entirely due to school holiday pressure. The survey highlights a growing debate around the traditional academic calendar. Just under half of those surveyed (42%) believe the school holidays are too long.

Lifestyle and shopping expert for MyVoucherCodes said:

Survey Methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 756 parents of children aged 4-16 years who attend school. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th - 31st July 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

• High Heatwave Anxiety: 70% of people in Wales feel anxious about the prospect of more frequent or severe UK heatwaves (19% very anxious and 51% somewhat anxious).
• Unplanned Costs: 56% of Welsh households incurred additional spending as a direct result of the June heatwave, while only 38% spent nothing extra.
• Financial Strain: Among Welsh households spending extra due to the heat, a substantial minority cut back on non-essential spending, with some needing to use credit or dip into savings.
• High Heatwave Anxiety: 70% of people in Wales feel anxious about the prospect of more frequent or severe UK heatwaves (19% very anxious and 51% somewhat anxious).
• Travel Impact: Around 2 in 10 in Wales changed travel plans to avoid the heat, and a similar share felt physically unwell or unsafe while travelling Around 2 in 10 in Wales changed travel plans to avoid the heat, and a similar share felt physically unwell or unsafe while travelling.

New data released by savings site MyVoucherCodes highlights the growing personal and financial toll of rising UK temperatures on communities across Wales. With extreme weather becoming more frequent, the figures reveal widespread climate anxiety alongside direct pressure on household finances during recent heat spikes. 

Rising Temperatures, Rising Anxiety 

 Heatwaves are no longer just a temporary discomfort; they are a major source of concern for the majority of the Welsh population. A staggering 70% of people in Wales say they feel anxious about the prospect of more frequent or severe heatwaves in the UK. Breaking this down, 19% report feeling very anxious, while 51% feel somewhat anxious about upcoming weather shifts.

Sudden, unexpected expenses compound the emotional worry. During the recent June heatwave, 56% of Welsh households reported additional spending as a direct result of the weather, while only 38% reported spending nothing extra.

This unexpected financial strain forced many families to adapt. Among the Welsh households that incurred extra costs because of the heatwave, a substantial minority say they had to cut back on non-essential spending just to afford these heatwave-related expenses. For others, the buffer was even thinner, with households reporting they needed to use credit or dip into savings to manage the additional costs.

Travel Disruption and Health and Safety Concerns 

Beyond financial strain, high temperatures are altering daily habits and threatening well-being across the transport network. While the majority noted that their journeys remained unaffected, significant disruptions occurred: 

• 1 in 5 (around 20%) of people in Wales actively changed their travel plans to avoid travelling during peak heat. 
• A similar share (around 20%) reported feeling physically unwell or unsafe while making journeys during the heatwave. 

MyVoucherCodes shopping and lifestyle expert, Sarah-Jane Outten, said:

 All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2094 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 2 and 3 July 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). As part of the sample, 103 adults in Wales participated in the survey. MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK. It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers, and offers from a wide range of retailers, including fashion, beauty, restaurants, electronics, and many more. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 vouchers or discount codes.Media Contact: Sarah-Jane Outten, Future Publishing sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.com

Father’s Day is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, it’s probably a scramble to find things to buy. My dad is the type who already has everything and wants nothing. So this year, I’ve decided to try something different.

Instead of spending money on gifts, I’ve come up with a list of the best free Father’s Day activities that you can do at home. It’s minimal fuss, ideal for last-minute Father’s Day ideas, and guaranteed to make Father’s Day feel special.

When is Father’s Day 2026?

Father's Day in the UK this year is Sunday, 21st June. It’s a little later in the month than last year, so it feels like you’ve got a bit longer to get things planned.

What are the best Father’s Day activities?

The most meaningful Father’s Day activities for 2026 that you can do at home include gardening, a pub quiz with his favourite snacks, and a coffee date with homemade pastries. They’re simple and affordable, and sure to make his day.

Our data shows that Brits are spending nearly £15 more on dads than mums in 2026. If this is something you've noticed yourself, then you ought to try some of our favourite Father's day activities that your bank account will love too.

1. Gardening

June nearly always guarantees the perfect weather for gardening. If your dad is anything like mine and takes absolute pride in his garden, have some fun doing it together. Whether you’re doing a small garden makeover or finishing up a project, it’s a wholesome way to spend some quality time together.

2. Coffee date

Coffee lovers unite. Why go out for a coffee when you can host the most adorable coffee date right at home? Make sure you’ve got dad’s favourite drink order, and have a go at making your own goodies to enjoy alongside it. If he’s not into chocolate, here are 10 simple sweet treat alternatives.

3. Homemade brunch

Who doesn’t love brunch? Whether it’s a heavenly toastie or the ultimate breakfast wrap, surprise dad with a feast fit for a king. When I do this, I love grabbing some Jus-Rol puff pastry from the supermarket and making savoury croissants for that coffee-shop feel.

4. Long walk

If you’ve got an outdoorsy dad, then a long walk or hike is one of the best Father’s Day activities. I’ve previously mentioned how much I rely on the All Trails app for the most beautiful local walks that don’t require travelling far. Get out and about in the sun and don’t forget some snacks!

5. Pub quiz

Host your very own pub quiz right at home. Make sure to get dad’s favourite drinks and pub snacks in to make it feel as authentic as possible. There are tons of pub quiz videos on YouTube, or you can have a go at making your own. Winner gets a small prize (let’s hope dad wins, eh?).

6. BBQ

You can absolutely never go wrong with a BBQ, especially if you’re after Father’s Day dinner ideas. Give dad the night off from BBQ duty and treat him to a delicious spread. I’m talking homemade burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and the rest.

7. Wash his car

I know so many dads whose pride and joy really are their cars. If this sounds like your dad, then I just know you’ll make his day by getting his car squeaky clean. Grab your bucket and sponge and get scrubbing. And don’t forget the inside - a good hoover and polish can make any car feel as good as new.

8. Sports marathon

If there are any good games on the weekend of Father’s Day this year, then it’s the perfect time to have a sports marathon together. And if you fancied getting outside, you could even bring the TV out into the garden for that pub garden feel.

9. Bike ride

Enjoy the sunshine and get out on a bike ride with your dad. There’s nothing like getting out in nature to make your day that bit brighter. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a handy cafe or pub to stop by on the way home.

10. Favourite film

Get the popcorn out (the good stuff that you make at home, not the bags) and cosy up to watch dad’s all-time favourite film. Turn your lounge into a cinema, make some tickets and put together some pick’n’mix bags for the ultimate movie night.

11. Ultimate day off

Treat dad to the ultimate day off so he can rest and relax. I previously wrote an entire piece on how to plan the ultimate day off for mum, and the same goes for dad. Let him have a lie-in and surprise him with breakfast in bed. Tick a few things off his to-do list so he doesn’t have to worry, and finish it off with a chilled evening.

The sun is shining, the plants are blooming, and a J2O is calling my name. It’s garden party season. Whether you’re a planner or a last-minute kind of person, we all know how expensive garden parties can be. It’s easy to think you need to buy tons of bits and pieces to make the occasion feel special, but that’s not the case.

Today, I’m cutting right to the chase to tell you everything you actually need to host a garden party on a budget. And it’s not just the bare minimum. I’m talking everything from food & drink, to decor, entertainment, and more. Here’s what you’ll need, and some easy ways to cut costs too.

Garden party essentials list

To host the ultimate garden party on a budget, you’ll need food & drink, enough seating and plates, picnic blankets, garden decor, and some games for entertainment.

Garden party ideas on a budget

Low budget £30-£50:

• Make your own food
• Bring a board night to split the cost
• Decorate using what you already have
• Borrow chairs and plates from friends or family

Medium budget £50-£100:

• Supermarket food that caters for your party size
• A few drink options
• Garden lights
• Picnic blankets for more seating

Garden party on a budget: what do you actually need?

Food & drink

Easy way to cut costs on food & drink:

• Make your own instead of buying food
• Account for leftovers
• Work out how many portions you’ll need
• Have each guest bring a board to share the cost
• Check what food is on offer with reward cards

If you’re struggling with what to serve at a garden party, one of the easiest ideas is to do a BBQ. And if you’re keen to do it without overspending, I took a deep dive into which supermarket offers the best value BBQ food of 2026 - spoilers, it’s not M&S.

As for the best garden party drink ideas, your best bet is to have a drink station on a table where people can help themselves to beverages and ice. Split the cost and effort by having people bring their own favourites. Alternatively, do a poll with your guests and buy the top two most popular options.

Table setting

Easy way to cut costs on table setting:

• Make your own place cards
• Purchase paper plates instead of buying new serveware
• Use large chopping boards to serve food
• Utilise casserole dishes to serve food

I adore hosting, and for me, one of the best parts is the table setting. But decorating your table doesn’t have to mean showstopping centrepieces and brand new accessories. It’s all about using things that you already have to create a table that looks special but costs nothing.

Garden decorations

Easy way to cut costs on garden decor:

• Check out our latest Home & Garden vouchers and discount codes.
• Borrow decor from friends and family
• Go to car boot sales
• Have a look at charity shops

Most, if not all, of my own garden decor is actually secondhand. With half of it being charity shop bargains and the other half handed down from family, it's meant that my garden sure looks Pinterest worthy without having to spend a lot of money.

Seating

Easy way to cut costs on outdoor furniture:

• Ask guests to bring chairs
• Use picnic blankets on the floor instead
• Shop secondhand

I only have four outdoor chairs. That means whenever I host in my garden, I have to be savvy with what I already own. In practise, that looks like bringing dining chairs outside, getting the camp chairs out of the shed, and laying picnic blankets on the floor. You seriously don't need to buy any more chairs - you'd be surprised how much you already own.

Garden preparation

Easy way to cut costs on gardening:

• Bring indoor plants outside to add greenery
• Make your own bouquet with freshly cut flowers
• Work with what you’ve got
• Stay on top of weeding to help your space feel tidy

With an upcoming garden party, you might be tempted to splurge on new garden decor. Instead, try these easy, beginner-friendly gardening ideas that look expensive to help elevate your outdoor space.

How to make a garden party look good

Think greenery, homemade bunting, and outdoor lighting. Create zones for a drink station, a games area, and a place to relax with picnic blankets. The quickest way to elevate your outdoor space is by layering. Use tablecloths and decorate with candles, books, and plants.

Garden party activity ideas

If you’re after some garden party activity ideas, try these:

• Garden games like giant Jenga
• Outdoor movie night with a projector & blankets
• Spotify jam on a speaker
• Scavenger hunt where the winner gets a prize
• Bring a board to split the cost and effort of hosting
• Bake off, where you present and rank each other’s desserts
• Games tournament

Adopting an active lifestyle feels like the best thing you can do for yourself, until the costs start mounting up. But building healthy habits doesn’t have to mean overpriced gym memberships, expensive gymwear, and an infinite number of supplements.

Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on my own journey to get fit without spending too much money. From walking workouts to finding the best gym leggings, I’m sharing everything I know about how to feel your best in 2026, without overspending.

Affordable ways to work out

The best, free ways to work out include at-home workouts like YouTube workout videos, walking, and lifting weights.

Best at-home workouts

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

Working out at home is by far one of my favourite ways to save money and still achieve fantastic results. Whether you’re following a pilates workout or lifting weights, it’s very rewarding for minimal cost.

In the past, I wasn’t quite sure how effective at-home workouts could be, so if you’re anything like me, try one of my top 10 recommendations for ways to workout at home - you won’t be disappointed.

Are walking pads worth the money?

Cost: £180 (approx.)

Potential saving: £60-£600 (compared to £240-£660/year gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

At the start of last year, I tested a walking pad to see if it was really worth the money, and the verdict is in. I love it. Not only do I use my walking pad most days, but it has drastically improved my cardiovascular fitness level too.

It’s been a game changer for getting my step goal, and is ideal for using while you’re watching the tv or working at your desk. Though the upfront cost is around £180, it’s still more affordable than a gym membership which could set you back around £240-£600 a year.

Best YouTube workout videos

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

I’ve relied on YouTube workouts for years now, and they’re one of my top recommendations for people wanting to get fitter. There are an abundance of fantastic workout videos on YouTube, and they’re all completely free.

Up until recently, MadFit has been my go-to for resistance training workouts, and she also has some fun dance workouts too. I recommend IsaWelly for pilates and Yoga with Adrienne is great for 30-day yoga programmes.

Best free yoga apps

Cost: Free

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, small spaces

Yoga is such an underrated workout and it’s hard work if you do it properly. I’ve been doing yoga for years and it’s one of the best options if you’re looking for affordable workout options.

If you’re doing it at home, I recommend following a yoga workout on YouTube like Yoga with Adrienne or Charlie Follows. Both have a great selection of beginner friendly and intermediate classes available for free. Alternatively, download one of the best free yoga apps for guided meditation.

How to save on your gym membership

• Ask for a trial
• Refer a friend
• Student discount
• Compare gym prices
• Complementary personal training

I’m not the first to say that lifting weights is by far one of the most effective forms of exercise you can do – I certainly won’t be the last. And if you’ve fallen in love with resistance training, you might find yourself reaching for that gym membership.

On average, gym memberships can cost anywhere from as little as £20/month to £70/month. Luckily for you, we’ve looked into the best ways to save on your gym membership so you don’t have to. Look out for student discounts, and compare different gyms to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Once you've decided on the best gym for you, it's worth browsing our latest selection of discount codes for gyms & fitness.

Fitness essentials actually worth buying

We all know the feeling of wanting to get in shape but not knowing where to start. And people online will convince you that you need anything and everything to get real results. But that is simply not the case.

As a result, it’s worth getting clued up on what’s worth your time and money, and what you can skip.

Best water bottles that stay cold

When it comes to the best water bottles that will actually keep your water cold and help you stay hydrated, I’m your girl. In the past, I reviewed a Stanley dupe with the real thing to see if it's worth the money, and even compared the Stanley Quencher with the Stanley IceFlow to find out which is best.

After years of buying cheap bottles that were a pain to clean or kept my water lukewarm at best, I can certainly say that it’s worth the money in the long run, and I haven’t looked back. If you can get a discount code, even better.

Best workout leggings

I’ve tested some of the best workout leggings at various price points and quality to find out which are actually worth the money. From Tala and Gymshark, to Amazon and Adanola, I spent years trying to find a good brand.

In my experience, I highly recommend a mid-range brand like Adanola. I’ve previously found high-end brands like Gymshark too costly for what they are, while more affordable brands like Amazon didn’t stand the test of time.

We have a fantastic selection of current sports clothing discounts and vouchers worth taking a look at to help you save.

Gym dumbbells

When I started working out at home, I made the mistake of buying random dumbbells without really thinking. If there’s one thing I would change, it’s buying adjustable dumbbells instead. They’re much higher in price point at first glance, but let me tell you – buying separate pairs of dumbbells adds up fast.

Free and low-cost wellness habits

• Sleep: This is so underrated when it comes to fitness, but it’s one of the most important things. Prioritise good sleep to help speed up your recovery.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. If you’re after that lean, toned look, drinking water is key because it helps support your lymphatic system, which controls how puffy or bloated you appear.
• Walking: Don’t underestimate the power of walking. It’s fantastic because it’s low impact but can still create lasting results. Add a weighted vest to make it a higher impact.
• Stretching: A lot of people forget about stretching and/or warming up before they exercise. And it doesn’t seem to matter until you get injured. Injuries can set you back months, if not years. Stretching helps prevent this.
• Gut-health: The bad news is that no magic pill or supplement will sort your gut health out. But the good news is that it’s all just about what you’re eating. Aim for a whole food diet.
• Stress management: Stress can be one of the biggest reasons that your progress is slow. It can actually cause you to have weaker performance, which is why you might not see results.

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This year, I’m in my gardening era, using every available weekend to create the cottage garden of my dreams. But I have expensive taste. And without the funds in my bank account, I’m having to find alternative ways to do it.

I’ve searched Pinterest high and low for inspiration, and spent evenings planning how to achieve the look I want. And along the way, I’ve found some of the simplest ideas for gardens that make the biggest difference.

Whether you’re new to gardening or you’d like to give your outdoor space a makeover, here are my favourite, easy tips to transform your garden into the outdoor space of your dreams.

What are the easiest garden ideas for beginners?

The easiest garden ideas for beginners are digging borders, painting fences, and tidying your lawn with an edging tool. You’ll want to fill your border with hardy perennials to avoid overspending, and add clusters of plant pots for that curated, lived-in feel.

Final verdict: what are the most affordable garden ideas?

Most affordable: Weeding is an absolute must, and it's completely free. My best advice is to stay on top of it little and often.

Best for instant impact: Plant pots with fast-growing plants like lavender, cat-mint, or herbs like mint, rosemary, and sage.

Best for quick wins: Tidy your lawn with a lawn edging tool for that put-together feel.

Best for beginners: Weeding & removing overgrown edges from your lawn are both ideal for beginner gardeners looking to elevate their outdoor space.

1. Dig a border

For gardens that lack colour or interest, one of the best things you can do is dig a border. All you really need is a shovel. A great tip is to use your garden hose to mark the shape of your new border before you dig. My favourite beginner landscaping idea is a wiggly, zig-zag border that gives that organic, wild cottage border feel.

Once you’ve dug it, turn the soil over and mix it with some compost to improve the soil quality. Keep the edges looking smart with an edging tool. Then it’s the fun part - planting all the beautiful flowers and shrubs that’ll make all the difference.

What you'll need: Garden shovel & compost

Approx. cost: £20

2. Plant pots

Adding plant pots to your garden can create that lived-in, considered feel to your outdoor space, as long as you know how to do it. When I first started, I bought tons of cheap pots and shoved them anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s true what they say - buy cheap, buy twice.

This year, I’ve invested in higher-quality pots with proper drainage holes and been more thoughtful with my placement, and I love how it looks. Clusters of pots (groups of 3-5) of various complementary shapes and sizes look best. Terracotta pots are great because they come in lots of different patterns, shapes and sizes, and have a lovely, rustic texture – and they weather well too.

What you'll need: Plant pots, compost & evergreen/perennial plants

Approx. cost: £20-£100 (depending on how many you buy)

3. Cottage plants

As a gardening newbie, I know the importance of finding good beginner plant recommendations that require minimal effort but look beautiful. I’ve had my fair share of fussy plants that just died straight away - it’s not the vibe.

To save your money, you’ll want to prioritise perennial plants that come back year after year. I recommend you start with some of the following: English lavender, cat mint, alliums, and hardy geraniums. The key is to deadhead regularly and give them a feed every month or so.

What you'll need: Perennial plants

Approx. cost: £10-£50

4. Paint fences

When I moved into my house, my fences looked tired and run-down. Naturally, the whole space looked spent, no matter how much money I spent on outdoor decor. Since I’ve painted them, the space has never looked better, and I underestimated how much it would completely transform the garden.

Save your money and use a primer undercoat (I used one from B&Q). This will prolong the life of your fences and mean you won’t need to repaint them every year. I recommend Cuprinol fence paint. It’s super hardy and high quality, and available in tons of aesthetic colours.

What you'll need: Primer, fence paint & paint brush/car sponge

Approx. cost: £50-£150+ (depending on fence size)

5. Weeding

Weeding is by far the most affordable garden idea out there. It's completely free, and all you need is a good eye and some elbow grease. When I moved into my home, my garden was horrendously overgrown, so it was the first thing I did before I even thought about buying anything.

Once I'd weeded the space, I discovered that I actually had two large borders with beautiful, rustic brick edging, and the garden was such a lovely shape. My best piece of advice is to stay on top of it. Even one month of sun and rain can encourage tons of weeds, so it's all about little and often, especially when it comes to keeping your borders looking their best.

What you'll need: Garden hand fork

Approx. cost: £2-£5

6. Lawn edging tool

This one is an absolute must if you’ve got a lawn that often grows over your patio area. Last year, I embarked on a project to get my lawn looking its best, which involved reseeding it for this summer. Now, it’s truly flourishing, but it’s become a little overgrown and rough around the edges.

That’s where a lawn edging tool really comes in handy. It’s easy to use, and it does a fantastic job at neating up your edges. I’ve just done this with my lawn, and it instantly made my garden feel like it had been landscaped by a professional.

What you'll need: Lawn edging tool

Approx. cost: £10-£20

7. Patio cleaning

Over on one of our sister sites, Ideal Home, I wrote about how I saved myself a huge amount of money when I cleaned my patio and brought it back to life. Beforehand, my patio was stained with years' worth of black spots and mildew, and my dream of achieving a cottage garden felt out of reach. No matter how nice my pot plants were, my space felt dark and dingy.

That was until I discovered the Pro-Kleen Ultimate Black Spot Remover from Amazon. It’s super simple to use, and I was honestly amazed at the difference it made. My patio was like new, and now all I do to maintain it is give it a clean once a year with a pressure washer.

What you'll need: Patio cleaner & pressure washer

Approx. cost: £80-£100

8. Tiered pots

This one feels straight out of a Pinterest board, and it’s even suitable if you’re looking for small patio garden ideas. Add some varied height and interest to your space with a tiered pot display. The best tiered gardening ideas are the most affordable ones, and all you need is something to put your pots on, like bricks or a secondhand bench.

I recommend creating your display in a part of your garden that needs more colour or interest. If you want to grow some herbs, this would be a beautiful way to do it. And it’s less expensive than buying a raised bed, too.

What you'll need: Plant pots, herbs, compost & bench

Approx. cost: £20-£100 (depending on how much you buy)

It’s the time to get dressed up, invite all of your friends over and celebrate your engagement. Whether you’ve already started planning the wedding or you’re just living in the moment, it’s definitely worth thinking about your engagement party.

These days, parties can quickly become expensive and over-the-top. But if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to skimp out, especially on such a special occasion. That’s why I’ve created a list of the best engagement party ideas for 2026. They’re fun, wholesome and won’t cost you a fortune.

What are the best quirky engagement party ideas?

The best engagement party ideas are the ones that don’t cost a fortune. Things like: bring a board where guests share the cost and time preparing food; games night, where everyone brings a game instead of purchasing new ones; or books & brews, where you bring your favourite book and host a book swap.

1. Bonfire night

Host a bonfire night for the ultimate cosy and wholesome get-together. Have everyone bring blankets and chairs, and decorate your outdoor space with some fairy lights for that enchanting feel.

Put together a bonfire night playlist and stock up on marshmallows to toast on the fire. Get comfy and share your favourite memories. It’s the perfect idea if you’re looking for a low-effort, chilled vibe for your engagement party.

2. Books & brews

This is one for all of the bookworm brides. Ask everyone to bring their most-loved book and organise a book swap. Take it in turns to talk about your book recommendations while enjoying a selection of coffee-shop style drinks and sweet treats.

Have a go at making your own goodies to save some money - when I made my own pastries, it was surprisingly simple. It’s ideal for that adorable brunch vibe, and everyone leaves with a new book to read.

3. Pasta dinner party

Instead of booking an expensive meal out, host your very own pasta dinner party at home. Get dressed up in black tie attire, and have everyone bring a homemade pasta sauce and a bottle of wine to match. All you need to do is provide the pasta.

Create a Pinterest-worthy table setting with candles, homemade place cards, and a little bit of greenery here and there. I recently wrote about table setting ideas that won’t cost a fortune but still look impressive.

4. Whodunnit party

Put your heads together to figure out whodunnit with a murder mystery game. There are tons of fun games like Masters of Mystery that involve character-led roleplay, where you work as a team to find clues and solve the mystery.

Dress up as your players, figure out puzzles and race to the finish line before it’s too late. There are tons of affordable murder mystery case file games available on Etsy, too.

5. Nowhere to wear it party

Have fun playing dress up with friends and family. We’ve all got at least one item of clothing we’re desperate to wear, but nowhere to wear it. Turn your engagement do into a ‘nowhere to wear it’ party, and let loose for the night.

Whether it’s a floor-length ballgown and statement heels, a lifesize hot dog fancy dress costume, or you’re head to toe in the loudest leopard print, be bold and celebrate your style together. Snap some polaroids to remember the night.

6. Bring a board

If you’re after a low-key, relaxed way to celebrate, then you can’t go wrong with a bring-a-board night. This is an absolute go-to for my friends and me whenever we’re spending time together because it’s so cost-effective and delicious.

Essentially, you’re sharing the cost and time of preparing food by each bringing your own selection. Some good ones include a classic charcuterie, a cheese board, a dessert board, and a chips & dip board.

7. Dessert night

Calling all those with a sweet tooth – this is the one for you. Think of it like a bake-off without the competition. Ask everyone to make desserts, be it brownies, churros, or a 3-tiered cake wedding cake (well!), and indulge for the night.

Lay a table to display everyone’s delicious sweet treats and dig in. You can always make it more fun by making your own bake-off-style judging sheets for everyone. The winner gets a small prize.

8. Outdoor cinema

Invite everyone round for a cosy at-home movie night. Make your own popcorn, create homemade movie tickets, and have everyone bring their favourite sweets so you can make pick’n’mix bags. If you’ve got a projector, even better.

If the weather allows for it, why not host an outdoor movie night? Organise for everyone to bring blankets and construct the ultimate outdoor set-up in your garden. I’m talking twinkly lights, outdoor heaters and lots of cushions.

9. Pizza night

Forget the takeaway pizza - what if I told you that you can make your own for half the price, and twice as delicious? I’ve been making my own pizzas since the start of the year, and I’ve never looked back.

Have everyone bring their favourite toppings and create the ultimate pizza-making station. All you need to do is make the bases. I use self-raising flour and Greek yoghurt for the base (add semolina for that Domino’s-style crust), and passata and Italian seasoning for the sauce.

10. Homemade afternoon tea

When it comes to the perfect, sophisticated engagement party, you can’t go wrong with afternoon tea. But instead of going over budget somewhere posh, opt to make it yourself instead, with a little help from your guests.

Decide whose making what: scones, baked goods, and finger sandwiches. And all you need to do is supply the warm beverages and classy crockery.

11. Games night

Get the party started with a games night. Instead of buying new games, have every guest bring a different game - be it a board game like The Traitors, trivia or a pack of cards - and enjoy an evening filled with laughter.

Spread the cost of food by asking all guests to supply their favourite snack and drink, and create a spread for everyone to enjoy. Divide into teams and play a ‘who knows the couple best’ pub-style quiz.

12. No gift, just bring…

If all else fails or you’ve left things a little last-minute, then you can always rely on a ‘no gift, just bring…’ get-together. The only rule is that no one turns up empty-handed. Be it your favourite snack, a well-loved recipe, a book recommendation, or a homemade sweet treat, and you’re sorted.

I’ve been on a mission to transform my wardrobe without spending a fortune. As someone who doesn’t have the budget to splurge on expensive brands, I’ve learnt a thing or two about how to enhance your outfits without having to buy tons of new clothing.

I’ve figured out the secret: accessories. And I’m not just talking any plain, old accessory. Providing you’ve got a few staples in your accessory collection, you’ll be able to elevate every outfit. And today, I’m going to spill the tea on exactly what you need and how to save.

1. 5 must-have accessories

Creating Pinterest-worthy outfits means finding out what’s really worth your money. These days, people like to make you think you need to replace your entire wardrobe, but that’s not true.

I recently wrote an entire piece on the best 5 accessories that make every outfit look expensive. I’ve tried this myself and can guarantee that together, they completely transform an everyday outfit. So, if you’re going to spend money on anything, make sure you’ve got one of each of the following:

1. A versatile handbag, 2. simple jewellery, 3. sunglasses, 4. a belt, and 5. a jacket or blazer.

2. Look for dupes

Lovers of designer brands, this tip is for you. If you’re anything like me and you’ve got expensive taste, minus the funds, then I highly recommend shopping for dupes. I found a Longchamp tote bag dupe for under £20, and it looks as good as the real thing.

Dupes are great for more reasons than one. Not only are they much more affordable than the real thing, but you can try styling the pieces before overspending on the OG product. This isn’t limited to handbags – I also shared the best Ugg Tazman dupes for less than £30 that I got in the winter last year.

3. High-quality jewellery

I absolutely love jewellery, and in my opinion, it can absolutely make an outfit. The best kind of jewellery is the type that you can wear with almost every outfit. From your casual everyday vibe, to workwear and occasionwear too.

But we all know that finding affordable jewellery is tricky, especially if you still want timeless pieces that will stand the test of time. That’s why I took a deep dive into how to cut costs on jewellery without compromising on quality, so you don’t have to worry.

4. Shop secondhand

I’m a big fan of shopping secondhand. In fact, I’ve previously rounded up the top second-hand clothing apps like Depop and Vinted, so you know how to buy and sell new pieces. And it’s no different with accessories.

Look in charity shops and go to car boot sales. You never know what you’ll find, and it’s usually priced very affordably.

5. Fashionable sunglasses

When it comes to finding fashionable sunglasses, your best bet is to stay up to date with the latest trends. Cat eye, oversized aviators, and square sunnies are some good options for a timeless style that doesn’t appear to be going out of fashion any time soon.

You’ll also want to consider things like your face shape and skin tone before you buy to make sure that your new sunglasses will suit you. That way, you’re less likely to waste your money.

6. Handbags that look expensive

Let’s forget about the luxury, designer handbags for now. What if I told you that tons of high-quality, mid-range handbags look and feel just as expensive, for a fraction of the price?

I like to keep an eye on what’s trending or popular, and then find a style from a more affordable fashion brand instead. Some great places to look include TK Maxx, Accessorize, Zara, H&M, ASOS, and Brand Alley.

7. Use a discount code

As always, if in doubt, use a discount code. Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have a wonderful selection of fashion & accessories discount codes to help you save. All of our offers and promotions are updated regularly to ensure that you’re able to save as much as possible.

The prime holiday season is fast approaching, and if you're anything like me, you're itching to book something. Whether it's a romantic getaway to Italy or a trip to Greece with the family, it's the best time of the year.

But the cost of a holiday can easily add up, and I'm not too keen on my wallet feeling too much lighter. Luckily, our money-saving experts have picked up on some handy tips and tricks over the years to help you save on your next vacation.

Read on to find out everything you need to know to travel more while spending less.

What are the best ways to save in holidays?

Some of the best ways to save on holidays include booking all-inclusive, booking in December, opting for a package holiday, visiting a budget-friendly destination, or vacationing in winter instead of summer.

Book all-inclusive

With all the various booking sites around, it's difficult to know whether all-inclusive holidays are actually more affordable or simply too good to be true. One fixed price that often includes flights, transfers, food and drink can often look like you're saving quite a bit of cash.

To help you decide, we've previously looked into whether or not all-inclusive holidays can actually save you money, and more often than not, they do, in fact, work out cheaper.

In short, it all depends on when, where and who you're booking with.

Request a room on a higher floor

This one is for all those who love a good hotel room, without the premium price tag. When we previously reached out to Hotels.com, they actually told us that "the higher the floor, the more premium the rooms, so don't hesitate to ask for a room on an upper floor".

We advise that you book your hotel as usual and request a room on a higher floor upon arrival. This then ensures that you won't pay any extra for a higher quality room that's further away from noisy streets.

Book for December or January

While everyone loves booking holidays during the Summer, breaks tend to work out cheaper when you book stays in December or January. In our previous piece, where we explored how to get cheaper hotel rooms, we found that some of the best prices for hotels are available in mid-late December, before they skyrocket around New Year's Eve.

Hotels.com told us, "The first two weeks of January are usually the quietest travel weeks and the perfect time to grab a bargain. You might think travelling around the holiday season would cost more, but in fact, corporate hotels have great availability and prices in the last two weeks of December."

Best holiday booking apps

There are a variety of holiday booking apps to choose from nowadays, which can be super useful when it comes to finding more ways to save on your holiday.

Based on our expertise, we recommend Booking.com. They offer a wide variety of flights, hotels and apartments, and you can book them all in one place, with the click of a button.

We also recommend customers sign up for the rewards programme, as you can get exclusive discounts and extras.

Package holidays

An easy way to save on your next holiday is to look out for package holidays. The head of Hotel Partnerships at lastminute.com, Martin Kleinman, previously told us, "One amazing way to save money is to buy your flight and hotel together if you're going abroad. You not only get protection if something happens, as it's classed as a package holiday, but hotels love it as you're less likely to cancel, and airlines love it as they've got a better idea of seat numbers on planes."

It's also worth keeping an eye out for deals and promotions throughout the year, and the best way to do that is by signing up for newsletters or following holiday companies on social media.

Best budget destinations

Factoring in the price of a flight is just as important as budgeting for a hotel and can more often than not be the deciding factor in your holiday. We discovered some of the best travel destinations for budget travellers, and found that the most expensive flights were to countries such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Chile, while the cheapest flights were to Poland, Portugal and Spain.

The easiest way to track what you're paying for flights and accommodations is by using comparison websites. We recommend using Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia for this.

Use comparison websites

Booking a holiday can often be confusing, with just how many comparison apps and websites are available now. Luckily, we've done the hard work for you and looked into whether Hotels.com is legit, and everything you need to know about them before you book.

Comparison websites are a convenient way to make sure you're paying the lowest price possible. Outside of the sites previously mentioned, we also recommend checking Expedia, Skyscanner and KAYAK.

Book a winter holiday

Winter holidays are quickly becoming more popular, as prices are generally lower than in the Summer months. If you're used to travelling in the summer and need some winter holiday inspiration, we've rounded up the best winter travel destinations that you're sure to love.

You just can't beat the prices or the stunning views for locations like Prague, Portugal, Budapest and Bruges.

Use discount codes

At MyVoucherCodes, we have a long list of travel and holiday discount codes and offers ready for you to use. We have pages dedicated to Hotels.com, lastminute.com, Expedia and many more.

We have a full list of discounts available, whether it's for airport parking, flights, UK stays or holidays abroad.

When you click through any of our fashion discount code pages we may make a small commission if you go on to purchase from their websites. Learn more about how we make money.

We all know how untrustworthy the April weather can be. One day, it’s all blue skies and warm sun, the next it’s dark, grey clouds and endless rain. Luckily, I’m an expert in finding the perfect ways to spend those rainy days when you’re stuck indoors.

What are the best free rainy day activities?

The best rainy day activities are the ones that you enjoy. Read your book, have an indoor picnic, or give your space a spring reset.

1. Read your spring TBR

We’ve all spent money on books that remain unread on our bookshelves. Spring is just as good a time to sit down and read as the cosier months. Make your favourite reading snacks, and relax and unwind with a good book.

If the weather allows for it, you could even bundle yourself up and sit outside in the garden. Don’t miss the Goodreads list of popular spring books perfect for that fresh, floral vibe.

2. Plan your garden

Just because you can’t be out in your garden doesn’t mean you can’t create the outdoor space of your dreams. Use the time indoors to find inspiration and plan your space. I love using Pinterest for this - it’s great if you’re a visual person like me.

3. Indoor picnic

Bring the joy of a spring picnic indoors for those cold and wet days and host on inside instead. Get your picnic blanket out, and have some fun making finger sandwiches and pasta salads.

We’ve got tons of budget-friendly picnic ideas, so you don’t have to spend a fortune.

4. Spring reset

Spring is the perfect time to declutter your space and start anew for the season. If you haven’t quite had the time to do that yet, then a rainy day is just what you need.

Give your home a spring glow-up – you’d be surprised how much it can make your day. I’ve recently written about easy ways to refresh your home this Spring without redecorating – and they’re all super affordable too.

5. Crepe paper flowers

I recently tried my hand at crepe paper flowers because I’m always looking for wholesome, seasonal hobbies to do. Once I made my first flower, it was surprisingly easy. I’d advise using a crepe paper flower kit - there are tons of affordable options on Amazon.

After you’ve learnt how to do it, all you need is some crepe paper and some garden wire, and you’ll have found a wonderful hobby for springtime.

6. Spring jigsaw puzzle

Who says jigsaws are a winter activity? In reality, they’re ideal for burning time on a rainy day. Get yourself a spring-themed puzzle to match the mood, and you’ll be good to go. I’ve spotted some adorable spring puzzles online that are perfect for when you’re stuck indoors.

7. Wardrobe refresh

As each season approaches, it’s a good time to dive into your wardrobe and give it a refresh. Whether you’d like to know how to create a stylish wardrobe on a realistic budget, or simply want to add a few simple accessories that make every outfit look expensive, decluttering your clothing is a good place to start.

8. Flower arranging

Lately, I’ve loved popping to the supermarket to buy discounted flowers and arranging them myself. I’ve received so many compliments on my bouquets, and acquired a brand new hobby that is inexpensive and really fun.

All you need are around three small bunches of flowers - I usually manage to get them for under £10. Then have a go at forming them into a stunning bouquet. It’s easier than you think, and now I’m never going back to shop-bought arrangements.

9. Spring baking

I love baking, and often find myself making delicious goodies in the colder months. But spring is such a wonderful time to get in the kitchen – not only are there more diverse sweet treat options to make, but there’s nothing more wholesome than enjoying a slice of cake out in the garden.

10. A rainy walk

Now, I know this one won’t be for everybody, but I, for one, love a rainy walk. If you’re not afraid of a little rain, grab your favourite raincoat and preferably some wellies, and get outside. There’s nothing quite like a chilly, refreshing walk in the rain. Especially if you’re coming home to a warm, cooked meal or a relaxing bath.

Curating outfits that look thoughtfully put together can be expensive. But what if I told you that all you really need are these 5 accessories to add the finishing touches? When it comes to elevating any outfit with affordable accessories, they’re the key – even the most basic, capsule wardrobes and everyday, casual looks.

What are the best accessories to make every outfit feel put together?

The best accessories to make every outfit look expensive are the most versatile. Think a mini tote bag, simple gold hoops, classy sunglasses, a belt to define your shape, and a blazer for structure.

1. Versatile handbag

For outfits that lack structure, add a handbag. It doesn’t need to be costly - think cross-body bag or a mini tote bag. Adding a handbag helps your outfit look more sophisticated. It can make even jeans and a nice top look put together.

2. Simple jewellery

Add detail to your look with simple jewellery. You don’t need to overdo it with expensive, statement pieces – I’ve previously covered how you can cut costs on jewellery without compromising on quality.

All you need are a few thoughtfully selected items. I’d advise simple gold hoops or studs, a chain necklace and a watch. Together, they’ll likely add the finishing touch to even a basic outfit.

3. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are the ultimate accessory if you’re going for a clean and polished look. Based on our guide to buying the perfect sunglasses, we advise that you choose a timeless style like oversized or cat eye. These are ideal for adding a classy vibe to your casual outfits.

4. Belts

Belts are one of those items that feel like they’re only functional. But they can actually transform your look if you choose wisely. For outfits that are lacking in shape, a belt is essential. It’ll define your shape and refine your style.

5. Blazer

Instantly sharpen a basic outfit by throwing a blazer on top. A blazer or jacket can add definition and fullness to your outfit, which is especially useful if it feels like it’s lacking. You can never go wrong with the business casual vibe.

I’m hosting Easter this year, and I love nothing more than creating the perfect spread. When it comes to hosting special occasions, it’s tempting to buy an abundance of new bits and pieces, but the cost quickly adds up.

The truth is that it’s not about buying more – it’s about styling what you already own and making sure that you know how to save when it comes to Easter celebrations. And with spring marking the season of new beginnings, it’s time to learn how to design a wholesome spread for Easter without overspending.

Mix and match tableware

Instead of buying matching crockery sets, which can be expensive, mix and match what you already have for that whimsical feel. Combine various plates and layer bowls on top for table settings. Use mugs or pouring jugs as little vases.

Bring the outdoors in

Nothing says spring like freshly cut flowers from the garden. Display them as the proud centrepiece on your table. Display sprigs of cut herbs and branches to give your space that relaxed but styled look.

Ditch the tablecloth

When it comes to tablecloths, use something you already own instead of buying a new one. Whether that’s tea towels for a patchwork vibe, a piece of fabric, or even a scarf, it’ll add a pop of colour to your spread. Layering is key for that elevated, organic style.

Homemade place cards

Use some old cards - extra points if it’s mix and match or pieces of scrap paper - and make some handwritten name cards. It’ll add a lovely, personal touch without spending a penny. If you have some scalloped scissors, use them to give them a cute border.

Use what you already have

If, like me, you’ve got a lot of bric-a-brac lying around your home, use it to give your table display a bit of oomph. I’m talking candles, vases, bowls, baskets, antique frames and cakestands. Group items together in odd numbers for that wholesome, natural look.

Style your food

Use fresh fruit that you plan on serving to add pops of colour and freshness. Carefully present baked goods like a loaf of bread or cakes and pastries for that homemade element. Pinterest is ideal for finding inspiration when presenting food.

Add height with books

Table settings always look best when objects and decor are placed with varying heights. Use books - be it cookbooks, coffee table books, or just regular books - to add dimension to your space. Stack under serving dishes for a dramatic effect.

Less is more

Spring is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, and more often than not, less is more. Avoid overspending on non-essential items and create a clean, elevated look with a minimalist spread. Allow for some space on the table, and opt for simple, understated decor items instead.

There’s no doubt about it - Easter is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Whether it’s the beautiful flowers and family celebrations, or you’re just in it for the chocolate, it’s such fun.

We want to ensure that you can dive in without worrying about cost. That's why I’ve covered everything from Easter baskets to table decor - all on a budget. Read on to find out exactly how you can celebrate Easter this year without spending too much money.

When is Easter 2026?

This year, Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, 5th March. And if you’re wondering about Spring bank holidays, this year we’ve got a few. Good Friday is on 3rd March, and Easter Monday is on 6th March.

Where to buy cheap Easter eggs

Let’s be honest, we’re all here for the Easter chocolate we’re about to indulge in. But let me tell you - sweet treats taste even better when they don’t cost a fortune.

I’ve previously delved into the world of Easter eggs to find out how you can get more chocolate for your money. And you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve found the best supermarket Easter eggs that deliver just that. Surprisingly, M&S came up better than I thought.

But it’s not just about where you shop - it’s about how to get cheap Easter eggs too. From timing your purchases just right to using one of our handy discount codes here at MyVoucherCodes, there are a few sneaky ways to save on your Easter eggs if you know how.

Easter hosting ideas

This year, I’m getting into hosting, and whatever the occasion, I’m rounding up the best tips and tricks to do it on a budget. And now, it’s time to talk Easter.

I’m an autumn girl at heart, but springtime is a close second. Between the daffodils and tulips and all of the delicious, sweet treats, it’s one of the most wholesome times of the year to host.

If, like me, you want to create the most wonderful spread, I’ve written an entire piece on Easter table ideas that look special but cost nothing, to give you some inspiration.

And if you’re looking for some Easter goodies to serve, then we’ve got you covered, too. I always keep an eye out and share those worth mentioning, like the best hot cross buns from M&S, so you’ll never miss out.

The best Easter activities

Don’t let your Easter weekend fall flat. I’ve compiled a handy list of fun and affordable Easter activities to do with friends and family. If you love the idea of making a wreath for Christmas, there are tons of seasonal crafts perfect for spring.

Why not have a go at building your own adorable Easter basket for less? All you need is a basket (spoilers, it doesn’t have to be an actual basket) and a few thoughtful gestures. It’s ideal as a wholesome activity or a small gift.

So, you’ve given up chocolate for Lent, and now it feels like you’ve got nothing to look forward to in the evening after dinner? I’ve got you covered. After my mum stopped eating chocolate a few weeks ago for Lent, I’ve been sharing my favourite alternative sweet treats for her to try.

They’re super easy to make, won’t cost you a fortune, and they taste delicious. And they’re good for you too. What more could you ask for?

1. Homemade granola

Until recently, I didn’t know just how easy it is to make your own granola. You literally just whack it all in a bowl, give it a mix, and shove it in the oven to bake. And let me tell you – granola never tasted so good.

Some of my favourite ingredients for high-protein, high-fibre granola are oats, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, coconut flakes, vanilla protein powder, chopped dried apricots and chopped dates.

2. Yoghurt bowl

Right now, yoghurt bowls are all the rage on the wellness side of social media. Put simply, use yoghurt as your base, and add your favourite toppings. I like to use Fage Greek yoghurt (good source of protein) or kefir (great for the gut).

Some tasty toppings include: 1) homemade granola and banana, 2) peanut butter (or any nut butter) and blueberries, 3) chopped pistachios and strawberries, and 4) Elle Gibson’s sticky toffee sauce, banana, and dates.

3. Mini protein pancakes

A sweet treat that’s high in protein AND tastes good? Yes please. Protein pancakes are so delicious and make the perfect dessert option after dinner. There’s tons of protein pancake recipes out there - my personal favourite is a lemon recipe on TikTok.

Don’t hold back on the toppings. I recommend banana and strawberries with some golden syrup, or just the traditional lemon and sugar.

4. Peanut butter and banana

This one is super quick and simple and makes for a great snack. All you need to do is chop a banana into slices, and sandwich two pieces with some peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice). Pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours and enjoy.

5. Stuffed dates

I absolutely love dates – specifically Medjool dates, which are a caramel-lover’s dream. Have some fun trying out different flavour combinations by making yourself some stuffed dates.

Some popular ideas are: peanut butter and flaky sea salt, chopped pistachios and pistachio spread, butter and flaky sea salt (think salted caramel vibes), and chopped hazelnuts and hazelnut spread.

6. Homemade pastries

Recently, I’ve really gotten into making pastries at home. It’s surprisingly simple, especially if you use a pre-made pastry sheet from the supermarket. You’ll certainly be able to get your sweet treat fix without any chocolate.

Over the weekend I had fun making raspberry Danish pastries as well as almond croissants, and they were so tasty. Social media is a great place to find some easy recipes.

7. Smoothie bowl

This one is great for the ice cream or smoothie lovers out there. Smoothie bowls are so refreshing and delicious. Choose your fruit, blend it up - the key here is to blend frozen fruit and ice cubes for that thick, frosty texture.

Then top with your preferred fruit. You can find tons of flavour combination ideas online, but my personal favourite is strawberry and banana with chopped bananas, granola, and a drizzle of honey.

8. Homemade flapjacks

Most flapjack recipes only require a few ingredients, and you’ll probably already have them in your kitchen cupboards. All you need is some butter, light brown sugar, golden syrup, and oats.

Whack it all in a pan and heat, and then bake in the oven. That’s all you have to do to make yourself an indulgent treat. Feel free to add in your favourite dried fruit or any nuts and seeds.

9. Banana bread

We all know the feeling of watching our bananas turn brown beyond consumption in the fruit bowl. The good news is that now they won’t go to waste. Every time I make banana bread, I’m reminded of just how good it is – and how easy to make.

10. Frozen yoghurt bites

This one is a tasty and nutritional sweet treat that takes literal minutes to prepare. All you need is your favourite fruit - be it strawberries, blueberries, bananas, raspberries or even orange slices – and mix in a bowl with greek yoghurt and honey. Set them in the freezer and enjoy a creamy, light treat.

Spring has finally sprung, and it’s nearly time to celebrate Easter with family and friends. Whether you’re looking forward to hosting Easter lunch or you’re just in it for the chocolate, it’s such a wholesome time of the year.

From saving on Easter eggs to the best hot cross buns, we’ve previously covered everything you need to know about enjoying Easter for less. And now, it’s time to talk Easter baskets.

Find out how you can level up your Easter Sunday this year with my tips on how to build the perfect Easter basket without going over budget.

1. Your basket

Now, social media might tell you that you need to go out and buy a brand new basket, but I think otherwise. Easter is all about celebrating new beginnings, so it’s the perfect time to repurpose something you already own.

I’m talking about an old jam jar, a spare storage basket, a very large mug, or even a flower pot. These items will make your Easter basket all the more adorable.

If you don’t have anything lying around to use, then I recommend Hobbycraft for affordable crafting supplies, should you want to have a go at making your own. They’ve got some for as little as £2.

2. Easter treats

You can’t have an Easter basket without some irresistibly delicious treats, now can you? Avoid paying for over-priced cookies and brownies, and bake some instead. It’s a known fact that I love Jane’s Patisserie recipes, and she has a ton of wholesome Easter recipes to choose from.

Alternatively, level up your fruit with a star-shaped cookie cutter – star-shaped banana and cucumber look adorable. And don’t forget about mini chocolate eggs, too. These are far more affordable than large Easter eggs and taste just as good.

3. Wholesome activity

Over the Easter bank holidays, I love spending time with my family. We eat food and play tons of garden games together, and it’s the best. Include a wholesome activity to do with the kids in their Easter baskets.

Add a packet of seeds for you to plant together. Or look for an Easter-themed book or colouring book to sit down with. You can never go wrong with Beatrix Potter, and we’ve got a whole article on everything you need to know about Waterstones Plus, so you can save some cash.

4. Personal touches

Finally, add a personal touch to make it one to remember. It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune – think a small note or letter, a handwritten poem, or some DIY coupons. You could do hug coupons, breakfast in bed, a movie night, or just some quality time.

We’ve spent the last month fasting for Ramadan, and now it’s almost the time to celebrate the best time of the year - Eid. This year, I’ll be hosting Eid for the first time, and I’m super excited.

I’ll be making sure that it feels as special as can be – from indulgent, homemade traditional food, to decorations and fun activities. And I’ll be doing it as affordably as I possibly can.

Join me in this important celebration and enjoy it all without spending a fortune.

What is Eid?

Eid is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. It takes place after approximately 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

Traditionally, Eid involves spending time with family and friends, eating delicious food and exchanging thoughtful gifts.

When is Eid 2026?

This year, Eid takes place on the evening of Thursday, 19th March. That means that Thursday, 19th March, will be the final day of fasting for Ramadan, and Eid will begin after breaking fast that evening.

Food

Bring a board

Take the stress off making everything yourself, and split the cost by having everyone bring a board. Some fun traditional board options include a stuffed date board, a hummus dip board, and a mezze board.

It’s a great idea to have each family member make their own dishes. Not only is it much more affordable than buying everything yourself, but it means you’ll often get more of a greater variety of delicious dishes, too.

Traditional Eid food ideas

This year, I’ll be doing as many classic Eid dishes as possible from scratch. Some fun ideas I’m planning on making include hummus, harissa potatoes, tabouleh, olives and feta cheeseboard, pita breads, labneh, and sambousek.

Most of these are simple to make and don’t require any expertise in the kitchen. As mentioned above, you could split these so that each guest makes one - that way you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day and can enjoy the celebration.

Sweet treat ideas

Opt to make your own sweet treats instead of purchasing expensive ones. I’m making Turkish delight (an absolute favourite of mine), baklava, and medjool dates stuffed with dark chocolate and pistachios.

Host brunch

Go non-traditional and host your Eid celebration as a brunch instead. Sometimes the cost of bigger celebrations can quickly add up, so something smaller like brunch can help you save.

Make homemade pastries and mini pancakes, served with fresh fruit. Add a side of homemade granola and Greek yoghurt, with tea & coffee.

Eid treat bag

A lovely idea is to send everyone home with a treat bag. But instead of spending money on things to fill them with, simply buy some bags (or reuse old jars) and have everyone fill their bags with food and treats that everyone has made.

Decorations

Reuse decor

It’s always tempting to purchase new decor for every celebration that comes around. Instead, reuse decor from previous years to make your space look special. I have some black and gold decorations from when I hosted New Year's, and it’d be ideal for Eid too.

If you do want to treat yourself to some new decor, my advice is to opt for something that can be used for other celebrations too.

Make your own

This year, make your own Eid decorations to save money. Use Pinterest for inspiration – I’m thinking crescent moons and stars, candles, and paper bunting. You can find affordable supplies from Hobbycraft and The Works.

Head to the supermarket flowers section and make a gorgeous floral arrangement for Eid. Buy three or five bunches of flowers - most of the time, you can find individual bunches for under £5 – and have a go at arranging them yourself for the perfect centrepiece.

Use what you’ve got

Avoid splurging on excessive, non-essential items when you host Eid and use what you’ve got. If you’re anything like me, you might have a drawer full of unused paper plates and napkins, and this is the time to use them.

Activities

A moment of gratification

Set some time aside for a moment of gratification. I previously mentioned the importance of gratitude in my recent article on gentle self-care during Ramadan.

Exciting celebrations without an intention can sometimes run away from you. Engage in a group prayer, or take turns sharing your Ramadan reflections and experiences this year.

Afternoon walk

I love an afternoon walk after eating a big meal, which is great for Eid. During Ramadan, I often spend a lot more time indoors, so getting outside in the Spring air feels wonderful.

It’s a great way to break up the day if you’re planning on spending a whole day celebrating with family and friends.

Garden games

Eid is a beautiful time to come together and spend quality time. Providing that the weather allows for it, get outside and have some fun playing garden games. Some of the most fun include Jenga, Red King, and swingball.

Donation gift basket

Add a thoughtful touch to your Eid celebration and have a donation gift basket out. Let your guests know ahead of time and give them the opportunity to bring something to donate. Think dates, nuts, prayer beads, scented candles, incense, and essential oils.

Spring is here, so it’s time to stop hibernating to get through the dark days and start your seasonal reset. Throw open those curtains, crack open the windows and feel the actual sun on your skin.

I love nothing more than a Spring routine reset - it helps me set some intentions for the next couple of months as we dive into longer, warmer days and approach a faster pace of life.

If you’re like me, you might be looking for simple ways to refresh your home now that we’ve finally made it to the Spring months. I’ve come up with nine easy ways to give your space a new lease of life, without redecorating.

1. Rearrange furniture

When I first moved into my house, I put all of my furniture where the original owners had it just because. So one of the first things I did when kicking off my Spring home glow up was rearranging my furniture.

You’d be surprised how big an effect this can have on your space. My lounge feels like an entirely different room. I’ve actually gained floor space, and the TV no longer has a glare from the windows.

2. Declutter

During the winter months, it’s so easy to accumulate more things, especially with Christmas. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than living in a cluttered space with cupboards overflowing with things you don’t use.

Whether it’s your wardrobe, kitchen pantry, or office drawers, Spring is the perfect time to go through and have a proper sort out. I love to be super cutthroat with this. Anything I haven’t worn or used since last Spring is out.

3. Upcycle an old piece

As someone who has expensive tastes in homeware and furniture, I simply can’t afford to purchase the things I want, brand new. Now that you can get out into the garden, upcycle an old piece you already own.

With just a light sand, a lick of paint, and some new handles, you can easily breathe a new lease of life into your home. My current favourite trend is striped drawers, and this Spring, it’s something I’m going to do to refresh my office.

4. Deep clean

There’s nothing wrong with little and often when it comes to cleaning. And if you’re anything like me, during those winter months, it’s all you can be bothered to do. But now that March is here, I’ve got far more energy, and that means it’s time for the deep clean.

Pull out your appliances and give them a clean. Hoover under your bed, behind your sofa and in your cupboards. Honestly, nothing hits quite like a squeaky-clean kitchen and bathroom.

5. Change scent

I love a candle. I love a room spray. But over the last couple of months, my scents have been more cosy and warming. Change things up and treat yourself to a new, fresh scent.

Think lemon and thyme, lavender and camomile, or something fruity for those summer vibes. I find that when my house smells good, it instantly boosts my mood.

6. Add greenery

Bring the outdoors in with some new greenery in your living space. Purchase a new plant, or set yourself a goal to have fresh flowers in your home once per month, like me.

I typically purchase several smaller bunches of flowers and arrange them myself. It’s great for saving money, and it’s a fun little hobby to learn, ideal for the Spring months.

7. Organise cupboards

Feel good when you’re hosting this Spring knowing that all of your cupboards are organised. Last weekend, I spent the morning going through my entire pantry. I had tons of out-of-date tins and spices, as well as items that were just shoved in there.

Once I’d finished clearing it all out, I took everything off the shelves, wiped it down, and reorganised the whole thing. Not only do I have tons more room now, but I can access everything, so there’s no more clumsily reaching for plain flour when I need it.

8. Refresh your bedding

We often forget about the bedroom, but chances are your bedroom could do with a bit of love, too. After those winter months, strip down your bedding and replace it with some Spring sheets instead.

Patterns and pastels are just perfect for a gentle Spring refresh. I’m talking about florals, gingham, and stripes. Top it all off with a soothing bed spray.

9. Seasonal shelf styling

In my lounge, I have a gorgeous Welsh dresser which I bought for £70 secondhand and upcycled myself. I decorated the shelves with festive touches for Christmas, so now it’s time to switch things up.

Seasonal shelf styling is a simple yet effective way to give your home a glow-up without redecorating. Think dried flowers, pastel ceramics, and books about gardening. I always get compliments on them, and they feel brand new each time I re-design them.

It’s time to do everything you can to make sure that mum feels special. Find out her favourite flower, bake a delicious sweet treat, and pull out all of the stops. Here, we know that one size does not fit all, and not all mums are the same.

So we’ve created several articles dedicated to different ways to treat mum this Mother’s Day. Whether it’s about spending quality time, finding the most thoughtful gifts, or planning a proper day off for her, I’ve done the work so you don’t have to.

And the best part is, you can do it all without it costing a fortune.

When is Mother’s Day 2026?

This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, 15th March, which is much earlier than last year. I always find it sneaks up on me, so I like to start thinking about it in early March at the latest.

Best Mother’s Day gift ideas

When I buy gifts for my mum, I like to spend time thinking about what she’d truly love and appreciate. Think an affirmation jar, a new mug, a skincare product from her wishlist, or some luxury pyjamas.

It’s less about buying items that she needs (though she might still be thankful for these) and more about surprising her with treats that she might not usually buy for herself.

Instead of functional gifts, I’ve come up with a list of heartfelt present ideas for Mother’s Day, specifically chosen to show mum some love.

Best ways to spend time together

Over the last couple of years, I’ve prioritised spending time with my mum on Mother’s Day, and we’ve both loved it. From cooking her a delicious roast dinner to going for a long walk together, we’ve tried tons of different activities.

Sometimes it feels like most of the options for Mother’s Day cost an absolute fortune. But I don’t want that to stop you from making more memories together, especially if you’ve got a tight budget. That’s why I’ve compiled 11 of the best free ways to spend time together, and they’re all sure to be a hit.

Plan the ultimate day off

One of the things I’ve heard unanimously from mums around the country is that all they really want is a day off – and now, with my guide on how to plan the ultimate day off for her, you can make this dream a reality.

Get yourself organised and make sure that she doesn’t have to think of a single thing. Give her the luxury of a slow morning (maybe even a lie-in), and absolutely spoil her rotten. The key with this one is to ensure that everything is low-pressure so she can truly relax.

Find out what she actually wants to do

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to keep everything a surprise for Mother’s Day - and I hear you. But sometimes it’s still worth speaking to mum over a cuppa and a piece of cake, to find out what she’d really like to do – Mother’s Day afterall is all about her.

Spend some time to discuss options that you can choose from (or choose a mixture of). That way, it’s still a surprise, and you know your mum will love every minute of it.

If it were up to my mum, she’d have us go for a (ridicuously) long walk, followed by going back to her house and watching her favourite series. She’d probably want to put her feet up and have to do absolutely nothing – what better way to celebrate motherhood?

When it comes to Mother’s Day, we’ve covered everything you need to know about finding the best gifts. Now it’s time to talk about quality time – and you’re in luck because I’ve compiled a list of 11 completely free ways to spend time together.

Ensure that your mum feels appreciated and prioritise making more memories together. Whether you’re helping mum properly relax or planning her favourite activities, I’ve shared my top tips on how to make your mum feel special this Mother’s Day.

1. Long walk

Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Find a new walking spot to try out together and enjoy some uninterrupted time together. My mum loves getting her steps in, and I find the AllTrails app comes in handy to find new routes.

2. Slow morning

I mentioned the importance of a slow morning in my article on how to plan the ultimate day off for your mum. It might not sound like much, but it’ll definitely be appreciated. Enjoy a relaxed morning having breakfast in bed together. The key with this is to just chill.

3. Make a memory jar together

Last year for Mother’s Day, I made my mum a memory jar using an old candle and some card. I was trying to think of the best heartfelt present ideas, and she loved it. Do it together as a wholesome activity to reminisce. After making it, your mum can use it as a pick-me-up to put a smile on her face.

4. Do some gardening

By Mother’s Day, spring has well and truly sprung, which means it’s the perfect time to get back in the garden. If your mum loves gardening as a hobby, then dedicate some time to helping her. There’s nothing better than a trip to the garden centre.

5. Go for a picnic

Make the most of the blue skies and sunnier days in March and go for a picnic. Pack the best picnic food – M&S has a fantastic selection of Spring picky bits – and enjoy. It’s a great way to get out and about in nature and engage in some quality time together.

6. Favourite film

Top up on your favourite cinema snacks and cosy up to watch mum’s favourite film. Make it feel extra special by transforming your lounge into an at-home cinema by making your own cinema tickets and serving popcorn in a classic striped bucket.

7. Organise her space

If your mum’s love language is acts of service, then maybe this one is for you. Organise her work-from-home setup with her, or declutter her space so she can relax. A tidy space is a tidy mind, and it often falls to the bottom of a to-do list. Put some music on and do it together.

8. Write her a heartfelt letter

If your mum loves to romanticise her life, then this one will go down a treat. Find some letter-writing paper and a few pens, and write heartfelt letters to one another over a cuppa. Be as creative as you like.

9. Bake something together

This time of year is perfect for baking some delicious goodies. With Easter right around the corner, the supermarkets are jam-packed full of everything from mini eggs to Lindor bunnies. Alternatively, try a new Spring recipe like a Pavlova wreath - you’ll certainly have fun making it together.

10. Start a new tradition

Write poetry. Host an afternoon tea. Do a pilates class at home. Spring is the season of new beginnings after all, so why not start a new tradition? You’ll both have something exciting to look forward to each year, and it’s one more way you can spend time together.

11. Play a game

One of my mother-in-law’s favourite things to do is play games. She has an abundance of super fun garden games, which are ideal for springtime. Some of my top recommendations are Red King and Jenga. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition!

There’s never a bad time to plan the ultimate day off for mum. While it’s lovely to surprise her with thoughtful gifts, Mother’s Day is not necessarily about spending money – and chances are, some quality time and a proper day off are just what she’ll want.

If your mum is anything like mine, then you’ll know that it can be near impossible to convince her to really relax. That’s why I’ve shared my top tips on how to make your mum feel special this Mother’s Day.

And now, I’ve put together five simple steps to plan the ultimate day off for mum. Read on to find out more – it’ll most definitely be appreciated.

1. Don’t let her plan a single thing

The golden rule when it comes to giving your mum a day off is to not let her plan a single thing. If your mum is a bit of a control freak, then this might be tricky. But the key here is to have a solid plan - and try to think of just about everything.

Whatever the plan is, you decide. Think about what she would like to do (not you!). You could even plan a little itinerary and give it to her the night before as a cute gesture.

2. A slow, uninterrupted morning

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a slow morning? And mums probably don’t get to enjoy them enough.

While she stays in bed to chill out, surprise her with her favourite drink and some breakfast. The key with this one is not to rush her. Allow her the privilege of getting ready as slowly and as glamorously as she likes.

3. Time alone

This is one that a lot of people forget about when it comes to Mother’s Day. Now, quality time is still important, but so is time alone. Run her a bath, let her nap, or prepare other arrangements while she goes for a walk or reads her book.

4. Manage her to-do list

This one is a biggie - and it’ll truly make her day. We all know that mum’s to-do list is infinitely long. Take a huge weight off her shoulders and get some things ticked off for her.

Declutter the cupboards, put a load of washing on, and tidy her workspace – it’ll mean more than words can say. Do it while she’s having some downtime to make it even more guilt-free.

5. Low-pressure quality time

Last, and by no means least, some quality time – but the key here is to ensure that it’s low-pressure. While a dinner reservation or a shopping trip can be fun, if the vibe of the day is all about winding down, a low-stress activity is perfect.

Think about doing a puzzle, going for a walk, or watching her favourite film. Take the time to actually spend time together - have a proper conversation. She’ll love it.

I’ve been practising Ramadan for six years now, and I’ve learnt a lot during that time. Ramadan is such a wholesome time to be thankful and to reflect, but it’s also tough on the mind and the body.

In recent years, I realised that I hadn’t prioritised self-care during Ramadan. Instead, I was spending hours scrolling through social media and buying tons of non-essential items to distract myself.

That’s why I’ve made a list of gentle ways to care for yourself throughout the holy month – and they don't involve spending a single penny.

1. Short walks

During Ramadan, you’ll want to preserve as much energy as possible, especially in the first week. It’s less about avoiding exercise and more about finding low-effort ways to keep your body moving.

I’ve been absolutely loving a rainy walk lately - especially when I’m feeling sluggish. A short afternoon walk has been great for a little pick-me-up, and it helps take my mind off my hunger without scrolling on my phone.

2. Journaling

I’ve been trying to lessen my screen time this Ramadan, and journaling has been the perfect alternative. I keep my journal on my bedside table, and every morning I take some time to write whatever I like.

Journaling would be a lovely, low-effort activity to do during iftar or suhoor to reflect on the day or to set intentions for the next one.

3. Read the Quran

I love to read, and last year I got my first English Quran. This year, I’m prioritising reading it often. Reading is such a mindful activity, and even more special if you’re reading the Holy Quran.

There are a variety of Surahs which can be read daily, as well as those which are great for guidance and reflection, and gratitude.

4. Warm bath

Instead of building a self-care routine that you can afford, pair things back with a luxurious, warm bath. During my very first Ramadan, I got into the habit of forgetting to look after myself. Now, I know how important it is to still take some time for yourself, and you can’t go wrong with a bath.

Just be sure not to run it too hot so you don’t become dehydrated.

5. Rest

We don’t often consider rest as a form of self-care, but it is – especially during Ramadan. One of the toughest parts for me is the lack of sleep. I find myself feeling drained, which only adds to the hanger.

The truth is that you never need an excuse to rest. In my first week, I typically sleep a bit more than usual, or prioritise a daily nap, and it makes such a difference.

6. Listen to an audiobook

This is another good way to lower your screen time and prevent boredom. During Ramadan, sometimes it feels like any distraction is a good distraction – trust me, I know the feeling.

This year I’ve been listening to audiobooks, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve made an effort to choose books that help me develop my knowledge, and Ultra-Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken was a great read for Ramadan.

7. Make a Pinterest board

I’ve spoken about my love of Pinterest many times before, and if you’re anything like me and love to consume and create aspirational content, this one’s for you.

I love creating Pinterest boards - whether it’s to keep me feeling inspired throughout Ramadan, or to plan wholesome meals to try at iftar. It’s a great alternative to scrolling through TikTok, and it feels like a hobby.

8. Gentle stretching

During Ramadan, I recommend finding affordable ways to workout from home. Think minimal effort movement that you can literally roll out of bed to do. Personally, I find activities like yoga are ideal.

A gentle stretching session is a fantastic way to keep your body moving without overexerting yourself. You’ll want to opt for movement that won’t get you out of breath or burn too many calories and leave you feeling starving.

9. Gratitude & reflection

With Ramadan, the days feel slow, but the weeks go fast (even if they don’t feel like it!). Even though each day can feel tough, it’ll be done before you know it. That’s why the final way to practice self-care is by gratitude and reflection.

Whether this is in the form of journaling, meditation, or praying, it’s a really lovely thing to do.

• 91% of Brits said they would avoid using AI to suggest romantic plans
• 87% of Brits would avoid using AI to assist in marriage proposals
• 77% of Brits are unlikely to use an AI tool to find a gift for a loved one.
• 41% of Brits say they would reconsider a relationship if a partner did use AI to make romantic plans.

New research from MyVoucherCodes suggests that while Artificial Intelligence can master complex algorithms, it can't master love. The study indicates that the cold efficiency of a chatbot is no match for genuine human effort, with almost half of the nation viewing AI-assisted romance as a clinical shortcut rather than a thoughtful gesture.

Not only would 41%* of Brits think twice about a relationship with an

AI-dependent partner, but it seems they aren’t impressed with AI helping out with gifts either.

77%* of those surveyed won’t be swayed by the convenience that AI tools can bring when shopping, either. It seems that searching for the perfect gift is something that must come from the heart, not a bot.

The same applies to making romantic plans. 87% of Brits will provide the personal touch and plan a wedding proposal themselves. And 75% still enjoy making date night plans without the help of AI.

Sarah-Jane Outten at MyVoucherCodes said,

Sarah-Jane went on to say "Now more than ever, it’s a human connection that people crave the most. Knowing that someone has taken the time and effort to buy a gift or make romantic plans is a pledge of true love. It’s pleasing to see that the number of people actually using AI this Valentine’s Day remains relatively low. However, artificial intelligence is moving fast, so what will the numbers look like next year? The study shows that Brits take love very seriously, and replacing it with a chatbot is a potential red flag for many”

Sarah-Jane suggests the following if you are looking for inspiration this Valentine’s Day:

• Write a love letter. Those on a budget shouldn’t get distracted by the sea of red hearts that flood the shops every year. Why not write a love letter or include some heartfelt words in a homemade card? Just don’t ask AI to write it for you!
• Cook a meal or bake a cake. Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than an act of service. Avoid the typical Valentine’s Day set menu at a restaurant and cook your partner their favourite meal or cake. It’s far more romantic than sharing Valentine’s Day with a room full of strangers all eating from the same menu.
• Give the gift of time. Spending time with your partner can be tricky when life is hectic. Pop some time on the calendar to focus on your loved one. Whether that means a weekend away or a coffee date, it’s a precious time when you can make someone feel special.
• Make a promise. Fill a jar with promises. These can be anything from a massage to cleaning your partner's car. The recipient can choose one promise a week or a month; you can keep the romance going all year.

There has never been a better time to give or receive a random act of kindness. The relentless negative headlines, combined with over 40 days of rain, have left us all feeling somewhat low. Today is the perfect chance to brighten someone’s day. And the great news is that it doesn’t have to cost a penny!

MyVoucherCodes lifestyle expert, Sarah-Jane Outten, has put together a list of ideas that will fill Random Acts of Kindness Day with joy. Sarah-Jane said,

Here are Sarah-Jane’s top 10 free ideas for Random Act of Kindness Day that are completely free:

• Ask for the manager. If you get great service today in a restaurant or shop, don’t just tell that staff member, tell the manager! Let them get double the praise.
• Leave a five-star review. Small businesses rely on great reviews. Take a few minutes to let them know how much you have loved a recent purchase.
• Like and comment. Got a mate with a side hustle or creative project? A like or comment on their socials. Engagement helps the algorithm and boosts confidence.
• Pick up litter. Spot some litter that needs picking up? Do it! It’s an act of kindness for your community and the planet.
• Write a note. Grab a Post-it note and jot down some words of encouragement for a stranger to find. A simple ‘You’ve got this’ on a note and left in a library book or gym locker can really make someone's day.
• Pass on a book. If there’s a book you loved, pass it on with a note saying, “I loved this book, I think you will too, enjoy!”
• Give a compliment. Tell a stranger you love their outfit. Let a friend or partner know how funny or smart they are. It will really boost their day and the days and months to come.
• Send a song. Whether it’s to a partner or friend. Send a song that you both resonate with and tell them how much you love that memory.
• Act of service. From running a bath for your partner, to cleaning the car. Think of something you don’t normally do and surprise them today.
• Get cooking. Not only is it Random Act of Kindness Day, but it’s Shrove Tuesday! Make some delicious pancakes for the person you love.

When it comes to clothing, the dream really is to create an expensive-looking wardrobe without spending a fortune. But, as someone with a shopping addiction, I’ll be the first to admit that I have far too many clothes, and I don’t really know how to style them.

I’ve been searching for ways to get more out of my wardrobe with a realistic budget – extra points if it means I can wear my pieces all year round. Read on to find out my best tips on how to create a stylish wardrobe that’s affordable too.

Look for dupes

Here at MyVoucherCodes, it’s clear that I love a good dupe. From when I found the best Ugg Tazman dupes, to how I tested a Stanley cup dupe, it’s by far my favourite tip.

The reality is that when you spend more money on clothing items, you’ll be investing in pieces that are truly meant to last. But sometimes it’s difficult to know whether it’s a good investment for you.

That’s why dupes are so fantastic. When I find a new piece of clothing I’d like to buy, I nearly always look for a more affordable dupe first. That way, I’m only spending half the money and can find out whether I’d realistically wear it often enough to make it worth it.

If I really wear the garment, then when it’s time to replace it, I’ll save up for the real thing.

Shop secondhand

This is such a fantastic tip, especially if you love the big fashion brands. While shopping in charity shops is still worth it, sometimes it can be a little hit or miss.

When you shop on secondhand clothing apps like Vinted and Depop, more often than not, you might be able to snag an OG clothing item at a really discounted price.

If you’re new to the world of secondhand shopping, I’ve written an entire piece on the best secondhand clothing apps and everything you need to know to shop with confidence.

Build a capsule wardrobe

Elevate your fashion by building the ultimate capsule wardrobe. If you’re new to the concept, it’s essentially about creating a minimalist collection of clothing that can be worn together for most occasions.

Wearing a capsule wardrobe means you’ll be spending less money on buying new clothing, and spending more time on curating different outfits with the same pieces. Think jeans, tailored trousers, white t-shirts, knit jumpers, and accessories.

Capsule wardrobes are made based on your budget. Pinterest is a great place to start for inspiration.

Have a clear out

There’s never a bad time to have a clear-out. I try to do them every couple of months, and I find them not only super refreshing (perfect for a Spring reset!) but helpful for breathing new life into old items of clothing I’d long forgotten I had.

Set aside some time for a real sort-out. Go through your wardrobe and drawers and be critical. Anything you haven’t worn in the last season, get rid.

The perk of this is that if you opt to sell your clothing on a secondhand clothing app, you’ll have some spare money to put towards new pieces.

Make a digital wardrobe

One of my friends just did this, and it took some serious dedication, but honestly – now I want to do it too. Go through all of your clothing and photograph each item. Upload these to a free platform like Canva. Have one slide per clothing category (i.e. midi dresses, knitwear, boots, etc).

By the end of it, you’ll have a clear snapshot of everything you currently own. That way, when you look at new items you’re looking to buy, you can check 1) if you own anything that could be worn with it, and 2) whether you own anything too similar.

Set a limit

If, like me, you’ve got into the habit of spontaneously purchasing clothing only to never wear it, this tip is for you. Set yourself a limit for how much you’re allowed to spend on clothing per month.

Doing this encourages you to think more wisely before you spend. I found that when I did this, I took more time to look into my seasonal analysis (to find out what colours complemented my skin and hair tone), as well as my body shape and style, too.

Seasonal colour analysis

This has absolutely transformed my wardrobe and is one of my best tips when it comes to fashion. I’m sure you’ve seen the TikTok girlies getting their colour analysis done – but what if I told you that you could do it at home?

I uploaded a photo of myself in daylight to a hex-code website to give me the colour codes for my hair, eyes and skin. I then gave these codes to ChatGPT and asked it to give me a colour analysis.

I’m an autumn (shocker), which means I suit earthy tones and gold jewellery (not silver, like I’d worn most of my life!). After having this information, I made sure to buy clothing with this in mind, and my wardrobe is now full of garments I love and that look really good.

Delete clothing apps

If you’re finding that every payday is turning into an excuse to scroll through the ASOS app (speaking from experience!), then maybe it’s time to delete the app.

I’ve recently covered 5 digital spending habits that quickly add up, and you’d be surprised how a few tweaks can help you save money so that you have more to invest in a stylish wardrobe.

Use discount codes

Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have a wonderful collection of discount codes to help you save. All of our codes and deals are updated regularly to ensure that you’re getting the best offers possible.

If you’d like to create a new clothing collection on a realistic budget, check out our fashion discount codes and vouchers on our dedicated page.

When you click through any of our fashion discount code pages we may make a small commission if you go on to purchase from their websites. Learn more about how we make money.

From a straightener and Dyson Airwrap, to my ghd curve soft curl dupe from BaByliss, I’ve tried an abundance of ways to curl my hair. But after I started my haircare journey and stopped using heat, I thought my days of beautiful, bouncy curls were over.

That was until I saw the viral heatless curls trend on TikTok. This seemed like the perfect solution – no heat, seemingly easy to do, and the dreamiest, romantic curls I’ve ever seen.

Naturally, I did what I always do – and I jumped on the bandwagon. It’s been a few years since, and I’ve mastered the sock curl method. Forget the curling irons and the satin heatless curling sets, because this sock curl hack is under £10, and it works every time.

What are sock curls?

Sock curls is a heatless curl method used to create curls or waves using – you guessed it – a pair of socks.

How do sock curls work?

Sock curls create voluminous curls by wrapping sections of hair around the socks and keeping them in overnight. By the morning, all you’ll need to do is unveil your hair, give it a little shake out, and you’re bonita.

Benefits of sock curls

• Hair health: My hair actually got healthier after continuous sock curl use. This is because it prevents physical damage to the hair shafts while you toss and turn.
• Quick: It takes me less than two minutes to put my sock curls in.
• Convenient: Sock curls take minimal effort. If I’m feeling lazy, I don’t even get out of bed to put them in; I just do it there.
• Travel-friendly: Sock curls are travel-friendly and take up no space. I use them for every vacation.
• Affordable: All you need is a pair of socks, making this one of the most inexpensive curling hacks.
• Comfortable: Sock curls are fairly comfortable to sleep with, and I've never found that they disrupt my sleep.

Sock curls: What do you need?

• Hair brush
• Hair oil of choice (I recommend Argan oil)
• A pair of long socks.
• Hair hold spray of choice (I recommend L’Oreal Pli Spray)
• Two scunchies

Sock curl tutorial: How to curl hair using socks

Sock curl tutorial: How to remove sock curls

In the morning, carefully remove the scrunchies and then the socks from your hair. I like to then separate the curl clump with my fingers, twirling them around my fingers as I go. If I want a more natural look, I’ll take a comb and gently brush through.

If you find they become frizzy, don’t panic. Just add some more argan oil and/or gently separate and twirl around your fingers again.

How to make curls last longer: my top tips

• Dry or wet: Always dry. Any time I tried making my hair damp, it’d still be damp come the morning. I do my sock curls on completely dry hair and then spray my hair with the L’Oreal Pli Spray.
• Maximum hold: I use my trusty L’Oreal Pli Spray - this is a thermo moulding spray which helps the hair mould to your desired shape, making it perfect for heatless curls.
• Avoiding frizz: Using argan oil before putting your sock curls in is key to avoiding frizz. Less is always more. But if you find the next morning your hair is feeling a little dry or frizzy, add some more.
• Technique: The two biggest mistakes I see are 1) people who twist the hair while wrapping it around - it needs to be flat, and 2) people twisting the sock with the hair - the sock must stay still, and the hair wraps around it.

Best socks for sock curls

I use my partner’s long, white socks. Other people report that using fluffy socks is the way to go, but I found they slipped out of my hair overnight.

Instead, I find long, cotton socks good (especially if you have long and/or thick hair), and I’ve found they have never fallen out once.

Heatless wavy hair overnight

If curls are so last year, and waves are more your thing, I’ve got you. You can use the sock curl method to make stunning, beachy waves by simply wrapping them around loser.

Fun fact: I’ve also tried using sock curls for a bouncy blowout, which worked fantastically. All I did for this was double up my socks with a fluffy sock, making the curls bigger.

Sock curls verdict: Would I recommend them?

To anyone who wants to achieve bouncy curls with minimal effort and no heat-damage, I would highly recommend sock curls.

They’re quick and easy, super convenient, and deliver jaw-dropping results every time. I can lie in and rest assured that I’m waking up to professional-grade curls every single day. And – they’re under a tenner.

For the last couple of years, my partner and I haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day. Instead, we’ve put our effort into finding some of the best ways to show love all year round, without the added cost.

Whether you’re taking part in Valentine’s Day this year or not, you might be looking for ways to celebrate without overspending. Here are some of my favourite things that cost nothing, but mean everything.

Low-pressure quality time

1. Go on a walk

Going on a walk with my partner is sometimes just what I need. It’s super easy and low effort, and it’s the perfect way to connect with no distractions.

2. Listen to a podcast together

Sometimes we do this while on a walk together if we feel a bit talked-out from being at work all day. Pick a podcast or audio book to listen to together. It’s a lovely way to find something new to discuss.

3. Couples readathon

If you’re both bookworms at heart, host a readathon together. Buy your favourite snacks, get cosy, and read. Make it even more fun by choosing a book for each other or reading the same book together. Extra points if it’s a book you already own.

4. No phone zone and undivided attention

The no-phone-zone is something we started doing a few years back. In a world where we’re all glued to our screens, it’s a great way to give your partner some undivided attention.

5. Sitting together while enjoying separate hobbies

Sometimes it’s not so much about doing things together, but just doing things in the presence of one another. While my partner watches a new tv series, I love to do some embroidery, scrapbooking, or playing on my Nintendo Switch.

Make something instead of buying something

6. Make vision boards

Connect over shared goals and aspirations with a vision board making night. All you need is some scrap paper and some thoughtful ideas.

7. Open when… letters

If words of affirmation mean the world to you, make each other a bundle of ‘open when…’ letters. Make them as creative and personal as you like. Sometimes things like this are appreciated more than a gift.

8. Bake their favourite sweet treat

My partner and I absolutely love to bake. Whether we bake together or surprise one another with something new and delicious to try, it’s a sure-fire way to make someone’s day. After all, there’s nothing better than a freshly baked sweet treat.

9. Thoughtful notes

Leave your partner little notes here and there to remind them of how much they are loved and appreciated. My partner and I always write notes for each other and hide them around the house to find when one of us is going away.

10. Affirmation jar

All you need for this one is an empty jar – which, if you’re a candle lover like me, won’t be hard to find. Fill the jar with affirmations and memories you cherish to put a smile on your partner’s face. Have them pick one out weekly as a heartfelt reminder.

Small rituals

11. Morning coffee together

Cut back on the coffee shop visits and enjoy a morning coffee in bed together instead. I always find that I feel more fulfilled when I do this with my partner instead of rushing my morning to get on with the day.

12. Host one another

Take it in turns to host for the night. Have one of you in charge of dinner and one in charge of dessert, and keep it a total surprise until you sit down to eat.

13. Monthly date night

Prioritise a monthly date night. My partner and I have a shared note on our phones to note down date night ideas to enjoy. We categorise ours based on nights in and nights out so, it works for our budget and energy levels too.

14. Evening check-ins

Each evening, take the time to check in with one another. Don’t just ask about work – really talk to each other and make the time to do so. No distractions. No commitments. Just you.

15. Sunday resets

Work together to get things back for the week ahead. Get back on top of washing, wipe down the kitchen sides, meal plan and swap schedules. It takes half the time if you do it together.

Scrolling Pinterest and TikTok are some of my favourite things to do in my downtime. And at first glance, it sounds harmless. But the reality is that our digital habits might just be responsible for more than just a bit too much screen time.

The more often I use my phone, the more money I seem to spend. If, like me, you’ve noticed those outgoings steadily creeping up, not to worry. I’ve devised 5 digital spending habits that you can cut to help you save more.

1. Clothing apps

Now, I love a good scroll on ASOS - but I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make me want to buy everything on my wish list. In reality, having clothing apps on your phone is a one-way ticket to over-consumerism - trust me, I’d know.

All it really does is encourage me to buy, buy, buy. I see something I like – it’s here the next working day, and I can wave goodbye to any money I planned on saving.

2. Scrolling on TikTok

As I’ve mentioned before, I love jumping on the next wellness or home trend from TikTok, but the cost can quickly add up. Influencers get paid to sell you products, so it’s no wonder you end up with an endless wishlist.

What’s more, TikTok shop now makes it even easier to spend money. With promises of low, competitive prices, everything seems like a good deal - until it isn’t.

3. No app limits

App limits are something that I’ve actually started using recently. If you’re spending hours doom-scrolling through shopping apps or consuming aspirational content, then this might be one of the biggest things you can do to help save money.

Limit your exposure to everything you supposedly need in your life, and focus on putting money toward your own goals and desires instead. App limits are a gentle way to stay mindful.

4. Subscription services

On the one hand, subscription services can definitely be worth the money if it’s for something you use consistently. But if you’re signed up for several things like fitness apps, meditation apps, and streaming services, it’s absolutely worth reviewing.

Unsubscribe from any that are not worth the money, and check for household or family discounts. Services like Spotify offer more affordable plans for duos and families.

5. Next-day delivery

Next-day delivery services like Amazon Prime and ASOS Premier feel like a good investment in the long run. But if you’re trying to save money, this might be one of the biggest factors that can cause overspending.

Next-day delivery encourages you to take advantage of the services and place more frequent orders, which can amount to a lot over time. Make it less convenient to purchase orders and opt out of these services.

Self-care is something that should be a part of everyday life. And it would be, if it weren’t so expensive. But what if I told you that self-care doesn’t have to be costly?

I’ve written on tons of ways to unwind, reset, and feel the best version of you – and it’s all things you can actually afford. Find out how you can build a solid self-care routine that restores your body and mind without the overspending.

Self-care ideas that don’t cost a fortune

When it comes to self-care ideas, it’s not about purchasing the boujee-ist wellness products to help you glow from within. It’s about finding affordable habits that feel like luxury.

Think lighting a candle and reading a book. Establishing a proper night routine. Or going for a walk while listening to a wellness podcast. I’ve written on quick and easy self-care ideas that you can start today, as well as 14 ways to pamper yourself like a pro for when you want to go all out, minus the cost.

Mindful & affordable hobbies

One of the best ways to switch off from the world is with hobbies. I’ve tried everything from embroidery to writing to making Pinterest boards, and they’ve been perfect for adding mindful moments into my week.

Winter, especially, can be a time when we forget to make time for ourselves, which can often lead to low mood and stress. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best hobbies to do in the winter, and they’re all super affordable.

How to save on beauty products

If you’re anything like me and you’re easily influenced by the TikTok wellness girlies sharing their favourite products, don’t let a tight budget stop you from treating yourself.

Reward schemes really are the way to go, and we’ve got an entire piece dedicated to everything you need to know about the Boots Advantage card so that you can maximise your savings.

Free daily habits for peace of mind

Prevent stress from building up by adding a few habits to your weekly routine. Whether you’re looking for the best habits for actually staying organised, or it’s all about putting some time aside for free yoga or meditation, we’ve got you covered.

Sometimes it’s more than just the odd bit of self-care here or there, but committing to a more fulfilling lifestyle by adopting healthy habits.

Transforming your home for less

For me, my home plays a huge part in how I feel. If I’m surrounded by chaos and mess, my stress levels go through the roof, and I just cannot relax. That’s why I’ve looked into wellness home trends like cosymaxxing, which is all about creating a space in your home that invites you to unwind and de-stress.

It’s all about soft lighting, calming scents, and soft textures. And I’ve recommended some of the best places to find it all if you’re shopping on a budget.

How to build a routine that actually sticks

• Build up from the bottom up: Don’t go all in at once – chances are, it won’t stick. Instead, implement one new habit into your weekly routine at a time. Once you’ve been consistent for a few weeks, add another, and slowly build up.
• Sunday reset: Try a Sunday reset system each week to help you stay on top of those pesky chores that might otherwise get in the way of self-care. Wash bedding, wipe down the sides and restock your fridge.
• Follow wellness influencers: Follow like-minded people so you can get inspiration. I love doing this to find new ways to be mindful, and it keeps me motivated too.
• Make Pinterest boards: Use Pinterest to make vision boards. It’s all about manifesting the life that you want.

Here at MyVoucherCodes, you can explore our latest self-care discount codes and discover more money-saving wellness guides in our health and beauty page.

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These days, it feels like we’re all living life in the fast lane, crippled with stress. We’re running out of time in the day to sit back and unwind, and it’s going to end one way: burnout.

If there’s one thing you should start in the new year, it’s cosymaxxing. This new winter wellness trend from TikTok is all about finding new ways to make the most out of winter. Think slow living, fluffy blankets, and your favourite loungewear.

If this sounds like a bit of you, read on to find out how you can start today.

What is cosy-maxxing?

Cosy-maxxing is a new, emerging trend among home-lovers who want to create a warm and inviting space to unwind and destress. Like the Hygge interiors trend, it’s all about making it easier to slow down the pace of everyday life and to simply embrace the cosy season.

Often, we forget how important our homes are when it comes to managing symptoms of chronic stress like burnout and heightened cortisol. Cosy-maxxing allows us to create a dedicated space where you can just be.

Benefits of cosy-maxxing

• Ideal for destressing
• Helps prevent burnout
• Inspires guilt-free relaxation
• Improves fulfillment
• Decreases screen time

How to: cosy-maxxing

At its core, cosy-maxxing involves doing whatever it takes to help you be mindful and let go of those daily stresses. Balancing work and home life can be tricky - that’s why having a space where you can focus on yourself and the things that bring you fulfilment is so important.

Opt for pieces that give you a sense of calm. Create cosy nooks throughout your home with soft blankets, warm lighting, and relaxing scents. During the darker months, add pops of warmth with candles and accessories to help your space feel inviting rather than cold.

Once you’ve created your cosy haven, personalise it with the things you love. Whether that’s books on your tbr, relaxing background music, or a hobby station.

What do I need for cosy-maxxing?

• Neutrals/muted tones: replace bright colours with soft, muted tones to help instil a sense of calm.
• Soft lighting: use candles, fairy lights, or side lamps to light your space. Avoid harsh, bright overhead lighting.
• Calming scent: pick a scent that helps you instantly relax, like lavender or eucalyptus.
• Texture & warmth: add texture and warmth to your space with fluffy blankets and a cosy rug.
• Mindful habits: use your space to complete healthy habits like scrapbooking, journaling and reading.

Best budget homeware shops for cosy-maxxing

• Dunelm
• Dusk
• The Range
• Matalan
• Habitat at Sainsbury’s
• TK Maxx
• Primark
• Etsy
• Wayfair

Don’t let a tight budget stop you from trying out the new cosy-maxxing trend. Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have an abundance of fantastic discount codes and promotions to help you save.

From home decor and furniture to soft furnishings and more, we have an entire page dedicated to our best tried & tested home & garden offers.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code or retailer pages, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Here's how it works.

With darker days and plummeting temperatures, winter is often the time of year that most of us dread. But it doesn’t have to mean blowing all of your budget on pesky heating bills. Nor feeling down from having to stay indoors, with nothing fun to do.

From the best ways to stay warm minus the cost, to cosy activities to keep you busy, we’ve written an entire guide on how to make the most of the colder months without spending a fortune.

Stay warm without overspending

The thing that gets me down the most during the winter months is feeling cold, especially if I can’t really afford to turn the heating up. If this is something you struggle with, too, worry not. Over the years, I’ve devised some of the best ways to cut your heating costs in the winter. And the best part is, most of them are super easy and under a tenner.

How to beat the winter blues

With seasonal depression right around the corner, we know how important it is to beat those winter blues. Gone are the days of low mood or boredom, because we’ve compiled a handy list of 10 of the best hobbies to do this winter, to help keep you going.

Alternatively, it's also a fantastic time of year to go on holiday. If you're not sure where to go at this time of the year, we've found 6 of the best winter travel destinations that you won't want to miss.

From seasonal baking and festive reads to exploring a new city, you can kiss goodbye to those winter blues.

The feel-good home trend

They say home is where the heart is, and it couldn’t be more true. For me, my home is my safe space, and you’d be surprised how much the condition of your home can affect how you feel.

During the colder months when we’re stuck inside more, it’s super important to alter your home accordingly – and that’s where cosy-maxxing comes in.

Like hygge, the viral home trend of cozy-maxxing is all about romanticising winter by creating a space that simply invites you to cosy up and wind down. Think blankets, candles, and your favourite cosy hobby. Anything that helps you embrace slow living and indulging in those home comforts.

Winter skincare essentials

Though your skincare essentials like SPF are important year-round, during winter, you might find your skincare routine changes a bit to accommodate the harsh cold.

Perhaps you’re investing in thicker, more moisturising products, or nourishing serums and balms. Maybe it’s gentler, less abrasive products to help support your skin barrier. Whatever you need, find out how you can treat your skin to an all-new winter skincare routine on a budget.

Wrap up in style

If, like me, you don’t let the chilly weather stop you from venturing outside, then you’ll know the importance of knowing how to save money on a winter coat. Buying a good coat is key to making the most out of winter. Think winter walks (with often beautiful views), mooching around your favourite shops, and popping out to your most-loved coffee shop for a festive drink.

Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have tons of fantastic discount codes and promotions to help you save. From premium skincare and cosy home decor, to coats, scarves, and more, don’t miss out on saving money.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code or retailer pages, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Here's how it works.

It’s almost that time of year again when you look out for the best possible deals at all of your most-loved brands. Whether you’re looking to save on Christmas presents or you’ve been waiting all year to make a big purchase for less, the Black Friday sales are a good place to start.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if you’re actually saving – retailers can use sneaky marketing tricks to convince you to cash in at this time of year.

That’s why we’ve made this ultimate guide, covering everything you need to know when shopping the Black Friday sales.

When is Black Friday 2025?

This year, Black Friday takes place on Friday, 28th November. This is when you can expect most brands to launch their Black Friday offers and promotions.

It's worth noting that many retailers start their Black Friday sales in the week leading up to Black Friday, so keep an eye on your most-loved brands throughout November to avoid missing out.

What time does Black Friday start?

As mentioned above, you can expect Black Friday to begin on the day of Friday, 28th November, though some brands have been known to start before this day.

You’ll be able to shop the Black Friday sales at any time of day, and you’ll be surprised to know that the most popular time to shop Black Friday isn’t as early as you think.

Black Friday VS. January Sales

As a money-savvy shopper, you might be wondering what the difference is between the Black Friday sales and January sales, and which is more worth your time (and money).

Shopping the Black Friday sales, you can expect impressive discounts on popular items and products – including electronics & tech, toys, and luxury items too.

Brands typically advertise Black Friday sales across multiple platforms like email newsletters and social media countdowns. As a result, Black Friday sales tend to be more hyped by retailers, meaning items tend to sell faster.

January sales, on the other hand, typically offer discounts (potentially not as large a discount as Black Friday) on items that have not been sold over the festive period, like clothing, homeware and lifestyle products. In the past, we’ve seen a lot of January sales centre around the new year, new me resolutions.

How to check if a deal is genuine?

While Black Friday offers some of the best discounts on the market, it’s important to know how to avoid wasting money. From checking prices and considering hidden costs, in our article, we cover all the best tips so you can avoid wasting money over Black Friday.

Unfortunately, Black Friday has also been known to be prime time for scammers. But worry not, we have an entire guide dedicated to tips to help you avoid being scammed on Black Friday.

A good, general rule of thumb is that if a deal looks too good to be true, avoid it.

Tips for smart shopping

Make sure you’re in the know when it comes to shopping the Black Friday sales this year.

Knowledge is power. Find out which products see the biggest deals on Black Friday and why. Set budgets and stick to your wishlist. Avoid getting sucked into the marketing campaigns that want you to spend, spend, spend. Check that deals are genuine so you can purchase with confidence.

How to prepare for Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, 1st December this year, and is another fantastic way to save money on your purchases. To prepare, we advise you to use the same tips as for Black Friday.

Set a budget, keep an eye on prices around and before Cyber Monday, and avoid deals that seem like a scam.

It’s worth noting that sometimes Cyber Monday deals are actually better than Black Friday, especially when it comes to tech and electronics. That’s why it’s worth comparing the cost across both sales periods.

Black Friday Christmas Gifts

Black Friday sales can be ideal for purchasing Christmas gifts without spending a fortune. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get organised.

The perks of purchasing during the Black Friday sales mean you’ll likely get your order sooner, so no more sweating a last-minute delivery close to the big day.

Set yourself up for a no-stress Black Friday Christmas shopping experience. Like with shopping in general, it’s good to make a list so you can avoid excess spending. Do your homework and check prices in the run-up to Black Friday to see if you’re actually saving money.

Something worth noting is that popular items can sell out fast over Black Friday. Be aware that scammers can make fake websites to trick you. Only purchase items from retailers you trust.

Is Black Friday really worth it?

Black Friday is known for its time-limited offers and promotions. But, sometimes it’s tricky to know what the real deal is with Black Friday shopping, and whether it’s really all that worth it.

In short, the answer is yes, Black Friday can be worth it if you follow our handy advice.

Don’t let all of the hype take advantage of your wallet. Black Friday is a great opportunity to make a killer saving, as long as you’re strategic. Avoid making impulse purchases, keep an eye on price increases and decreases, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Imagine starting your day knowing you've already banked over £2,000 this year. Sound like a fantasy? I thought so too, until I uncovered the startling truth about my finances. As a shopping and lifestyle expert for MyVoucherCodes, I’m constantly recommending ways in which others can save a few quid. And yet, I had been haemorrhaging money for years without giving it much thought. My biggest financial drain happened between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. My seemingly harmless morning routine, packed with takeaway coffee, the forgotten gym membership, and the daily meal deal, was secretly costing me a fortune!

After calculating the total, I overhauled my habits and discovered five simple, stress-free swaps that saved me over £2,244 annually. So, if you’re ready to stop letting your morning routine drain your bank account, I have 5 tips to help you do just that.

• Ditch the expensive coffee habit. The average spend on a takeaway coffee in the UK is between £3 and £5. I was spending around £4 a day on coffee 5 days a week, that’s a whopping £20 a week or £80 a month! It’s clear to see there are huge savings to be made by making your own. Invest in a good quality travel mug and save up to £960 a year.
• Make breakfast affordable and nutritious. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is essential. I love making overnight oats, and in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days. A 1KG bag of Harvest oats, available at Tesco, is just 85p; the entire bag for one person will last around a month. Add your favourite fruit, nuts or seeds each morning for variety. This avoids picking up additional pastries or bacon sandwiches on the way to work!
• Swap the gym for a home workout. We all know that gym memberships are expensive. My local gym is reasonably priced at £28 a month. After a year of membership, I began to consider how much I could save by exercising at home, combined with regular power walks in my local area. And the answer is £336 per year. I now use free workouts available on YouTube and the great outdoors as my gym, and I haven’t regretted a thing!
• Leave the car at home. Use public transport, cycle or walk to work. This saves money on fuel and parking. Yes, the journey might take longer, but it gives me time to read or just enjoy my own thoughts behind my headphones. And knowing I don’t need to find or pay for a parking spot makes me feel like I’m winning. For me, leaving the car at home and using public transport instead worked out about the same financially. However, I found it less stressful and it’s better for the environment.
• Take a packed lunch. From occasional cafe trips to daily meal deals, it all adds up! Prepare your lunch at home the night before and take it with you to work. If you can save up to £960 a year on coffee, think how much you could save on lunch! The nearest supermarket to my workplace charges £3.95 for its cheapest meal deal. Over a five-day week, that’s £19.75! So, potentially, you might be spending around £948 a year, even when opting for this supposedly ‘budget-friendly’ option.
• Track your daily spending. Tracking your spending accurately is a game-changer when it comes to finances. Consider using an App like Monzo, Emma. Plum or Revolt. They are a handy tool that will help you develop mindful spending habits, leading to a healthier relationship with money.

About MyVoucherCodes: MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK. It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers, and offers from a wide range of retailers, including fashion, beauty, restaurants, electronics, and many more. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes.

With just 10 weeks to go until Christmas, money saving website MyVoucherCodes is urging UK households to start setting aside £34.54 per week starting today, October 16th, to avoid financial stress during the festive period.

The figure is based on research conducted by the discount voucher site in 2024, which revealed that the average Brit spends £345.35* on Christmas gifts alone.

Money-saving expert at MyVoucherCodes, Sarah-Jane Outten explains:

“Setting aside a small, manageable amount each week could help shoppers feel more in control, reduce financial anxiety, and make it easier to enjoy the holiday season without added pressure. It also allows people to take advantage of early deals and discounts, rather than being forced into rushed purchases at peak prices the closer the big day arrives.

“At MyVoucherCodes, we know Christmas can be a magical time, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. By planning ahead and saving little by little, people can avoid the last-minute panic and January debt hangover that many face after overspending.

“Here are my top six money-saving tips in the run-up to Christmas

• Set a Realistic BudgetWork out how much you can afford to spend overall and break it down into categories like gifts, food, and travel. Stick to your limits and avoid impulse buying.
• Start Shopping EarlySpread out your spending by starting now. Shopping gradually gives you more time to find bargains and avoid the inflated prices that often come closer to Christmas.
• Track Your SpendingUse apps or simple spreadsheets to keep track of every purchase. It’ll help you stay on budget and give you a clear picture of where your money is going.
• Use Voucher SitesAlways check discount voucher sites like MyVoucherCodes before you buy. You can often find codes for free delivery, percentage discounts, or even bonus gifts – especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
• Consider DIY Gifts or ExperiencesThoughtful, homemade presents or offering your time through experiences (like babysitting for a friend or cooking a meal) can be more meaningful – and much cheaper – than shop-bought items.
• Buy pre-loved items
• Platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines for high-quality pre-loved items.

Notes to editors: *This online survey of 2000 UK Adults was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 18/11/2024 and 19/11/2024. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, have corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.For more information, please contact Rachel Mainwaring or Lisa Blake at Front Door Communications on rachel@fdcomms.co.uk or lisa@fdcomms.co.uk or call 029 20 020360.

The Greggs App is simple on the surface. Scan, collect stamps, get free stuff. But the questions people actually ask about it, like whether you can add it to Apple Wallet or load a gift card into it, are surprisingly hard to get straight answers on. Some sites even get them wrong.

So we went through Greggs' own terms and conditions, promotions small print and FAQs, and put every answer in one place. Here's how the app really works, including the bits Greggs doesn't shout about.

What does the Greggs App do?

The app gives you five things: a stamp-based rewards scheme, a free welcome drink and yearly birthday treat, an Offers page with app-only deals, Click + Collect ordering, and an optional Wallet you can load money onto.

What it doesn't do matters just as much. It won't earn you rewards on Just Eat or Uber Eats orders, it won't hold your Greggs gift card, and it won't put your loyalty card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. More on all three below, because these are the things that catch people out.

Can you add the Greggs App to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet?

No. This is the most searched question about the app, and the honest answer is that Greggs doesn't offer a native Apple Wallet or Google Wallet pass for its loyalty card. There's no "Add to Apple Wallet" button anywhere in the app, and no official pass to download.

Instead, your loyalty card lives inside the Greggs App itself. Open the app, tap Scan, and show the QR code at the till. If the first code won't scan, the scan screen offers backup codes you can use instead.

You may see third-party websites offering to generate an Apple Wallet pass from your Greggs QR code. These aren't run by Greggs, and they only give you a static copy of one code. You'd lose the useful parts of the app, like the toggle that lets you choose whether to spend or save a reward at the till. Our advice: skip them and keep the app on your home screen, which takes the same one tap to open.

One thing that confuses people: Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported, but as ways to pay inside the app, for Click + Collect orders or Wallet top-ups. That's payment, not your loyalty card. You'll still scan the app's QR code to earn stamps.

How Greggs stamps work: 9 stamps, 10th item free

You get six digital stamp cards in the app, one for each product category, covering things like hot drinks, sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats. Buy an item in a category, scan the app at the till, and you get a stamp on that category's card. Collect nine stamps and the tenth item in that category is free. It's the same collect-and-cash-in idea as the Lidl Plus app, just built around categories instead of coupons.

A few things from the small print that most guides skip:

Stamps come from scanning, not from how you pay. You don't need money in your Greggs Wallet to earn them. Pay with cash, card, Apple Pay or even a gift card, and as long as you scan, the stamp counts.

Not every purchase earns a stamp. Buys at Greggs Express locations don't count. At Greggs Outlet shops, full-price items earn stamps but reduced-price items don't. A multipack or sharing box earns one stamp, not one per item, and you can't redeem a multipack as your free item.

Meal deals have their own rules too. Order The Big Deal through Click + Collect and you get exactly three stamps (one each for sandwiches, drinks and savouries) whatever you actually picked. It's all in Greggs' promotions terms if you want the full detail.

Do Greggs rewards expire?

Yes, and faster than you might think. Once you've earned a free item, it lands in your app wallet and expires 31 days later. The welcome drink and birthday treat also carry expiry dates, shown next to each reward in the app.

There's a bigger deadline hiding in the terms as well. If you don't use your Greggs account for 24 months, Greggs can cancel it, and any money left in your Wallet becomes theirs. If you've loaded cash onto the app and drifted away from your local Greggs, it's worth spending that balance.

Greggs App freebies: welcome drink and birthday treat

Sign up to the app and Greggs drops a free regular hot or iced drink into your wallet, no purchase needed. Iced drinks are only available in selected shops, so a hot drink is the safer pick if your local is small.

Every year around your birthday, a free single-serving sweet treat appears in your wallet too. You'll need your date of birth filled in on your profile before the day, or it won't show up. To use it, toggle it on in your wallet and scan at the till, then pick anything from the confectionery range. Both freebies show an expiry date in the app, so don't sit on them.

Greggs App offers, promo codes and app-only deals

Beyond stamps, the app has an Offers page where Greggs drops limited-time deals you activate with a tap, things like double stamp weeks and free item promotions. These are opt-in, so check the page now and then or you'll walk straight past free food. One warning from the small print: once you tap Activate on some offers, a countdown starts, so don't activate until you're at the till.

Searching for a general Greggs promo code? Genuine ones are rare because Greggs prices low to begin with, and any site promising 50% off codes is wasting your time. The deals that do exist, like meal deal offers and seasonal promotions, get listed on our Greggs discount codes page as they appear, and students can find Greggs offers that run through Student Beans alongside other student discounts.

Can you add a Greggs gift card to the app?

No, and this one trips up a lot of people because several websites claim otherwise. Greggs' own terms are clear: gift cards and voucher codes can't be used on app or website Click + Collect orders, there's no option to load a gift card balance into your app Wallet, and you can't buy a gift card using your app balance either.

Gift cards work in shop only. A physical card gets swiped at the till like any payment card. An e-gift arrives by email or text with an 8-digit code that staff enter into the card terminal. Cards stay valid for 24 months from the last transaction, and you can check the balance on the Greggs website.

The silver lining: because stamps come from scanning rather than paying, you can pay with a gift card in shop and still scan the app to collect your stamp. Someone else buys the sausage roll, you keep the loyalty points.

Greggs Wallet explained: top-ups, limits and part-payment

The Wallet is optional, and you genuinely don't need it to earn rewards. If you do use it, the minimum top-up is £5 and the maximum balance is £50. Auto top-up refills it automatically whenever you dip below £5, by an amount you set.

If your balance won't cover a purchase in shop, you can part-pay: the Wallet covers what it can and you pay the rest by card, with no minimum on the card portion. Part-payment doesn't work on Click + Collect though, so your balance needs to cover the whole order there.

And remember the 24-month rule above. Money loaded into the Wallet isn't protected forever.

How to use the Greggs App in store

Load your QR code before you reach the till, especially in shops with patchy signal. Tell the staff member if you have a reward to redeem, check its toggle is set the way you want (on to spend it, off to save it), and scan. Greggs recommends setting toggles while you've got a decent connection, since they can be slow to update otherwise.

That's it. Scan first, pay second, and the stamps sort themselves out.

Does the Greggs App work with Click + Collect, Just Eat or Uber Eats?

Click + Collect lets you order ahead, pick a five-minute collection slot and skip the queue. You earn stamps on these orders automatically as long as you're logged in, and that applies whether you order through the app or the Greggs website.

Delivery is a different story. Orders through Just Eat or Uber Eats don't earn stamps and can't redeem rewards, something Greggs says it's working on but hasn't changed yet. If you want the loyalty benefit, order through the app and collect it yourself. If delivery is more your thing anyway, our takeaway deals page covers the money-off side.

Is the Greggs App worth it?

If you visit Greggs even a couple of times a month, yes. It's free, the welcome drink alone is worth a couple of quid, and the birthday treat comes round every year whether you've earned stamps or not. Regulars who buy in the same category (a daily coffee, say) will hit a free item every ten purchases, which works out at roughly a 10% saving on that habit.

If you only wander into Greggs a few times a year, your visits will spread thinner than the stamps can stack, but the sign-up drink and birthday treat still make the download worthwhile. Grab it from the official Greggs App page or search "Greggs" in your app store. It's free, and you need to be 16 or over to hold an account.

And if collecting loyalty apps is becoming a hobby, our Tesco Clubcard guide breaks down the biggest one of all in the same no-nonsense way.

And if you're wondering how Greggs stacks up against the rest of the high street, our roundup of the best loyalty cards in the UK puts every major scheme side by side.

Greggs App FAQs

Buy nine barista-made drinks at Caffè Nero and the tenth one is free. That's been the deal since the little blue card first appeared in the nineties, and it's still the deal today. What has changed is everything around it: how you collect, what counts, and, since late 2024, whether you can earn a stamp at all when you're using a discount.

Most guides stop at "download the app, collect nine stamps". Fine, but that doesn't help you at the till when you've got three seconds to decide between scanning a discount code or your loyalty card. So we've done the sums. Here's how the scheme works in 2026, what a single stamp is worth in real money, and when you should ignore it completely.

And if you're curious how a stamp-based scheme like this compares with the points-and-pennies giants, our guide to the best loyalty cards in the UK ranks them all on what they actually pay back.

How the Caffè Nero loyalty card works in 2026

The scheme lives in the Caffè Nero app now. You scan a QR code at the till each time you buy a barista-made drink, and a stamp lands on the digital card in your account. Reach nine stamps and a free drink voucher drops into your app wallet automatically. Then the card resets and you start again.

What earns a stamp is broader than people think. Anything the barista makes counts, from an espresso to a hot chocolate, and the iced range too, including fruit boosters and frappé crèmes. Bottled drinks, cans and packaged snacks don't, which is why a meal deal sometimes leaves your card untouched.

If you're wondering about the old paper stamp card, that era is over for new stamps. The app arrived back in 2017, and The Grocer reported at the time that it would eventually make the 20-year-old paper cards redundant. That's now happened in practice. If you've still got a part-filled paper card in a drawer, ask a barista on your next visit and they can move those stamps into your app account.

There's also a physical loyalty card available at the till for anyone who'd rather not scan a phone, but it has to be linked to an app account to redeem anything.

One quirk worth knowing: you don't have to pay through the app. There's a "Collect Stamps Only" barcode inside it, so you can pay cash or card as normal and still get your stamp.

For the full rules, Caffè Nero's official FAQs are the best place to double-check anything before relying on it at the till.

What counts as a Caffè Nero stamp?

You get one stamp when you buy a handmade drink prepared by a Caffè Nero barista. That includes coffee, hot chocolate, iced drinks and similar barista-made drinks. Bottled drinks, water, orange juice, packaged snacks and food do not count.

That distinction matters because not every Caffè Nero purchase moves your loyalty card along. A latte should earn a stamp. A bottle of water and a sandwich probably will not. If your app looks like it has missed a stamp, the first thing to check is whether the item was actually a qualifying drink.

You also do not need to pay through the app to collect. Use the "Collect Stamps Only" barcode, scan it at the till, then pay by card or cash as normal.

How much is a Caffè Nero stamp worth?

This is the question nobody answers, so let's do it properly.

Say your regular order is a latte at around £3.90. Nine of those costs £35.10. Your reward is one free barista-made drink of any size, and here's the first trick: nothing says it has to match what you usually buy. Redeem the voucher on the most expensive eligible drink on the menu, and some of the elaborate iced ones push past £4, so call your free drink £4.15.

That makes each stamp worth roughly 46p. Put another way, the scheme hands you back about 11 to 12 per cent of what you spend on drinks. For a loyalty card that costs nothing to join, that's genuinely strong.

For comparison, most UK coffee schemes work out at around 10 per cent, one free drink per ten bought. We've broken down how the Costa Club works if you want to see the difference side by side.

Now the number that changes everything: the reusable cup bonus. Bring your own cup and Nero adds an extra stamp on top of your purchase stamp. Two stamps per visit means you hit nine after four or five drinks instead of nine. Your spend per free drink drops to roughly £17.50, and the effective return jumps to over 20 per cent.

If you do one thing after reading this, it's leaving a clean cup with a lid in your bag. A daily Nero drinker who never brings a cup is quietly giving up around a free drink a month.

Caffè Nero stamp or discount code: which should you use?

Here's the bit that changed and caught regulars out. Until autumn 2024, you could scan a third-party discount, something like tastecard or the Compare the Market Meerkat code for 25 per cent off, and still collect your loyalty stamp on the same order. Nero closed that door. These days, a drink bought with most external discounts no longer earns a stamp. It's one or the other.

So which do you scan? The maths is one-sided. On a £3.90 latte, a 25 per cent discount saves you about 97p right now. A stamp is worth about 46p, and you don't even see that value until the card is full. The discount beats the stamp roughly two to one, every time it's available.

If you've got access to a 25 per cent code, use it and forget the stamp on that visit. If you're paying full price anyway, scan for the stamp. That's the whole decision.

A tastecard membership covers that Nero discount along with restaurant and cinema deals, and there are often trial offers that make the first months cheap or free, so heavy coffee drinkers can come out well ahead even after the membership cost.

One exception sits outside this rule. Partner freebies, like the free coffee vouchers that appear through mobile network perk apps, are treated differently to percentage discounts. According to Caffè Nero's own app support pages, the general rule is that a partner free-coffee voucher still earns you one stamp, as long as you scan your "Collect Stamps Only" barcode first, before the partner code.

Some newer offers exclude this in their terms, so it's worth a glance at the small print, but when it works you're getting a free drink and progress towards another one. That's the best value moment the whole scheme offers.

How to get free drinks faster

Beyond the reusable cup, a few habits speed things up without spending more.

Bring a reusable cup. This is the easiest win. One drink usually means one stamp, but a reusable cup gives you an extra stamp on the same visit. If you buy Nero regularly, this is the difference between a nice loyalty scheme and one that actually starts feeling generous.

Refer a friend. At the time of writing, referring someone through the app earns you two free drink vouchers once they make their first purchase, and they get a welcome drink too. If only one of you and a partner or colleague has the app, you're leaving drinks on the table.

Use Click & Collect. Ordering ahead through the app earns stamps as normal, and Nero has historically attached bonus vouchers to first-time Click & Collect orders. Check the offers tab rather than assuming, because promotions rotate and different accounts often see different deals.

Watch for seasonal games. Nero leans on gamification more than its rivals. Past Decembers have brought in-app advent calendars and prize draws, plus golden bonus stamps handed out at random. None of it is guaranteed, but the promotions tab is worth opening in November.

Pay with a gift card inside the app. You can link Caffè Nero gift cards to your account, which keeps payment and stamp collection in one scan, and doubles as a way to cap your coffee spending.

Do Caffè Nero stamps expire?

Stamps themselves never expire. Take two years to fill a card if you like. The free drink voucher is different: it lasts 18 months from the day your card completes, then it's gone.

People do lose them, usually because the voucher sits in the app wallet rather than on the stamp card screen, so out of sight, out of mind.

Two redemption details trip people up. Screenshots don't work, because voucher QR codes are dynamic, so you need the live app open at the till. And redeem like you mean it. The voucher covers any size, so ordering your usual small americano with it wastes half its value. This is the one day the large iced pistachio thing is the financially sensible choice.

Don't buy Caffè Nero stamps online

An odd corner of the internet, this one. Search for Caffè Nero stamps and you'll find listings on auction sites offering fully stamped cards, loose stamps, even the stamper tools themselves. Give it a miss.

Selling or buying stamps breaks the scheme's terms, but the practical problem is bigger than the rules. Rewards now live inside individual app accounts as dynamic QR vouchers, so a paper card bought from a stranger proves nothing about whether the reward attached to it still exists, and staff can refuse anything that looks off.

You'd be paying real money for something that may be worthless at the till, when a reusable cup gets you there legitimately in four or five visits anyway.

Is the Caffè Nero loyalty card worth it?

The Nero scheme is still the simplest of the big coffee loyalty programmes, and with a reusable cup it's comfortably one of the most generous, returning over 20 per cent to regulars who play it right.

The rules that matter in 2026 boil down to three lines: bring a cup, take the discount over the stamp when you have one, and redeem your voucher on the most expensive drink you can find. Do that and the scheme stops being a nice-to-have and starts behaving like actual money off.

If loyalty schemes are your thing, the food chains reward regulars too. Here's everything you need to know about the Nando's Rewards card, where your first freebie lands after just three visits.

Caffè Nero loyalty card FAQs

As families brace for the annual back-to-school spending surge, MyVoucherCodes tech expert, Nathan Walters, is cutting through the marketing noise to reveal exactly what secondary school students need. From budget-friendly Chromebooks to money-saving hacks like TOTUM student cards, cashback sites, and refurbished devices. Nathan explains how your child can start the year with everything they need for a few hundred pounds.

How much should you spend on secondary school text?

How much you spend must be based on what you can realistically afford. Avoid Payday loans or financing gadgets with high-interest rates, as these can quickly spiral out of control, and you end up paying far more. First, consider any government scheme and refurbished tech to save money.

How can I get cheap laptops or tablets for school?

• Consider buying refurbished technology. It’s often just as good as new for significant savings. Online stores such as MusicMagpie and eBay offer warranties and very competitive prices. I buy refurbished tech all the time.
• Use cashback and voucher sites. Quidco or a voucher site such as MyVoucherCodes, they're free and easy to use, and it's worth having a browse to save some money.
• Look for sales. Sales on laptops and tablets run throughout the year. Black Friday is a good option, but don't assume that's when tech will be at its cheapest.
• Consider a TOTUM Card. High school students over 16 can get a TOTUM card, enabling them to save on numerous tech and stationery brands needed for school

What tech do my kids need for secondary school?

• A reliable laptop for writing essays, doing homework and online research for subjects is a necessity in the modern world. It doesn't need to be a powerhouse for use with video games. You can pick up Chromebooks such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14" for between £130 and £250
• Basic accessories, such as a mouse, keyboard, and headphones, enhance usability for your child and also aid in maintaining focus. I'm a fan of an Amazon Basics keyboard and mouse combo, which you can pick up for around £15.
• Amazon Fire Tablets are inexpensive (often under £100), but note that the cheaper models include "special offers," which are ads on the lock screen and sometimes the home screen. You need to pay a fee when ordering to remove these.

What school grants and support is available?

There are numerous grants and funds available for families who may need assistance in buying school tech and supplies. Here are a few of Nathan’s suggestions.

• Computers4Charity is a fantastic company that takes donated computers and refurbishes them, and either donates them to schools or sells them at a discounted price.
• The Good Things Foundation is a digital inclusion charity that has helped over 1 million people across the UK through its services and the national device bank.
• The Family Fund helps children with disabilities or illnesses by providing grants to cover tech such as computers.
• ILF Scotland's Technology Grant offers a free iPad or Surface Go 3 (with accessories) to disabled children aged 16-25 in Scotland
• Gardner's Trust for the Blind grants up to £600 toward adapted computers and software for blind children.
• Bursaries - students aged 16-19 in England can get bursaries to help pay for school-related tech and equipment, while school children in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland can get EMA to help with costs

Pitfalls and what not to do

Ditch the big brands. Apple and Samsung are very well-known and offer student deals, but for what is needed in high school, you don't need flashy, expensive tech. A £150 Chromebook will cover your child just as fine.

Do not buy Microsoft Office. Students from high school to university can get Microsoft Office for free, saving you up to £70 depending on where you would have bought it from.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code or retailer pages, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Here's how it works.

Nando's Rewards looks simple on the surface. Spend £7, get a Chilli, collect Chillies, get free chicken. But the details trip people up, and a lot of what's written about the scheme online is out of date. Nando's quietly updated its Rewards terms in February 2026, and those terms now exclude specific menu items from each reward tier, spell out how the Chilli counter resets, and confirm that your £7 is measured after any discounts. We've gone through the current terms line by line so you know exactly what you're entitled to before you get to the till.

What is Nando's Rewards?

Nando's Rewards is the chain's free loyalty scheme, and it works like a digital stamp card. Every day you spend £7 or more at Nando's, you earn one Chilli. Collect enough Chillies and you unlock free food, starting with a starter or quarter chicken and building up to a whole chicken meal.

You'll sometimes hear it called the Nando's Card, because that's how you use it. Sign up for a free account on the Nando's Rewards page and you get a digital card to add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, plus one bonus Chilli just for registering. Physical cards still exist too. You can pick one up at the till in participating restaurants while they have stock, but you'll need to register it online or in the app before you can redeem anything. Chillies can be earned on an unregistered card, but rewards can't be claimed until it's linked to an account.

To join you need to be 14 or over and live in the UK. That's it. There's no fee, no tiers to maintain and no minimum number of visits.

How Nando’s Chillies work: £7 spend, one Chilli per day

The earning rule is short but has more small print than people realise. You get one Chilli per day when you spend £7 or more, and that £7 is counted after any discounts or rewards have been applied. So if you use the NHS discount, a promo code or a free reward and your bill drops below £7, no Chilli. Worth knowing before you stack every saving in one order.

A few more things that don't count towards the £7: gift card purchases, bag charges, delivery fees and small order fees. It's food and drink spend only.

You can earn Chillies eating in, on Click & Collect, and on delivery ordered through Nando's website or app. At the till, tap your phone (or hand over your physical card) at the contactless reader before you pay. Ordering online or at the table through the QR code, just make sure you're logged in to your Nando's account first. This is the trap that catches most people: if you use Guest Checkout when ordering at your table, you earn nothing, even though you're sat in the restaurant spending well over £7. Log in every time.

Two limits to remember. It's strictly one Chilli per day, no matter how many qualifying orders you place, and Chillies are personal to your account. They can't be pooled with a friend's card or merged across multiple cards, so if you're eating in a group, paying separately on your own accounts is the only way everyone earns.

Chillies usually appear in your account within 48 hours for in-restaurant orders, and up to three days for delivery orders.

The Green Reward: 3 Chillies

Your first reward lands at three Chillies. A Green Reward gets you a free quarter chicken, three chicken wings, or any starter, with one exclusion: the Dare to Share (the pick-three starter combo) doesn't qualify.

If you're chasing value, the quarter chicken is usually the priciest eligible item at around £5.50 to £6, though a chunkier starter like the halloumi sticks runs it close. Prices vary slightly by restaurant, so it's worth a glance at the Nando's menu for your local before you decide.

The Orange Reward: 6 Chillies

At six Chillies you unlock an Orange Reward: a free half chicken, or any single burger, pitta or wrap. The word single matters, as double versions aren't included, and neither are four of the fancier options. The Sunset Burger, Garlic Churrasco Burger, Chickle Burger and Butterfly Burger are all excluded under the current terms. The Garlic Churrasco in particular still gets recommended in older guides as the best Orange Reward pick, but it no longer qualifies, so don't get caught out ordering it.

With those off the table, the half chicken is generally your strongest choice at around £9 to £9.50, and it's the classic Nando's order anyway.

The Red Reward: 10 Chillies

The big one. At ten Chillies, a Red Reward is worth a free whole chicken, any single burger, pitta or wrap with one or two regular sides, a PERi-PERi chicken meal with one or two regular sides, or a salad or bowl with a protein.

Take the two sides if you're going the meal route. It's one or two regular sides, and plenty of people only claim one because they assume a "meal" means a single side. That's a free portion of chips or spicy rice left on the table.

The Red Reward has the longest exclusion list of the three, so here's what doesn't qualify under the February 2026 terms: PERi-Mac & Cheese, Portuguese Tomato Salad, Charred Corn and Rostinas can't be your regular sides, and you can't redeem it against 10 Chicken Wings, 10 Extra Saucy Wings, Wing Roulette, Nandinos kids' meals, Sharing Platters, Fully Loaded Chips or the Butterfly Burger. Limited-time and trial items are generally out too. And if you customise a burger, pitta or wrap with extras like halloumi or avocado, the reward covers the base item and you pay the difference.

On pure value, the whole chicken (around £16) and a burger with two regular sides come out roughly level, so order whichever you'd actually enjoy. The full exclusions live in the Nando's Rewards terms and conditions if you want to check an item before you visit.

Do Nando’s Chillies reset when you use a reward?

No, and this is the bit almost everyone gets wrong, including some big money-saving sites. Redeeming a reward has no effect on your Chilli balance or your progress towards the next reward. Your Green and Orange Rewards are banked as you pass three and six Chillies, and they sit in your account whether you spend them or not.

The counter only restarts when you hit ten Chillies and earn your Red Reward. And here's the detail buried in the terms that no one seems to mention: your balance doesn't reset to zero, it resets to one. In other words, the day you bank your Red Reward, you're already a Chilli into your next cycle. Over a couple of years of regular visits, that quietly shaves a visit off every loop.

Do Nando’s Chillies or rewards expire?

Chillies never expire. Rewards do. Each reward is valid for 366 days from the day you earn it (a full year, leap years included), and anything unredeemed after that is removed from your account for good. You can check what you've got and when it runs out in the rewards section of the app or your account at nandos.co.uk, so set yourself a reminder if you've got a Red Reward gathering dust.

Forgot to scan your Nando’s Card? How to claim missing Chillies

If you paid without scanning your card, keep the receipt. You have 180 days from the date of the order to claim the Chilli back through your Nando's account, which is one of the most generous claim-back windows of any UK loyalty scheme. Log in, add the receipt details, and the Chilli should appear within a couple of days. Six months is plenty of time, but it only works if the receipt survives, so photograph it before it fades in your coat pocket.

Can you earn Nando’s Chillies on delivery, Deliveroo or Uber Eats?

This one confuses people because Nando's delivery is actually powered by Deliveroo behind the scenes, yet the rules treat the two completely differently. Order delivery through the Nando's website or app while logged in and you'll earn Chillies and can redeem rewards. Order through the Deliveroo app or website itself (or Uber Eats, or Just Eat) and you get nothing: no Chillies earned, no rewards redeemable. Same food, same driver in some cases, very different loyalty outcome. Always start your order at nandos.co.uk or in the Nando's app.

One more online quirk: when you're eating in, you can redeem as many banked rewards as you like in one visit, but online orders are limited to one reward per order. If you've got a Green and a Red saved up for a takeaway feast, you'll need to split them across two orders or save one for a sit-down visit.

If you order delivery often enough that the fees sting, our guide to Deliveroo Plus covers whether the subscription pays for itself, though remember Deliveroo orders won't feed your Chilli count.

Where to find your Nando’s Card number

Your card number sits with your digital card in the Nando's app, and you can also see it by logging into your account at nandos.co.uk. If you're at the till without your phone, staff can look you up, or just keep the receipt and claim the Chilli later. Lost a physical card? If it was registered, log in and use the Request Card option and Nando's will send a replacement to your registered address with your balance intact. Unregistered cards can't be recovered, which is the best argument there is for registering yours today.

How to get the most value from Nando’s Rewards

The scheme rewards habits more than spending, so a few small changes make a real difference. Pay separately when you eat in a group, because one bill earns one Chilli for one account, while four people paying £7 each earn four. Aim your order at the £7 line rather than well past it, since a wrap and a bottomless drink clears it comfortably. Add your card to your phone's wallet so scanning is never the thing you forget. And check your banked rewards before you order, because a forgotten Green Reward is a free starter you paid full price for.

Rewards also stack with discount codes. Nando's confirms you can earn and redeem rewards on the same order as a promo code, so it's worth checking the latest Nando's discount codes before you order. Just remember the £7 Chilli threshold is measured after the discount comes off, so on a small order a code can save you money but cost you the Chilli. Decide which you'd rather have. And if you're spreading your loyalty around, our roundup of restaurant deals covers savings at the other big chains too.

Is Nando’s Rewards worth it?

Yes, and by loyalty scheme standards it's unusually generous. There's no points-per-pound maths to do, rewards arrive from your third visit rather than your thirtieth, and because redemptions never dent your progress, there's no strategy required. Compare that with supermarket schemes where you're converting points into pennies. If you like that side of things, our guides to the Morrisons More Card and the Boots Advantage Card show just how differently those schemes behave.

A regular who visits twice a month will bank a free whole chicken meal roughly every five months, plus a Green and Orange Reward along the way, for spending nothing extra. The only ways to lose are ordering through third-party apps, forgetting to log in, or letting a reward hit its 366-day expiry. Avoid those three and it's free chicken for showing up.

Curious where else your loyalty pays off? See our guide to the best loyalty cards in the UK for the schemes that reward you most for spending nothing extra.

Nando's Rewards FAQs

If you opened the McDonald's app recently and noticed your free Big Mac suddenly costs more points, you're not imagining it. McDonald's overhauled MyMcDonald's Rewards on 17 March 2026, moving every reward to a new set of point tiers. That came hot on the heels of another change in December 2025, when points went from lasting 12 months to expiring after just 6.

Between the two updates, a lot of the advice floating around online is now out of date. So here's how the McDonald's Rewards app actually works in the UK right now, including the answers to the questions McDonald's makes you dig through its terms and conditions to find. Can you claim points from a receipt? Can you transfer points to someone else? And after the changes, is the scheme still worth bothering with?

Quick housekeeping first: MyMcDonald's Rewards lives inside the free McDonald's app on iOS and Android. There's no physical loyalty card and no Apple Wallet pass. If you want the rewards, you need the app. And if you want money off before you've built up any points at all, check the latest McDonald's discount codes first, because a straight discount will usually beat weeks of point collecting.

And if the shrinking value here has you shopping around for a scheme that treats loyalty a little better, our guide to the best loyalty cards in the UK shows which ones still reward you properly.

How do McDonald's points work in the UK?

The earning side is simple and hasn't changed: you get 1 point for every penny you spend on food and drink at participating restaurants. Spend £5.60 on a meal, earn 560 points. You need to download the app, create an account and opt in to MyMcDonald's Rewards before anything starts counting.

The catch is that points only land if McDonald's knows it's you ordering. How you do that depends on where you order:

• In the app (for collection or McDelivery): points are added automatically.
• At a kiosk: scan or enter the one-time code from the 'Code' section of the app before you pay.
• At the front counter or drive-thru: read out your one-time code to the crew member before you order.

That word "before" matters more than anything else in this guide. Hand over your code after you've paid and the points are gone. There's no scanning your receipt later in the UK, which brings us to the question everyone asks.

There are a few earning limits worth knowing. Points only count on your first 10 transactions a day and 40 a week, your balance is capped at 100,000 points, and you won't earn anything on delivery fees, tips, the bag charge, gift card purchases or charity donations. The scheme covers participating restaurants in the UK, Jersey and the Isle of Man, and a small number of branches don't take part. You can check yours on McDonald's restaurant locator, filtered to show rewards restaurants only.

What else does the McDonald’s app do besides rewards?

Points are the headline, but they're arguably not even the app's best feature. If you're weighing up whether it's worth the space on your phone, here's the full picture of what you get beyond the rewards scheme:

• Weekly deals every Monday. The Deals section refreshes at the start of each week with offers like discounted Big Macs or cheap McMuffins, and they're often better value than anything the points scheme pays out. Turn notifications on or you'll miss the good ones.
• A first-order offer. The app usually runs an introductory discount for new accounts. Check the Deals section straight after signing up, before you place anything, because these are typically time-limited from the moment you register.
• Order ahead and skip the queue. Build your order in the app, pay, and collect in store, at the drive-thru or via table service without standing in line reciting a complicated order to a stranger.
• Easier refunds. If your order arrives wrong or cold, your order history is right there in the app. Open the order, tap Help, and report the problem. It's considerably less painful than going back to the counter.
• Digital Monopoly peels. When McDonald's Monopoly runs, adding your stickers to the app earns you an extra digital peel per sticker, effectively doubling your chances.
• Personalised offers. Order through the app regularly and it starts tailoring deals to what you actually buy, which sounds mildly dystopian but does mean coffee drinkers see coffee deals.

None of this requires you to touch the rewards scheme, so even point sceptics get real value from the app. But since the points are free money on spending you're doing anyway, you may as well opt in.

Can you add McDonald’s points from a receipt in the UK?

Here's the honest answer, because this is the single most searched question about the scheme and most of what you'll find online is wrong for the UK.

No, the UK app has no receipt feature. If you see a video showing an 'Add Missing Points from Receipt' option in the McDonald's app, that's the American app. US customers can submit receipt details for missed points. UK customers can't, and McDonald's UK is blunt about it: if you didn't use your app or code at any point during the order, points can't be added retrospectively. Keeping the receipt makes no difference.

There is one exception, and it's worth knowing. If you did identify your account when ordering but the points never showed up, that's a missing points claim rather than a forgotten scan, and McDonald's will investigate. Points normally appear instantly, though they can occasionally take up to 48 hours. If they still haven't landed after that:

1. Keep your receipt, including the order number.
2. Open the app and go to the 'More' tab.
3. Select 'Customer Service' and use the Virtual Assistant at the bottom of the page.
4. Do this within 30 days of your purchase. After that, McDonald's won't look into missing points claims at all, which is set out in the MyMcDonald's Rewards terms.

So the receipt isn't useless. It's your evidence for a claim. It just can't be scanned for points the way American TikTok would have you believe.

Can you transfer McDonald’s points to another account?

No. McDonald's rewards terms state that points can't be transferred between accounts or people, and you can't combine points across accounts either. So if you and your partner have 3,000 points each, there's no way to merge them into one 6,000-point pot, and there's no gifting option in the app.

There are two practical workarounds. The first is to redeem the reward yourself and simply hand over the food, since McDonald's has no problem with what happens to a McFlurry after it's been redeemed. The second is to order for other people through one account. If your household always orders through the same app account, all of that spending earns points in one place instead of being split across two balances that each take twice as long to reach a reward.

One thing not to do: don't buy or sell points, and don't share account logins with strangers offering to "top up" your balance. McDonald's can void points and close accounts where the terms are breached, and a scheme where points expire in 6 months is not worth losing your account over.

McDonald’s Rewards tiers in 2026: what you can get with points

Since 17 March 2026 there are four reward tiers. These replaced the old 1,500 / 2,500 / 4,000 / 5,500 structure, and every tier now costs more than its old equivalent. Here's what's currently on the rewards menu:

You can also donate the value of your points to McDonald's charity partners (Ronald McDonald House Charities, BBC Children in Need and FareShare), and there's even an option to swap points for a month of Snapchat+ if free chips somehow don't appeal.

To redeem, pick your reward in the Rewards & Offers section. Ordering in the app, tap 'Add to mobile order' or 'Add to McDelivery order'. Ordering at a kiosk, counter or drive-thru, choose 'Add to your code' and give the code before you order, exactly as you would when earning.

How much are McDonald’s points worth?

Here's something McDonald's doesn't shout about, but it publishes the answer itself. When you donate points to charity, the app converts them at £2 for 2,000 points, £3.50 for 3,500, £5 for 5,000 and £6.50 for 6,500. That's a flat rate of £1 per 1,000 points at every single tier. In other words, McDonald's itself values a point at 0.1p.

That gives you a dead simple rule of thumb: every £10 you spend earns roughly £1 back, provided you redeem sensibly and nothing expires. A return of around 10% sounds generous for a loyalty scheme, and by high street standards it is, but remember it only pays out in McDonald's food, in fixed chunks, on a menu McDonald's controls.

Food redemptions can land either side of that 0.1p benchmark depending on menu prices at your branch. The sharpest plays tend to be the priciest item within a tier, so a McCafé drink at 3,500 beats a Mayo Chicken, and a Filet-O-Fish at 5,000 beats a Double Cheeseburger. The 6,500 tier is the one to be sceptical of. A Big Mac sounds like the jackpot, but per point it's often weaker value than a good 5,000-point redemption, and with the new 6-month expiry, holding out for the top tier is exactly how points die on the vine. Unless you're in McDonald's most weeks, cashing out at 3,500 or 5,000 is usually the smarter move now.

Do McDonald’s points expire?

Yes, and this is the change that catches people out. Since 30 December 2025, points expire 6 full calendar months after you earn them, down from 12. They vanish on the first day after those 6 months end, so points earned on 4 January 2026 are redeemable until 23:59 on 1 August 2026, then they're gone.

Two habits protect you. First, check the 'View History' tab in the Rewards & Offers section, which shows expiry dates against your points. Second, redeem when you cross a tier you're happy with rather than hoarding. Under the old 12-month rules, saving for the big tier was a reasonable strategy. Under 6-month expiry, it's a gamble that assumes you'll keep visiting at the same rate.

Do you earn McDonald’s points on McDelivery, Uber Eats or Just Eat?

Only if you order McDelivery through the McDonald's app itself. Order through the Uber Eats, Just Eat or Deliveroo apps and you earn nothing, even though Uber Eats couriers handle McDelivery behind the scenes. The route your order takes through the apps is what decides whether points land.

You also don't earn points on the delivery fees themselves, only the food. If you order delivery constantly, it's worth weighing the app-plus-points route against a subscription like Deliveroo Plus, which we've broken down in our Deliveroo Plus guide, because free delivery on every order can outweigh a 10% points return once fees are factored in.

Can you use McDonald’s UK points abroad?

Your login works in other countries and the app will usually switch to the local menu, but your points won't follow you. Each country runs its own rewards scheme with its own points, tiers and rules, so your UK balance can't be earned on or spent in France, Spain or the US, and holiday spending abroad won't top up your UK points. Think of it as one login, separate wallets.

Can you use McDonald’s points and app deals at the same time?

Yes. Redeeming a reward doesn't stop you earning points on the rest of that order, and the weekly app deals (refreshed every Monday, so turn notifications on) sit alongside the rewards scheme rather than replacing it. A decent pattern for a regular order: apply whatever Monday deal fits, pay for the rest as normal to earn points, and attach a reward whenever you've crossed a tier. Just add deals before you confirm the order, because they can't be applied to the basket afterwards.

Common McDonald’s app and Rewards questions

Is MyMcDonald’s Rewards still worth it in 2026?

If you're already a regular, yes, without question. It's free, the earn rate works out around 10p back per £1 when you redeem well, and you'd be leaving money on the table by not scanning. For occasional visitors, the maths has genuinely got worse. Someone spending £10 a month now hits the first tier just inside the expiry window, with no room to drift, so a couple of skipped months means expired points and nothing to show for them.

The scheme also looks different next to its rivals. Greggs hands out a free hot drink just for downloading its app, which we've covered in our Greggs app guide, while Nando's chilli points ladder is explained in our Nando's Rewards guide. McDonald's beats both on flexibility but punishes infrequent visits harder than either since the expiry change.

The bottom line: scan every time, spend points at 3,500 or 5,000 rather than hoarding for a Big Mac, never order McDonald's through a third-party delivery app if you care about points, and stack the weekly deals on top. And before any order, big or small, it takes ten seconds to check our takeaway deals and McDonald's offers, because the best saving is usually the one you get today rather than the one you're 4,000 points away from.

Grandparents are set to spend a third (33%) more on their grandchild(ren) than last year, a new study has revealed.

The new research, which was undertaken by MyVoucherCodes and polled 1000 grandparents with grandchildren under 18 from across the UK, has found grandparents will spend £21.05 per day on their grandchildren this year, versus £15.80* per day in 2024.

The study also revealed that more than half (53%) of grandparents will step in to look after their grandchildren this summer, a rise of 8% from last year.

When asked how often they will be looking after their grandchildren, more than one in ten (12%) said they’ll be providing care every day during the school holidays, and a third (33%) will help out two to three times a week.

Younger grandparents are the most frivolous when it comes to spending on their grandchildren, with those aged 35 to 44 splurging an average of £32 per child per day, while those aged 65 and over plan to spend £16.11.

Unsurprisingly, the rising cost of entertaining grandchildren is causing concern, with one in four grandparents (26%) admitting they are worrying somewhat about the cost.

Sarah-Jane Outten, consumer and shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes commented on the findings:

“One in four reveal they are worried about the cost of caring for them this summer holidays. But days out don’t have to be expensive, and there are plenty of ways you can take advantage of loyalty schemes and 2 for 1 offers on attractions to make savings.

Here’s my top tips on looking after children in the summer holidays on a budget.

• Bring (and bake) your own snacks: Food and drink at attractions are often expensive, so packing your own can help keep costs down. And you can turn this into an activity itself - try baking some cakes or bread for sandwiches in the morning before heading out in the afternoon.
• Group up: With other grandparents also feeling the pinch, grouping together could help you save money, thanks to group discounts and saving on travel costs.
• Buy chocolate and keep the packet: Don’t worry, we aren’t going to suggest you find the hot glue gun and get crafty. This summer, Cadbury is offering up to 50% off at some of the UK’s biggest attractions with selected promotional packs. You can find out more here.
• Look for local free events: Libraries, museums, and community centres often run free or low-cost activities during the holidays, so keep an eye out for these.

*Data from an online survey of 1,000 UK grandparents with grandchildren under 18, with 510 saying they were looking after their grandchildren in the summer holiday, conducted by OnePoll for MyVoucherCodes between 29/05/2025 and 04/06/2025.*Data from an online survey of 1000 UK Grandparents with Grandchildren under the age of 18, was commissioned by Front Door Communications on behalf of My VoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 29/05/2024 and 05/06/2024.

Excitement is building for Glastonbury 2025, and if you are one of the lucky people who got a ticket this year, I’m sure your mind is focused on the fantastic lineup.

Isabelle Nelson at MyVoucherCodes has taken some of the hard work out of the preparation and put together a checklist of everything you will need, so you can have the weekend of a lifetime.

The Important Stuff

If you are using this article as a personal checklist, some things are non-negotiable. It’s all over before it’s begun if you don’t remember them.

1. Tickets and entry passes
2. ID, you will need this if you are under 25, but regardless of your age, it’s a good idea to have some ID on you.
3. Bank card and cash

Festival Camping Essentials

Ensure you have somewhere comfortable to crash after a long day (and night) of dancing and singing along to your favourite artists.

• Tent (including extra tent pegs)
• Sleeping Bag
• Roll Matt or Air Bed
• Torches (don’t forget the batteries!)
• Portable Charger (at least one, two or more will have you well covered)
• Pillows (not essential, but desirable)
• Camping Chairs (again, not essential, but you will be grateful for it)
• Cooler (you can get away without one, but if the weather is hot, a cold drink is a must)

Festival Toiletries Essentials

Make sure you have everything you need to feel clean and fresh. Product minis are great, but a cheaper option is to decant your regular products into travel-size bottles. They are inexpensive from Primark and Superdrug.

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Deodrant
• Body Wipes (make sure they are biodegradable)
• SPF & Aftersun
• Small first aid kit
• Painkillers & regular medication
• Hairbrush/comb
• Dry shampoo
• Period products
• Face and body glitter (not essential, but not as fun without it)
• Moisturiser

Festival Clothing and Accessories Essentials

It will come as no surprise that you will need to be prepared for all weather. This list has you covered.

• Wellies! (Remember the mud of 1997!)
• Walking boots/shoes
• Sliders/flip-flops
• Comfortable clothing (choose items that are good for layering)
• Plenty of underwear and socks
• Cosy PJs
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Raincoat/poncho
• Bumbag
• Backpack
• Hair ties/scrunchies
• Earplugs & eye mask
• Disposable Camera (great for when you want to collect memories, without filming and missing the gig!)
• Fancy dress (optional, or is it?)

Festival Food and Drink Essentials

While you indulge in food from the vendors, it's good to have a stash of snacks and drinks on hand. Be sure to include some healthy options so you maintain your energy levels.

• Cereal & Protein Bars
• Crips/nuts
• Oranges/tangerines/bananas (fruit that has its own container)
• Instant noodles & soup
• Refillable water bottle
• Reusable mug
• Alcohol (wine box, kegs & cans)
• Instant tea & Coffee
• Sweets (for when you need a quick pick-me-up)

All of this might seem like a lot of gear - and it is! It’s a good idea to keep to these essentials and not overpack. Remember, you will need to carry it all across a field.

As a mum of three, I’ve spent many school summer holidays coming up with ways to entertain the kids without spending a fortune. Most of the time, I don’t want to spend any money at all! It’s an expensive time for all parents, but you can make some memories on a budget. As well as a parent, I’m a lifestyle and shopping expert for MyVoucherCodes, and this has helped me explain how I maximise fun with minimum spending!  

About MyVoucherCodes:MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK.It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers and offers from fashion, beauty, restaurant and electrical, as well as many more retailers. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes. For more information, please contact Sarah-Jane Outten at Future Publishing - sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.comMyVoucherCodes is operated by Future Publishing Limited.

If you shop at Waitrose without scanning a My Waitrose card, you're leaving money on the till. The card is completely free, there's no points faff to learn, and since Waitrose rolled out Little Treats nationwide in November 2025 it's arguably the most generous it's ever been.

The catch is that the useful information is scattered across a dozen Waitrose help pages. How do you actually order a physical card? Is there an application form? Can you put it in Apple Wallet? What happens when you lose it? We've pulled all of it into one place, checked the current terms, and done some honest sums on what the card is really worth to a weekly shopper.

One thing worth knowing before we start: nearly two-thirds of UK adults think loyalty cards exist to make them spend more, according to our own research. That's a fair suspicion, so throughout this guide we'll flag where the value is real and where it's marketing.

What is the My Waitrose card and how does it work?

My Waitrose is the free loyalty scheme from Waitrose & Partners, with more than 4.6 million members. Your My Waitrose card (plastic or digital) is what you scan at the till to unlock everything the scheme offers.

Unlike Tesco Clubcard or Nectar, there are no points and no balance to build up. Instead you get instant perks: a free daily hot drink, weekly personalised vouchers, 20% counter discounts on set days, free magazines and, since late 2025, Little Treats rewards for hitting monthly spending milestones.

One quirk that trips people up: because the vouchers are generated from your shopping history, the scheme only really gets going once you've scanned your card for a few weeks. If you sign up and see nothing at first, that's normal, not broken.

How to get a My Waitrose card

Joining is free and takes about two minutes. There are three ways to do it:

• Online: Sign up at waitrose.com/mywaitrose You get a digital card straight away.
• In the app: Download the Waitrose & Partners app on iOS or Android, create an account or sign in, and join My Waitrose from there. Your digital card sits on the app home screen and works at the checkout even without a signal.
• In store: Ask at the checkout and a partner will give you a card to register online at home.

Is there a My Waitrose application form or PDF?

No, and this catches a lot of people out. Waitrose doesn't offer a paper application form or a downloadable PDF, so if you've been hunting for one you can stop. Everything runs through waitrose.com or the app.

If you don't use the internet, or you're signing up on behalf of a parent who doesn't, ring Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 and they'll help set up a membership over the phone. Waitrose confirms this route on its own help pages for anyone who can't open an online account.

How to get a physical My Waitrose card

You don't get a plastic card automatically anymore. Waitrose has gone digital-first, so you have to specifically request one:

1. Sign in at waitrose.com and open My Account, then My Waitrose loyalty
2. Select Card & Details
3. Choose Order plastic card (Waitrose will nudge you towards the digital card first, so scroll past that to find the request option)

The card arrives by post and can take up to two weeks, so use your digital card or the Print My Waitrose card option in the meantime. That printed paper copy scans fine in store. Plastic cards can only be posted to UK and Channel Islands addresses.

Is the My Waitrose card free?

Yes, completely. No joining fee, no subscription, no minimum spend. The only thing Waitrose gets in return is your shopping data, which is how it builds your personalised vouchers.

How to add your My Waitrose card to Apple Wallet and Android

This is now built into the Waitrose app, so ignore older guides telling you it isn't possible:

1. Open the Waitrose & Partners app and sign in
2. Tap Account in the bottom menu bar
3. Tap View myWaitrose card at the top of the screen
4. Tap Add to Apple Wallet, then Add to confirm

Your card then lives in Wallet alongside your bank cards and works from your Apple Watch too, which is handy when your hands are full of shopping.

On Android there's no native Google Wallet pass from Waitrose. The simplest option is the app itself: press and hold the app icon and you can pin the card as a home screen shortcut, and it opens without an internet connection. If you really want it inside Google Wallet, third-party pass apps can convert the barcode, but the official app does the same job.

My Waitrose card benefits in 2026

Waitrose has quietly upgraded this scheme several times in the last 18 months, and some of what you'll read elsewhere is out of date. Here's the current line-up, checked against Waitrose's own terms.

My Waitrose free coffee and hot drinks (no purchase needed)

Since 27 January 2025 you no longer need to buy anything. Scan your card at the self-serve machine (the coffee is from Nero Roasting Company, and dairy alternatives are included), and you get one free tea or coffee per day. Two rules: bring a reusable cup, because Waitrose doesn't stock disposable ones, and note it's machine-only, so the in-store cafés don't count. A few Shell forecourt and Welcome Break branches have their own conditions.

If you'd use this even twice a week, it's the single most valuable perk on the card. We've rounded up more places to claim a freebie in our guide to getting a free drink in the UK.

Weekly personalised vouchers

Most weeks you'll be offered up to four money-off vouchers based on what you actually buy, refreshing every Wednesday and lasting a week. Two recent changes make them better than they used to be. You can now activate all four rather than picking just two, and once activated they apply automatically when you scan your card at the till. No more scanning each barcode individually.

The vouchers are product-specific, typically worth 50p to £2, and skew towards Waitrose own-brand items. Online they work too, but remember there's a £40 minimum spend for grocery orders on waitrose.com.

My Waitrose Little Treats rewards

Little Treats went nationwide in November 2025 after a store trial, and it finally rewards how much you spend rather than just what you buy. Each calendar month, your scanned spend is tracked: hit £50 and a Little Treat voucher drops into your account, with another at £100 and a third at £250. The tracker resets on the 1st of every month.

The treats are chosen by Waitrose rather than you, and so far have included free Waitrose Foundation roses, a No.1 pizza, bakery items and money-off vouchers worth up to around £5. The spend is cumulative across all your shops, but the usual exclusions (baby formula, stamps, Lotto and so on) don't count, and unscanned shops don't either. Track your progress in the app.

20% off the counters on set days

Three fixtures worth planning your week around, in stores that still have service counters:

• Big Cheese Thursday: 20% off at the cheese counter
• Fish Friday: 20% off fresh fish from the counter
• Sizzling Saturday: 20% off selected meat from the counter

Counter produce is where Waitrose prices sting most, so this is where the card genuinely earns its keep. If fish is your biggest weekly cost, shop Fridays and stock the freezer.

Free Waitrose Food magazine

Members can pick up the monthly Waitrose Food magazine free in store, and it was relaunched with a new design in November 2025. The Drinks magazine is free to members too.

Caffè Nero linking

Link your My Waitrose card inside the Caffè Nero app (it's under Settings) and you get a free barista-made coffee after your first Nero purchase post-linking, plus 25% off selected seasonal food and drink at Nero, applied when you scan your Nero loyalty card.

Vitality healthy food cashback

If you have a qualifying Vitality health or life insurance plan, you can link your My Waitrose membership number through the Vitality Member Zone and earn between 10% and 25% cashback on Waitrose's Good Health range, rising to 40% if you hold both plan types. It covers up to £100 of healthy food spend a month (£200 on joint or family plans), your rate depends on the activity points you earned the previous month, and cashback lands in your bank around the 20th of the following month.

The smaller perks

Rounding out the list: 10% off Waitrose Cookery School classes, 5% off dry cleaning where Johnsons operates in store, member-only competitions and prize draws, and access to ScanPayGo, which lets you scan and pack as you shop and skip the main tills.

What is the My Waitrose card actually worth each month?

Nobody puts a number on this, so we did. Say you're a fairly typical weekly shopper spending around £80 a shop, roughly £320 a month, and you scan every time. Here's a realistic month:

That's somewhere between £20 and £35 a month back, without changing where you shop or buying anything you wouldn't have bought anyway. Grab the coffee daily rather than weekly and the number jumps again.

Two honest caveats. First, Waitrose's base prices are higher than most rivals, so the card makes Waitrose cheaper, not cheap. If you'd save more overall at Aldi, a free coffee doesn't change that maths. Second, the vouchers only stay useful if you keep scanning, because they're built from your history. Lapse for a while and they dry up until you've scanned a few shops again.

How to replace a lost My Waitrose card

Losing the plastic card doesn't mean losing your account or your vouchers, since everything is tied to your membership, not the physical card. To get a replacement:

1. Sign in at waitrose.com and go to My Account > My Waitrose loyalty
2. Open Card & Details
3. Choose Order plastic card for a new one by post (up to two weeks), or Print My Waitrose card for an instant paper copy

In the meantime the digital card in the app carries on working as normal. If your online account shows a different card number to the one you've been scanning, your card may be linked to an older account. You can link the correct card from the same Card & Details page, or request a fresh one.

My Waitrose vs Clubcard, Nectar and Sparks: Comparison

My Waitrose is the odd one out among the big schemes because there's no member pricing plastered across the shelves and no points balance. Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury's Nectar cut prices on thousands of products in-store, which My Waitrose broadly doesn't, but neither of them hands you a free daily coffee or a monthly freebie for spend you were making anyway.

The closest comparison is the M&S Sparks card, which also leans on personalised offers and little surprises rather than points. If you split your shopping between supermarkets, it's worth knowing how each scheme works, and we've broken them all down: the Tesco Clubcard, the M&S Sparks card, the Morrisons More Card and the Co-op membership card.

And whichever card is in your wallet, stack it with a discount code where you can. Our Waitrose voucher codes page is updated with the latest offers, including money off first online orders, and there are more savings across our supermarket and grocery deals.

My Waitrose card FAQs

Final thoughts

The My Waitrose card is free, low-effort and, since Little Treats arrived, meaningfully more generous than it was a year ago. If you shop at Waitrose even occasionally, there's no sensible reason not to have it. Sign up online, add the card to Apple Wallet or the app so it's always on you, bring a reusable cup, and let the vouchers build for a few weeks before judging them.

Just keep your scepticism about the bigger picture. The card rewards loyalty, it doesn't make Waitrose the cheapest place to shop. Used deliberately, though, £20 to £35 a month back for scanning a barcode is about as good as UK supermarket loyalty currently gets.

Lets be honest, drinks in the UK aren't exactly cheap these days. But what if you could get a round (or two) without spending a penny? Turns out, there are some genuinely easy and legit ways to bag free drinks, whether you're hitting the pub, trying out a new cocktail bar, or just fancy something on the house. 

From birthday treats to loyalty apps, here's how to get a free drink or two without feeling like a freeloader.

The Best Free Drink Deals

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It’s often said you can’t put a price on love but new research from money-saving experts MyVoucherCodes has found that the average spend for Brits this Valentine’s Day will be £50.07. 

It’s the men who come out tops for splashing the cash with an average spend of £55.61 compared to women at £43.45. It’s those aged 25 to 34 who spend the most with an average of £56.29, followed closely by those aged 35 to 44 at £56.29. However, those aged 65 and over will spend an average of £35.73.

Half of those questioned (51%) will definitely be buying a card or gift this year but one in 10 say they will be opting for a homemade pressie this Valentine’s. 

When it comes to receiving gifts, a meal out is the most coveted choice with 27% of respondents hoping for a restaurant date, followed by a quarter of people (25%) who like to receive chocolates, 22% choosing flowers and 21% are hoping for a night away.

However, not everyone wants to be showered with gifts this Valentine’s Day with one in five people saying they don’t want to receive anything at all.

The survey quizzed 2,000 Brits on how much they will be spending on loved ones this year.

Shopping expert Sarah-Jane Outten said: 

It’s really interesting to see that one in ten Brits will be opting for a homemade gift or card this Valentine’s Day too – it can help you save a bit of money but also add a nice personal touch to let your loved ones know you care.

Sarah-Jane and the team at MyVoucherCodes have put together their top tips for those who need some handmade inspiration: 

 How to have a homemade Valentine’s Day 

Food and Treats 

Thoughtful Keepsakes 

Sarah-Jane added: “Whether you are looking for a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or some supplies for a handmade Valentine’s, MyVoucherCodes have a myriad of ways to save this February, from deals on flowers to meals out, and everything in between. So, whether you are looking to spoil that special person in your life, or just want to spend some time with your mates and have a Galentine’s Day instead, pop over to MyVoucherCodes to grab some money off deals.” 

 Notes to editors: 
This online survey of 2,000 UK Adults (nationally representative on the basis of age, gender, and region) was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.

For more information, please contact Rachel Mainwaring or Lisa Blake at Front Door Communications on rachel@fdcomms.co.uk or lisa@fdcomms.co.uk or call 029 20 020360. 
About MyVoucherCodes:

MyVoucherCodes is a market leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK.It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers and offers from fashion, beauty, restaurant and electrical, as well as many more retailers. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes. 
MyVoucherCodes is operated by Future Publishing Limited.