There’s a very funny video that Cherise (aka @singlejoburgmom) has made about visiting the grocery story and literally putting things back after visiting the uniform shop. We can laugh about it, but the truth is: South African parents are stretched. If we can save in any way with regards to school supplies and uniforms, we are all here for it. This post will give you some tips on how to save, as well as give you the the current specials that retailers are running.
Please note that you need to check websites for up to date specials and the ones in this post are for January 2026.
1) Start with a clear list and a firm budget (planning savings)
1.1 Build a school-specific checklist (before you shop)
- Ask the school for the latest uniform rules and stationery list. Check if your school has approved colours, badges, or specific shoe rules.
- Split the list into:
- Must-have items (needed day one)
- Replace later (mid-term top-ups). Nicky only used one or two glue sticks for the year. And they tend to go dry. So if they want six glue sticks, just get two for now.
1.2 Do a home stocktake first (free savings)
- Uniforms that still fit (try-on session at home)
- Stationery leftovers (unused books, pens, rulers, crayons)
- Bags and lunchboxes (clean and repair before replacing)
- Label everything you keep to avoid buying doubles. This is also very important for the teacher. I’m still traumatised about that time I taught Grade One and two kids were fighting over a sharpener and I literally didn’t know whose sharpener it was because it wasn’t labelled.
2) Uniforms on a budget (buy smart, avoid costly mistakes)
2.1 What usually costs the most (and how to lower it)
- Shoes (buy for durability, not just price) (Check out specials below)
- Jerseys and blazers (look for quality stitching and easy wash care) (Try and find them second hand as well)
- Sports kit (only buy what the school requires) (and you need the bag as well)
2.2 Timing tips that save money
- Buy core items early if sizes sell out fast (shirts, trousers, skirts)
- Hold off on extras until you see what the child really uses. My kid has never used the jersey (sensory issues) or the scarf (he insists he doesn’t need it)
- Watch for multi-buy deals on basics (socks, vests, tights) (two or three in one)
2.3 Sizing and fit tips (to avoid replacing mid-term)
- Plan for a little growth, but not “two sizes up.” You can get away with the blazer being slightly big in Grade One. Everyone does it.
- Check waistband adjusters and hems for longer wear
- Prioritise comfort (scratchy fabrics often end up unused, like the jersey)
2.4 Second-hand and swap options (big savings, low effort)
- School uniform swap groups (WhatsApp, Facebook community pages). Look for your school on Facebook. We got a few things from there.
- School second-hand shops and fundraising sales (if available). Some schools have second hand clothing shops along with the new clothes as well.
- Hand-me-down system for siblings and cousins (label and store by size). We got a lot of this from relatives and friends. It’s been a life saver.
2.5 Uniform specials: major South African retailers
- SPAR is having a special where if you spend more than R350 with their loyalty card you can get school shoes for R75. This campaign runs from 29 December 2025 to 8 February 2026.
- PEP (school uniforms):https://www.pepstores.com/
- What to look for: school shirts, shorts, trousers, socks, basics. I always get the white takkies from either Pep or Ackermans.
- PEP is currently having a special for 99 cent shoes, but you must have bought R300 worth of uniform, pay with a FNB card and be a Plus One (their loyalty card) member. Deal valid from 4 January – 14 February 2026. Available in-store only! This is for the synthetic one, but you can get the leather one for R70 – R150.
- Ackermans (school uniforms):https://www.ackermans.co.za/
- What to look for: uniform staples, school shoes, winter items
If you buy online and spend R650, you can get R150 off. I’ve got a soft spot for Ackermans as I’ve bought many deals from there and they have also sponsored our Parenting Blog Awards in the past.
- Mr Price (school uniforms):https://www.mrp.com/en_za/
- What to look for: schoolwear, shoes, bags (range varies)
- Woolworths (school uniforms):https://www.woolworths.co.za/. You can defintely get quality from Woolworths.
- What to look for: longer-lasting basics, multipacks, quality knits
- Jam Clothing is another useful one. (See picture below)
Check local schoolwear shops for badge sewing and colour-matched items.
3) Stationery savings (get what the teacher wants, skip the extras)
3.1 Understand the stationery list (and where parents overspend)
- Focus on exact quantities and types first (HB pencils, 30 cm ruler, etc.)
- Avoid buying novelty items that don’t last – some lunchboxes just don’t cut it.
- Don’t overbuy extras until the first week is done
3.2 “Must-haves” by phase
- Foundation phase (more colouring, thicker pencils, glue sticks)
- Intermediate phase (more books, rulers, scissors, maths set)
- High school (scientific calculator requirements, lever arch files, exam pads)
3.3 Pick value, not just the cheapest item
- Pens that don’t leak, rulers that don’t crack, glue that holds. This also applies to water bottles that don’t leak. We have a few bad stories there…
- When to pay a bit more: calculator, geometry set, school bag
- When to go basic: pencils, erasers, sharpeners
3.4 Bulk buys and split shopping (simple ways to cut the bill)
- Team up with another parent for multi-packs
- Buy house brand where it works (exercise books, pens)
- Keep a “top-up list” for mid-term to avoid panic buys
3.5 Stationery specials: major South African retailers (links to check current deals)
- Takealot (stationery deals vary):https://www.takealot.com/
- What to look for: bulk stationery bundles, calculators, backpacks
- Makro (stationery and bulk packs):https://www.makro.co.za/
- What to look for: value multipacks, printers, paper, lunch gear
- Game (stationery and school supplies):https://www.game.co.za/
- What to look for: basics, backpacks, lunchboxes (range varies)
- PNA (specials often seasonal):https://www.pna.co.za/
- What to look for: branded stationery, school projects, art supplies
- Pick n Pay– check out this advert that was in the Sunday times:
- Clicks – also had an advert:
- Checkers also has a lot of specials on.
4) Save on the extras (bags, shoes, sports kit, lunch gear)
4.1 School bags and pencil cases
- Look for strong zips, reinforced straps, easy-clean fabric. The zips are often the things you have to check if they are working.
- One good bag can beat two cheap replacements
4.2 School shoes and socks
- Fit tips for growing feet: Check out this article. You should have a thumb-width space for the longest toe at the end of the shoe. The heel should be snug, but not tight. If the heel lifts with each step, the shoe is too big.
- To make shoes last have a polish routine (my dad used to do this once a week on a Sunday), and rotate if possible between shoes.
- Scroll up for several local specials on school shoes.
4.3 Sports kit and extras
- Buy only what the school requires for term one
- Borrow or buy second-hand for once-off events
4.4 Lunch and snack savings
- Reuse bottles and containers if they still seal (check carefully for leaks!)
- Simple, repeatable lunch plan (cuts waste and last-minute spending)
Conclusion
As parents, we are constantly thinking about all the expenses we have and how we are going to pay for them. But if you are smart and make small wise, choices, they all add up to the best you can do for your budget and your child. Stick to your list and trusted retailers. Plan and compare so that you can buy the item once without any disasters. We all know how important education is and getting them off to the right start. I wish you all the best in your shopping, and let me know in the comments if you find any other specials.
This post is a combination of AI and my own work.
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