{
  "id": 3046064,
  "title": "Spread buying and swap uniforms: How to cut down on back-to-school costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/spread-buying-and-swap-uniforms-how-to-cut-down-on-back-to-school",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T14:37:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/2026/08/24/spread-buying-and-uniform-swaps-how-to-cut-down-on-back-to-school-costs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the academic year approaches, parents face the daunting task of preparing their children for school with a myriad of items on their shopping lists. This includes school uniforms, sports kits, shoes and often, many other items such as pencil cases and water bottles. Megan Lawler, a parent of three and founder of Dubai Mums Meet, acknowledges that the start of the school year can be a stressful time for families, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The 2024 survey by Cigna Healthcare revealed that 45 per cent of respondents cited the UAE cost of living as a leading cause of stress. Moreover, the transition back to school after the summer break often comes with additional financial strain, as parents must also pay school fees and purchase various day-to-day supplies. According to a 2026 YouGov poll conducted in the UK, 48 per cent of parents spend over £100 (Dh501, $136) on new school items, highlighting the high costs associated with preparing for the new academic year. Natalie Maaitah, a child and adolescent psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre, notes that while it is normal for parents to feel some pressure during the transition back to school, the pressure has evolved into a larger social and cultural event. Retailers often showcase different trends for each term, adding to the stress parents feel about preparing their children adequately. Budgeting expert Caz Mooney emphasizes that financial constraints can arise when all expenses are due in one month, creating emotional financial pressure. Parents often feel the need to buy everything new, even if they do not necessarily require the items immediately. The YouGov poll also found that 44 per cent of parents make most of their back-to-school purchases during a dedicated shopping trip before the new school year begins, compared to 38 per cent who buy items as needed throughout the school year. Mooney suggests that this second approach can help spread the cost more evenly. Many schools provide a list of required items that usually covers the entire year, allowing parents to spread the cost over a longer period. This approach eases the pressure on the household budget, especially when buying for more than one child. In recent years, the stigma around buying second-hand items has diminished in the UAE. Schools now offer opportunities for parents to donate old uniforms, and Facebook groups are filled with offers of free or discounted items that children have outgrown. The shift towards embracing second-hand shopping is driven by social media influence, cost-of-living concerns and growing environmental awareness. Budgeting experts recommend that parents consider buying pre-owned items, such as uniforms and shoes, as they can save money, particularly because children often grow out of things quickly. Additionally, buying quality products that will last several years instead of constantly replacing cheaper items can also help reduce costs. Involving children in the process of donating items they no longer use can teach them about the environmental impacts of clothing and the financial benefits of saving money. It also provides an opportunity to discuss whether their desires align with their actual needs, reinforcing the message that having something newer does not equate to being more valued or successful.",
  "summary": "Time is ticking for parents to prepare their children for the academic year ahead. This often comes with a long shopping list. School uniforms, sports kits and shoes might be outgrown and need replacing. Yet parents are often encouraged to buy everything new, from pencil cases to water bottles, so costs quickly add up. “The start of the school year can be a really stressful time for families,”…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}