Can you believe we’re already in July?! Summer is officially here, the school holidays are just around the corner, and there are some brilliant ways to save money over the next few weeks.
I’ve rounded up the best summer sales, some great-value family days out (including a new scheme that’s making attractions cheaper this summer!), and a few of my favourite finds to help you make the most of the season.
🛍️ The Best Summer Sales Right Now
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, home or holiday essentials, these are the sales I’d be browsing this week…
Fashion
- John Lewis – up to 50% off fashion, beauty, home and kids. Good for holiday outfits or a proper refresh.
- M&S – summer sale across womenswear, menswear, kids and home. Solid for holiday staples.
- Mint Velvet – summer sale is on, with some really lovely pieces going.
Home & Garden
- B&Q – good savings on outdoor furniture, BBQs and garden extras.
- Argos – up to a third off selected home, including Habitat. Worth a browse.
- John Lewis Home – worth a look for seasonal bits.
Beauty
- Boots – proper savings on skincare, SPF and holiday bits. Always my first stop before a trip.
- LOOKFANTASTIC – big brand names at proper discounts. Use code FLASH22 for 22% off for pay day (subject to conditions).
- Cult Beauty – up to 30% in their top beauty sale.
❤️ My Sale Picks
Summer Day
The blue shirt dress that does all the work for you, a chambray shirt dress you’ll live in, and gold flat sandals that go with everything.
Summer Evening
The peach floral maxi, gold block heels you can actually walk in, and a straw clutch for when you want to feel a bit fancy.
🌡️ Preparing for Heatwave Part 2
If the last one caught you out, you’re not alone. Couldn’t get your hands on a fan? Pools sold out everywhere? By the time I’d worked out what we actually needed, the internet had beaten me to all of it.
So before the next mad rush kicks in and prices go up again, I’ve had a proper dig around for the ones you can still get hold of now.
🌬️ The tower fan that’s quietly brilliant
💨 A proper bladeless one, with low energy consumption
🏊 Paddling pools still in stock & larger pools still available
🛏️ Cooling bedding that makes a real difference
🚿 A garden sprinkler the kids will love
🎢 Family Days Out Just Got Cheaper!
If you’ve been putting off booking days out because of the cost, there’s some good news. The Government has temporarily reduced VAT on many family attractions from 20% to 5% until 1 September, and lots of attractions are passing those savings straight on to visitors.
Some worth checking out include:
🎡 LEGOLAND
🎢 Alton Towers
🦁 Longleat
🎬 Odeon & Vue
🍔 Plus children’s meals at restaurants including McDonald’s, Nando’s, Greene King and Wetherspoons are included in the scheme too.
If you’re planning family adventures over the next few weeks, it’s definitely worth checking prices again, you might be pleasantly surprised!
💛 Small Business Shout Outs
Two this week, both here to help us parents out!
With all the noise around the under-16 social media ban, real-world, offline stuff feels more important than ever. So first up, Clubland Playscheme in Surrey. Run by a mum of three (hi, kindred spirit), it’s a 100% screen-free holiday club. No devices, no algorithms, just proper old-school running-around fun. If you’re in the area and looking at holiday cover, have a nose.
And the second is one for the parent who’s read all the books, tried all the frameworks, and is still standing there at 7am going, “yes but what do I do with THIS child?” The Parenting Collaborative, run by Lauren Greeno (child development specialist, mum of two) is about understanding your specific kid, not kids in general. Research-backed, zero shame, actually useful.
Explore The Parenting Collaborative >
I hope this gives you a few ideas for making the most of summer without spending a fortune, my full summer holiday guide will be coming soon!
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.