Overview

• Nationwide reports parents expect to spend about £329 per child this year, a 70% rise on last year, with many citing pressure to buy trending items.
• Rakuten/Opinium finds parents estimate £131 per child at the start of term, while 43% say their child loses an item within six weeks.
• Tech, school shoes and blazers are the costliest to replace, with many families also dealing with outgrown or damaged items during the year.
• Back Market’s research suggests children are pushing for an average £845 worth of gear when tech and branded items are included, and most parents say they will struggle to afford everything.
• Families are cutting costs with refurbished devices, school second‑hand shops and resale apps such as Vinted, according to survey responses and money‑saving advice.