Mums have revealed the bargain items they can't live without - and some are so basic they may come as a surprise.
Parents have taken to Mumsnet to share the unusual items they have on their shopping list and in their homes that make the biggest difference.
One mum prompted the discussion after posting a thread entitled 'What’s something you buy which is cheap/basic that is really good?' on the site.
She added: "Mine is bars of unscented soap from (predictably) Aldi, and also Waitrose own salt and vinegar crisps. What gems are in your life?"
This prompted a discussion from mums across the UK sharing what they love most about a supermarket bargain.
One mum said supermarket versions of big brand names were her go-to. She said: "Tesco own cherry Pepsi dupe. Think it's called X or something. I prefer it to actual Pepsi"
Another agreed: "After years of using fancy clothes wash, when they discontinued Method super concentrated laundry liquid, I switched to own brand plain pack clothes detergent. It's brilliant at cleaning clothing, lasts forever ever, low scent and is packaged in a cardboard box."
"Lidl washing powder is just as good as the branded stuff for a fraction of the price. Morrisons own biscuits are much cheaper and very nice," added another.
Some mums had swapped shower gel for plain old soap - and found it so much better and eco-friendly.
One mum said: "I bought bar soap during the first lockdown as I couldn’t buy shower gel etc. It’s amazing. I use it in the bathroom and kitchen sink for hand washing and in my shower. That stuff lasts so long and plastic free!"
Another said: "Agree with soap. And washing powder. Cheap vinegar and bicarb for clearing drains.
All things I mainly started for environmental reasons but are way cheaper and more effective as well."
Another mum said she liked bargain shampoo versus the big, more expensive brands. She said: "Alberto Balsam shampoo and conditioner. Think they are £1 a bottle. My hair looks and feels fab plus it smells lovely. Since I started using it my hair has no tangles."
While another mum swore by M&S bargain underwear. She said: "M&S sleep bras. £11 something in the sale. I use them as normal bras."
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