Welcome back to Broke in Bristol – the blog that helps you save money, make money and live life to the full on a shoestring. If, like me, you’re looking forward to summer but worried about the cost, here’s my guide to 50 things you might want to buy from the pound shop before you go.
Happy Campers…
Little Miss Diva and I were so excited by the amount of camping essentials on sale at Poundland in Bedminster that we probably attracted a few funny looks! Our favourites were the 5 in 1 camping knife, 3 in 1 can opener, mini saucepan and pack of 20 disposable toilet seat covers. From mini torches to tent pegs, peg extractors, camping mallets, camping stools, water carriers and a Happy Camper mug, Poundland seems to have thought of everything this year. Prepare yourself for the inevitable rainy days with a small umbrella, pack of two raincoats and ponchos. You can also hang your clothes out to dry on your tent with a handy pack of three travel clothes hangers.
To the beach…
It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the seaside. While Little Miss Diva convinced me she needed a splash proof beach bag and a water bottle to take to the beach, I couldn’t help but notice how the fishing rod would be perfect for toddlers and that there were flip flops and crocs on sale for a quid! We stocked up on mosquito and insect repellent, sun lotion and aftersun and an ear plugs and mask set for when mummy wants to catch some ZZZs. There is also a travel pillow for younger sleepyheads, a pack of two travel adapters for a quid and an impressive LED combination torch that doesn’t need batteries as you pump it up. You can also pick up luggage straps and padlocks.
Pack a picnic…
Prepare for your summer picnics with a picnic blanket, pack of 24 paper plates, plastic glasses, plastic cutlery, salad tongs, a cooler bag, ice cube blocks and freezer blocks. Let the kids entertain themselves with footballs, spinning hoops and skipping ropes.
Enjoy the garden…
For quieter days at home, I’m making it my mission to spruce up the garden this summer with a bird feeder, bamboo torch, solar lights and rainbow garden windmill. Zap away those pesty insects with the electronic insect zapper or incense sticks for the garden. I also stocked up on a disposable BBQ, pack of two BBQ utensils, a BBQ lighter and BBQ charcoal.
And finally…
On a trip to London last year, Little Miss Diva spent £10 of her pocket money on a selfie stick. This was against my advice, but as it was her money, I had to back down. Imagine her face when she saw a similar one in Poundland for a quid! Priceless!
These items were available at Poundland in Bedminster when we visited in May 2017, but stores do vary their stock. What are your best pound shop bargains? Let us know by leaving a comment. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page, so that you never miss an update!
