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IT’S a new school term and time to fill lunchboxes with some affordable, homemade snacks.

Skip the shop-bought options with these easy recipes to stretch your January budget.

Hands packing a healthy school lunch box with sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt.
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These five easy recipes will help stretch your January budgetCredit: Getty

OAT-STANDING BARS: Ditch cereal bars for homemade oat bars made with just three ingredients.

You need: 240g oats, £1.25, 240g honey, £1.75, and 60g peanut butter, £1.09, all from Asda.

Mix everything in a bowl, spread on a shallow baking tray, and bake on a low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Once cool, cut into bite-sized bars.

READ MORE MONEY TIPS

The oats provide slow-releasing energy, keeping the children fuller for longer.

CHOCS AWAY: Make your own chocolate bars.

Melt cooking chocolate, £1.09, and stir in Harvest Morn crisp rice cereal, 79p, both from Aldi.

Add cupboard extras like nuts, dried fruit, or marshmallows.

Pour into a shallow dish, refrigerate until set, then slice.

TRY A PITTA THIS: Transform plain pitta breads, 65p per pack at Sainsbury’s, into crispy snacks.

I’m a thrifty mum who gets £5 blazers & budget packed lunches - save £140 on back-to-school with my tips

Cut into triangles, lightly brush with oil, bake until golden, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

A tasty and cost-effective alternative to individual packs of crisps.

ROLL WITH IT: Homemade fruit rolls are simple to make.

Thaw Morrisons Wonky frozen berries, £2.99 for 1kg, overnight, then blend and add a spoonful of honey.

Spread the mix thinly on a lined tray and bake on a low heat until set.

Once cooled, roll and slice into bite-sized strips or rolls.

POP IT IN: Avoid pricey popcorn packs and instead pick up Tesco popcorn kernels, £1.80.

Pop them at home for a fraction of the cost — one pack will give you plenty of portions.

Dust with icing sugar, a pinch of salt, or even cinnamon for a delicious snack.

Make a large batch today and separate into sandwich bags to help with speedy lunchbox packing for the rest of the week.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

Olay Regenerist Night Cream jar.
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The popular Olay Regenerist Night Cream is better than half-price at Tesco right nowCredit: Supplied

OLAY Regenerist Night Cream is a cult favourite and it’s better than half-price at Tesco right now.

Previously £34, get it for £15 with a Clubcard.

SAVE: £19

Cheap treat

Müller Corner yogurt with vanilla chocolate balls and banana chocolate flakes.
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A four-pack of Muller Corner Crunch yoghurts is £1.50 for Co-op membersCredit: Supplied

FRIDGE filler – a four-pack of Muller Corner Crunch yoghurts is usually £3.20.

It’s £1.50 to Co-op members.

SAVE: £1.70

What's new?

IF you received a new Apple device for Christmas, did you know Apple runs free in-store workshops to help you get to grips with new products?

Head to apple.com today to find times and locations near you.

Top swap

Joop! Homme perfume bottle.
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Joop! Homme eau de toilette is £20.99 at justmylook.comCredit: Supplied
Scentalis Him Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, 100ml.
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Or visit Poundland to find Scentalis Him Pour Homme for just £1Credit: Supplied

SMELL amazing when you use Joop! Homme eau de toilette 125ml.

It has an RRP of £64 but is £20.99 at justmylook.com.

Or head to Poundland to find Scentalis Him Pour Homme, 100ml, for just £1.

SAVE: £19.99

Little helper

FURTHER markdowns mean terrific savings at Matalan.

Head to stores or see matalan.co.uk to get up to 70 per cent off original prices such as this dress, now £7.

Shop & save

Black SodaStream sparkling water maker with bottle.
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Save £60 on your own Sodastream ArtCredit: Supplied

MAKE your own fizzy water at home with the Sodastream Art and 60-litre gas megapack.

Was £149.99, now £89.99 at Lakeland.

SAVE: £60

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The Sun raffle ticket.
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