Summer is the perfect time for family fun and Meridian’s stores make it affordable. From outdoor toys to boredom busters and easy ways to save on food, we’ve put together our top low-cost finds. Enjoy a memorable and wallet-friendly season.
Easy Outdoor Fun
Enjoy easy outdoor fun this summer with a great selection of items in our stores, including water guns, games, and bubble-tastic toys!
The Works – Water Gun – £7.00
One Beyond – Splash Water Slider – See prices in-store
The Works – PlayWorks Kite Flyer – £1.20
WHSmith – Wahu Zoom Ball Game – £11.25
One Beyond – Inflatable Boat – See prices in-store
The Works – Build Your Own Den Kit – £10.00
The Works – Light Up Bubble Shooter – £2.50
Boredom Busters
While we’re praying for a sunny summer holidays, as we know, that’s not always the case in the UK! So for days when the weather isn’t being kind, opt for craft kits, games, and indoor play opportunities like a visit to Wonder. Check out these great ideas to keep boredom at bay.
The Works – Scrapbook Kit – £7.00
WHSmith – Buzzer Game – £7.00
Havant Library – Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years old that takes place each year in libraries across the UK. In Hampshire the challenge runs until Saturday 7th September. Sign up at Havant Library where children can collect stickers to add to their Summer Reading Challenge collector card. All children who read six books and complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad tablet and those who complete the challenge will also receive a certificate and a sustainable wooden medal.
WHSmith – Summer Puzzle Magazine – £4.95
CeX – Bluey the Videogame XBox Game – See prices in-store
Wonder – 6 Weeks Unlimited Play Offer – 1 Child Family £40, 2 Child Family £55
Havant Library – Colouring Competition for a chance to win a £5 Waitrose Gift Card.
WHSmith – Lots of Travel Puzzles & Games Book – See price in-store
4 Ways to Save On Food this Summer
During the summer holidays, when the kids are off school and parents are busy, it can be challenging to eat well and save money. Try our 4 tips season to make life that little bit easier.
1. Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals for the week ahead not only removes the stress of thinking what to eat each day, it helps you buy only what you need and in turn saves money! Try this Pinch of Nom Food Planner we spotted at WHSmith.
WHSmith – Pinch of Nom Food Planner – £10.11
2. Store Your Food Properly
Properly storing your food will ensure it lasts longer, saving you from throwing it – and your money – away. Pick up an airtight container at One Beyond.
One Beyond – Vacuum Storage Container – See prices in-store
3. Batch Cook
Batch cooking can save money by allowing you to buy ingredients in bulk and reduce the frequency of expensive last-minute meals. For inspiration, try this book – Eat Well for Less: Family Feasts on a Budget from The Works.
The Works – Eat Well for Less Family Feasts on a Budget – £5.00
4. Add More Veggies
Meat can be expensive to buy, especially if it forms the base of all your meals. Try adding more veggies this summer with the Little Green Kitchen Vegetarian Family Recipes book from Havant Library.
Havant Library – Little Green Kitchen Vegetarian Family Recipes
Prices correct at time of publishing.
