Deals Hunters Blog

Second-hand shopping has grown in popularity, both online and in charity shops. But what some don't realise is that you can often find BRAND-NEW clothing on second-hand sites. Not only can this save you money, but it's a more sustainable option for the planet too.

When you think about Blue Peter, whatever your age, its highly coveted pin badges likely spring to mind. You might assume they're hard to get hold of, but with a bit of effort, kids can earn a badge fairly easily...

I love a good coupon, but what's a girl to do when there aren't any suitable for your shop? Downshift your shop, that's what! 

Many of us regularly reach for a cup of coffee or tea to give us a caffeine boost, but if you’re out and about and can't bring a thermos from home, the cost of this can quickly mount up.

Nothing beats the feeling of a new pair of shoes, but this can quickly turn into heartache if they get scuffed the first time you wear them. So why not save yourself the misery (and some dosh) with a pair that isn't quite immaculate in the first place?

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but I'm here to prove otherwise. In fact, it's possible to get a free breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks, if you know where to look. Come along with me on my day of free feasting, and I'll show you how you can do it too.

The Lindt chocolate bunny is widely regarded as the gold standard of Easter treats, though it's rarely the most MoneySaving bunny-shaped choc – so in classic MSE fashion, this called for a taste test. The team at MSE Towers were all ears when we asked for volunteers to taste cheaper supermarket own-brand chocolate bunny alternatives alongside Lindt. So let's stop rabbiting on and hop to it. 

Veganuary (where people try veganism for January) is like Christmas for vegans as it's when most of the new products and deals launch. As a vegan of over 17 years, I've handpicked the top deals and latest offers to help you save money (as well as animals and the planet). Have a scroll through, or jump to the deals:

With the festive season in full swing, the Deals Team put their heads together to uncover answers to the true questions of Christmas. No, not Why is my turkey always so dry? or Who writes those terrible Christmas cracker jokes? But Who sells the best mince pies? Is it mince 'pie in the sky' to think that a 99p box could be tastier than one retailing at £12.95? Wait and see. Brandy butter and forks at the ready all, as this is: The MSE Mince Pie Taste Test 2022.

At MSE, we’ve challenged you to ‘downshift’ your grocery shop for years (check our Downshifting Guide), but you can also save on make-up and beauty products by downshifting from brands to much cheaper ‘dupes’ – lookalike products, where often even the packaging is similar to the expensive brand.