WHERE TO GET THE BEST BARGAINS

Money-smart parents share their favourite haunts for terrific deals.


ONLINE GEMS
“Gmarket.com.sg is a treasure trove of great children’s bargains from various vendors, all under one virtual roof. I snagged comfy pajamas and adorable training pants for my boy. The Little Peach is one of my fave sellers. And because many of the vendors are local, shipping usually takes less than a week. Check out the reviews before you buy, to make sure the seller is reliable. “For toys, renting from toyrentalworld.com is less expensive than buying, especially when it comes to bigger toys. Renting also allows me to gauge my child’s interest in the toy before spending good money on it.”
– Dewi Joel Chandra, 35, student radiographer with two kids aged two years and six months.

WEAR TO SHOP
“Babymallonline.com is as cheap as it gets for onesies and towels. You can bag cheeky and even personalised bodysuits from just US$3 ($3.90), and value packs mean even lower prices. It has a huge range of hooded towels, more generously sized and at half the price of what you usually find at local retailers.
“For quality babywear at value-for-money prices, I go to www.thechildrensplace.com, where there are fantastic steals under the clearance section. I love its basics – it uses incredibly soft cotton that washes really well!”
– D. Chan, 31, lawyer with two kids aged three years and seven months.

FOOD FOR TOT
“We like Tott at Sime Darby Centre for breakfast with the kids on weekends. The play corner keeps them entertained, so my husband and I don’t have to rush through our meal, and you can have a satisfying breakfast all for under $6 per person. If your little ones are still bursting with energy, you can always bring them to the baking studio afterwards.”
– Low Inn Sze, 30s, speech therapist with two kids aged five and one.

BOOK A BUY
“If you’re looking for cheap reads, Bras Basah Complex is the place to go. Children Book Centre on Level 4 has a wonderful range of brand new children’s books, and it offers a further 30 per cent discount off the price tag.”
– Grace Tang, 34, part-time HR consultant with two kids aged three and two, and one more on the way.

VALUE FOR MUMMY
“Kidzloft.com is my go-to for great deals on everything from toys to baby gear. You can shop online if you prefer not to head to its outlet. It always has something on offer, and it gets better on your kid’s birthday month, when you enjoy 50 per cent off its house brands.
“When I’m not cooking, I like to take my kids to Marche. The kid’s meal at $8.90 is a steal – you get a drink, toy and main dish. You can choose from healthy, fresh juices at no extra charge. Plus, the portions are so generous, I usually get some bites from my toddler’s plate!”
– Rachel Wee, 36, stay-at-home mum with two kids aged three and one.

GO LOCAL “While the local wet market doesn’t seem like a likely place for trendy kids’ clothes, I’ve discovered funky, branded kidswear at the wet market at Block 84 Marine Parade Central. Even though prices are cheap, you’re not left wanting when it comes to quality.”
– Connie Koh, 37, stay-at-home mum with a two-year-old toddler.

Read the November 2011 issue of Young Parents for more expert advice and local tips to make you a better mum or dad.