Aliexpress whistles

I posted about this when I ordered. They came a couple of days ago.  They are a little smaller than I expected but they make a great loud noise. I am happy with them and will be ordering more. I put a sharpie in with them so you can judge size. 

Price is great! I paid 17 cents, now 18 cents. Remember, these come from China. I ordered on 11-11. 

They have on Amazon but are so much more expensive. 

Someone mentioned they but in all the 10-14 girl boxes for "protection". With the ring, it would be easy to wear around their neck on a ribbon.  

Link:

Aluminum Alloy Whistle Keyring Keychain Mini For Outdoor Emergency Survival Safety Sport Camping Hunting Free shipping

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Aluminum-Alloy-Whistle-Keyring-Keychain-Mini-For-Outdoor-Emergency-Survival-Safety-Sport-Camping-Hunting-Free-shipping/32428696351.html

Found Money: Kohls

Do you have a Kohls Card? I rarely use mine but because I have Inez, I get great offers. I just received $5 off $5 and a 30% off. 

I found these balls on sale 70% off (not marked). I walked out of the store today with 12 balls and I paid 28 cents including tax. 

Not too bad. 

FINAL BOX TALLY: JUST IN TIME FOR COLLECTION WEEK

I have my final total for 2015.  As I finished boxes, my dear Son would take them to an empty room in his condo.  I just needed them out of my house.  I didn't keep track of counts or anything.  He sorted and counted today.

Boys:
2-4  4
5-9  6
10-14 35

Girls:
2-4 3
5-9 2
10-14 29

Plus three that went over without labels that I will need to inspect.

So my grand total is 82.  Overall pretty pleased.  I also have a huge bag of Flip Flops and a box of little girl hair bows to take as fillers.  Also, gave my sister most of my girl leftovers.  She will be new to shoebox filling and she is committing to 40-50 10-14 girls                     

I have set my goal for 2016:  40 2-4 boys and 60 10-14 boys.

Just need to pray again over the boxes and wish them safe journeys to God's intended recipients. 

Shoestring Deal Toothbrush and Case

This is one of the few items I love for the shoeboxes from Dollar Tree. 

Three brushes and Three cases $1

Not all locations carry but you can order by the case, 24 packages of three. You can have delivered to your local store to save shipping. If you don't need 72, maybe you can share with a friend. 

https://www.dollartree.com/health-beauty/oral-care/Toothbrushes/Toothbrushes-with-Plastic-Travel-Cases-3-ct-Packs/591c601c1077p139448/index.pro

I always worry that something like this won't be there next year when I need it   

When putting in a box, I take the brush out of the package and put it in it's case. 

Did you shop Singles Day 11-11?

Did anybody obsess at Aliexpress.com on 11-11?  I spent way too much time before hand and most of the day yesterday finding things for Shoeboxes.  There were some good deals to be had and some big coupons that may not be reflected in the prices I will list below.

I should mention that the current price I will list may not be lowest you can find. Many vendors sell the same items and I bought the lowest price YESTERDAY

WOODEN WHISTLES (Pictured above)
i paid 58.4 cents, currently 75 cents
$1.79 on Amazon

FINGER PUPPETS (400 PIECES)
Can order by animal
I paid 22.7 cents each,  currently 31.8 
On Amazon 31 cents, 27 cents, shop around

FOAM PUZZLES
Flat packed, 18 different animals
I paid 39.25 cents, currently 44 cents

FOAM BLOCKS 

Flat packed, fits perfectly in a shoebox.  When all pieces connected, makes a 12"x12" mat

I paid 81.3 cents, currently $1.02

$2.29 Amazon

FOAM MASKS, ASSORTED
I paid 38.72 cents, currently 57 cents each

FUNNY GLASSES, Love these as there is a whistle and party blowers in the moustache.
I paid 37.4 cents, now not much different 44 cents

COMPRESSED TOWEL
This is more like a handi wipe but won't take a lot of room
12" x 16" when expanded
This was a great sale item
I paid 7.3 cents each, now 20 cents

PEARL HEADED STRAIGHT PINS

One disk has 40 pins

I paid 15.87 cents per disk, now 20.7 cents per disk

SEAM RIPPER
Good for sewing kits
I paid 13.1 cents, now 14 cents

NEEDLE THREADER
I paid 1.46 cents each, currently 1.68 cents each

NEEDLES
30 NEEDLES PER PLASTIC CASE
I paid 58 cents, currently 66 cents each

SOCCER MINI FIGURERS (about 2 inches tall)
in packages of 100 assorted
I paid 15.8 cents each, 17.3 cents now

ALUMINUM WHISTLE

Listed as survival whistle so not a toy

I paid 15.5 cents and currently sold out

Amazon 59 cents and up

WOODEN TANGRAM PUZZLE

I have a sheet to include in the boxes with puzzles

I paid 67 cents, currently 79 cents

SPIROGRAPH TOY
This is a good size and can double as a ruler too.
8" LONG
I paid 83.6 cents, now $1.09

"LEGO" MINIFIG

I paid 20.9 cents, now 26.6 cents each

REMEMBER, ALL OF THIS WAS FREE SHIPPING

WON'T BE HERE FOR THIS YEAR'S BOXES

Take politics out of Shoeboxes

I recently read a blog post outlining seven reasons NOT to fill shoeboxes.  You can google and you will find the post. 

First, let me state that I am a Lutheran and come to the table with a belief set and doctrine that is not always in line with Samaritan Purse. 

Second, let me state that I PERSONALLY don't agree with many of Franklin Graham's social views. I am also less than thrilled with the level of his annual compensation. 

I fill shoeboxes in full understanding of these differences. I don't financially support any other aspects of Samaritans Purse. 

This blog post that I referred to states that the kids don't need the items received. Of course, each box sent is packed differently but I refuse to believe this. If one follows the general guidelines provided (hygiene items, school supplies, something to wear, something to love, and something fun) the box given and received should be very useful.  One needs to remember possible cultural differences between our society and the possible recipients'.   There needs to  a good balance in your box. Don't pack all plastic toys from a $ store. 

Another point this recent blog post made was the disruption to the local economy. I have no first hand experience or expertise but I imagine if families could afford to buy these items, the kids wouldn't need a shoebox. 

You should be fully aware of the details of any charity you support including this one. I am aware but I still support this outreach. 

11-11 Aliexpress

I use Aliexpress all the time and for years, I have only ever had one problem. Aliexpress is an on-line marketplace, Connecting you with Chinese vendors. Annually, their version of Black Friday is Nov 11. You can go on now and search and see prices and add them to your cart now. You won't get in time for this year's boxes but great prices to put away. 

I have some screen captures of a couple of things I like. 

FOUND MONEY: STAPLES

I had a great couple of emails from Staples today.  If you aren't a member of Staples Rewards, sign up.

This morning, I got an email offering $5 in rewards back on any purchase if I ship on-line and pick up in the store.  This pack of 50 pens, reg $11.99, was on sale for $5.99 this week. Theis is a nicer pen than just a stick and love that it comes assorted so I can mix the colors.

Used ebates, so when all said and done, it will be 1.9 cents a pen.

Then this afternoon, I got another email with an anniversary $5 off any purchase.  Did this deal again.

i will end up with a 100 pens for $2. Yipee!

FOUND MONEY

Yippee, got another LL Bean catalog today with $10 off $10. Check your mail. I used it to get a cute boy t-shirt to put away for next year. 

One of my favorite items for 10-14 boxes back in stock

The Dollar Tree has been out of stock on this item for a long time while they changed packaging and the assortment. The old assortment use to have bird feeders, not a good Shoebox item.   I love these for boys. They can use markers to "paint". 

I have finished my boxes for 2015 but have already ordered for 2016 as I fear they won't be available. 

If you are working on boxes, you might want to hit your local store. 

My typical 10-14 Boy Box 2015

This is a pretty good representation of one of my 10-14 Boy Boxes this year.
I have listed below what went into most boxes and how much I spent.  The boy boxes costs on average around $10, more than my girl boxes.  I ended up using some Dollar Tree items that make it more $$.  My goal for next year is to find calculators at a better price,  I have already found paracord at a great price to replace the polypropolyne rope.

  “Typical" Shoebox Contained:

·         Drawstring Backpack  (.533, misprint lot from HJClosetouts.com)

·         Tooth Brush (.333, Dollar Tree, 3 toothbrushes, 3 cases $1)

·         Tooth Brush Case

·         Soap (free, had coupon and matched to sale at Rite-Aid, 6 free bars)

·         Sports/Tennis Towel (.172, found bag of brand new ones at Goodwill)

·         Comb (.083, Dollar Tree pack of 12)

·         Tissues (.063, I sewed tissue case with fabric I had on hand, split pack of Dollar Tree tissues 8/$1)

·         Pencil Box/Case (.10-50, Staples, Walgreens, CVS BTS clearance)

·         Scissors (.09,  CVS BTS clearance)

·         Jumbo Glue Stick (.09 CVS BTS clearance)

·         Two Novelty Erasers (.12 CVS BTS clearance)

·         Post-it Notes (.09 CVS BTS clearance)

·         Pencils (.24, 6 pencils Amazon special Dr. Seuss, 4 cents each)

·         Pens (.25  6 pens, variety of BTS clearance, Staples coupon deal, free with rebate)

·         Highlighter (.20, at least one, variety of BTS clearance, Staple coupon deals, free with rebate)

·         Pencil Sharpener (.09 CVS BTS clearance, or Oriental Trading, also 12/$1 Dollar Tree)

·         Colored Paper Clips/Binder (.015, from 1/6 of assortment from CVS BTS clearance)

·         Colored Pencils or Markers or Crayons (.25-.50, sales around BTS)

·         Squishy Novelty Pen w/Magnet on floppy end (.09, CVS BTS Clearance)

·         Composition Book (.25, was cut in half with band saw from one composition book on sale for 50 cents at Back to School Sales) or 150 sheets notebook paper, cut in half above

·         Hard cover Small USA notepad, wire bound (.10, Kole Import on-line, was 5 cent and about 5 cent shipping)

·         Dry Erase Sheet (.148, bought pack of 2 sided, 5 sheets from Toys r Us Clearance, cut in half, punched hole in corner and attached string for marker)

·         Dry Erase Marker (.333, 3/$1 at dollar tree, but can find on sale for less, free with rebate)

·         Rope ($1, Dollar Tree tool department)

·         Small Knot Booklet ( one sheet of paper folded into a booklet with picture instructions for different knots, I have this available for download)

·         Beanie Baby (.50  at garage sales if you don’t already have, can use any small stuffed animal)

·         Erector Set type Model ($1, Dollar Tree, metal set with small screw driver and wrench)

·         Sports Lanyard (.10, Kole Import, was 5 cents and about 5 cents shipping)

·         Candy (varies, will get candy canes for next year after Christmas)

·         2 Hot Wheels (1.40, got set of 20 from Amazon and divided up.  Don’t cheap cars, Hot Wheels & Matchbox good quality)

·         Two carabiners (.40, from Aliexpress.com – China)

·         Coloring Booklet (free from Watermelon Growers)

·         Miscellaneous Stickers (free from variety of places)

·         T-shirt Ball (free, made with old t-shirts)

·         LED Flashlight (.41 promo misprint, HJ Closeouts, free shipping)

·         Bottle Cap Necklace (5 cents, 5 cent shipping, Kole Import)

·         Least Two items from this list: deck of cards, socks, kite, dominos, tatapan/tic tac toe board and markers (have instructions and downloads available) , balloon helicopter (.24 Aliexpress), t-shirt free promo or cheap clearance, balloon rockets Dollar Tree,  flip flops seasonal clearance, water bottle, cup, bouncy ball (25 cents from Old Navy store “gumball” machine), tools from Dollar Tree, underwear, solar calculator, ruler, protractor, compass, artist or doodle pad,

·         Miscellaneous small items (like party favors, any small items to fill spaces)

KOLE IMPORTS: Cheap source for Shoebox Items

I have purchased quite a few things from Kole Imports.  The biggest problem is they are in California and I am in Georgia so shipping is expensive.  The way I look at it is, I double the price in my mind to cover freight.

You MUST sign up for their emails to get the very best sales.  Frequently, they have 5 cent and 10 cent items. You can only get access to these specials through email.   For example, they had the nail care items on sale this weekend for 5 cents!  Even if the freight doubles the price, I can put a nail clipper, tweezers, and nail file in a box for 30 cents.  The quality is fine.

If you live near them, you can pick up for FREE.

They ship pretty quick.  As when you place any order on line, you should always count and inspect.  

Here are some examples from my most recent order:

GIANT INK PADS  6 FOR 19 CENTS

Will include an activity sheet for fingerprint art

EXPANDING PEN

10 CENTS

SMALL NOTEPAD AND PEN

25 CENTS

MEGAPHONE NECKLACE

5 CENTS

COLLAPSABLE WATER BOTTLE and BOWL

I think it's nice to include a cup or bowl or both in a shoebox.  My big problem is they take up TOO MUCH room, even when I can stuff a beanie baby into a cup. I finally found something that met my price requirements (shoestring) and was gender and age neutral and was FLAT.

These were 35 cents each from Kole Imports.  When I ordered, there was a promo code for 10% off.  See my next post on Kole.  I don't want to muddy up this post.

This is also from Kole.  It solves the bowl space problem.  It is a collapsible bowl with a lid, 24 pieces to a box.  It fits perfectly in a go box.  It was 49 cent minus 10%.  See my post on Kole Imports here. 

Another inexpensive craft item

Here is another item that doesn't take a lot of room in a box. I have already posted origami instructions that can be downloaded. Great price from Ollies for 200 sheets 4x4". I ended up splitting a package and included in my folders with 6x6" paper 

Craft Or Creative items

I always like to include creative, crafty, items in my shoe boxes for both boys and girls. I think all kids need to express themselves in this way. 

I am particularly like this idea. I found these stencil at Oriental Trading ($1.88 for 12). I also got a jungle set for boys. These paper doll stencils should be fun for a long time. 

At Ollies, found a tablet of 200 sheets of construction paper for $3.69.  I have access to an industrial paper cutter and cut the pad into quarters. I split each quarter into smaller stacks. Ended up with 24 stacks at 15 cents each. 

You can check with your church or school as they often have paper cutters that can handle a big stack. I bet you could get print shop to do if for free. 

Put the four stencils and the construction paper into a ziplock sandwich bag. I had some small sheets of patterned cardstock already cut and stuck it in the bag. 

Cost effective:  .63 + .15

creative and long lasting

Something to share with friends and doesn't take up a lot of room in the box. 

2-4 Boxes: Preschool Items

I discovered a new store yesterday, I am sure I am "late" to the party. Ollies had a couple of good shoebox items. 

I want to talk about this one. Price is great at 29 cents, dry erase maker and number cards. Yes, the numbers are in English but I think still good for the 2-4 boxes. They can learn to count the animals and learn to write the numbers. There is also a doodle sheet in the set. 

My daughter in law taught a Title 1 school in Charleston and her kids often weren't prepared for school. I imagine shoebox recipients have very little preschool prep. I think if we try to include some items that have a dual purpose of fun and learning, it could go a long way to help a child be ready for school    

FOUND MONEY: OPEN STAPLES EMAIL

If you aren't a member of Staples Rewards, you should join and also sign up to get their emails as lots of deals may come your way. I think you also get a $25 coupon for copy and print center, great for your shoebox letters.

This is the second time in a week that I got a "free $10" offer.

This one was for an order placed on-line but picked up in the store.  Fantastic found money offer.

I needed some more dry erase markers to go with my wipe off boards, I got 12 assorted markers for FREE.  I double dipped as these markers are regularly $17.99 and had instant coupon savings making them $10.

Dollar Tree: A Good Shoebox Item

This an item I love:

1. It fits in the box easily. 

2.  It is great as it has construction paper, drawing paper and tracing paper. 

3.  You can order on-line and have if delivered to your store. 

http://m.dollartree.com/mt/www.dollartree.com/office-school/paper-notebooks/Mini-3-in-1-Activity-Pads/610c567c567p88226/index.pro?method=search

4.  Good for all ages and both boys and girls. Great gender neutral item. 

The down side is that when your order, the case has 48 pieces, maybe you could share with a friend. 

MAKING SPACE: REMOVING PACKAGING

I love these mini erector sets from the Dollar Tree for 10-14 boys boxes.  I ordered a case (24) and had them delivered to the store.  The packaging states 6+, there are lots of fiddly bits and think 6-8 is a little young.  The on-line reviews stated that their 6 year old had hard time.

I have not an square millimeter to spare in terms of space in my Go Boxes.  I decided to shed the boxes.  I cut out the picture on the front.  I then scanned the assembly instructions and printed them two-up.  In case any of you bought these, I have uploaded the instructions:

 DOWNLOAD HERE

 DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

I put the two sealed packages from the box, the cut-out picture of the model and the assembly instructions in a baggie.  I taped it closed with a piece of washi tape.  It seems like a lot of trouble but I will be able to add another item to the box now.

SHOESTRING: ORIGAMI KIT

 Use your 50% any one item at Michaels (in store as they don't carry on line) to buy the 300 pack of origami paper (6x6).

I dealt it out by color (16 colors) and ended up with 17 sets.  (.40 cents a set)

I used the 15 cent pocket folders from Staples BTS to make up a kit.  The package contained great picture instructions, in three languages.  I scanned and cleaned it up so it would fit on two pages (free copy paper).  On these, I took a dinner plate go round the flaps.  You can find tutorial on the folder here.http://shoeboxesonashoestring.blogspot.com/2015/09/shoestring-make-folder-for-stationary.html

You can download below.

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

So for around 55 cents you have something great for older boys and girls kits and since it is flat, doesn't take up a lot of room.