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.

FOUND MONEY: Staples Survey

I clicked on an email from Staples this morning asking me to do a short survey for a $10 off any regular price purchase. It took less than five minutes and when done took me straight to a link to print. FOUND MONEY. 

I went over to check out clearance and found these cute play doh trucks at $4.99 each. Normally, I would not have  spent full price for this but with my FOUND MONEY, I got these two for free. Great wow item for 2-4 boys. 

Moral: click on emails from known companies, you never know what is inside. 

SHOESTRING: SOAP DEAL AT TARGET

As I have stated before, not a big couponer but when I know I will be buying a specific item.

Target has a deal this week, $5 gift card with $15 personal care purchase.  I need more soap for my boxes.

99 cents for 3 bars, I googled Ivory soap coupons and found a 50 cent coupon. I could print two on my computer and two on my husband's computer.
This isn't has confusing as it seems:

15 packages x .99 =  $15
Minus $2 total coupons
Total: $13
$13 divided by 45 bars = .289 cents per bar and $5 in FOUND MONEY (Target gift card)

OR IF you want to think of it this way....
$13 minus $5 gift card = $8  or .178 cents per bar

For last minute needs, this isn't a bad deal.


(If you have a Red Card, 5% more off, or 16.33 cents each)

MY 2CENTS ON WASHCLOTHS

i

I know most experience shoebox packers include a wash cloth.  I have three points to make.

1.  Use packaging to sew a hanging loop on the cloth.  Have you ever sent a kid to camp?  There aren't usually towel bars available, maybe a nail.  I imagine that this might also be the case for shoebox recipients.  I think it is a thoughtful thing to do.  It only takes a minute or so.  
I use the ribbon or twill tape that comes around the package.  I have always had enough.  See below.

2.  Do any of you live in the South and have boys?  When my boys were small, it was IMPOSSIBLE to keep their socks white. Back to the Summer Camp theme, white items were never a good thing to send with them.  This would also be true for shoebox recipients using well water or river water.

I try not to send white washcloths, a few sneak through when in an assortment.  Try to pick colors that won't be stained with mineral stains.

3.  Prices are all over the place.

Home Goods:  $4.99 for 8
Big Lots $5 for 9 (some packages have 8)
Walmart $3.47 for 18
Target on sale $3 for 8  ( I haven't seen these in person)

In the past, I used the Walmart ones.  I have given up even the price is soooo good.  These are cheap, thin, flimsy.  When my husband was doing his PhD research in Mexico, I remember how HARSH the detergent was.  Our clothes were in tatters when we left.  The Walmart washcloths just won't last.  Spend  few extra bucks and spring for a quality washcloth.  Does anyone have any feedback on the Target ones?  Other sources?

SHOESTRING: CVS BACK TO SCHOOL CLEARANCE 90%

Yesterday, CVS went to 90% off yesterday. DH went out this morning (on his own) as he knew I needed more scissors and pencil sharpeners. Look at the picture he just sent me. 

Glue sticks 2.5 cents each!  So much more. 

If your store hasn't marked down yet, try next Sunday morning. I talked to a store manager today, she said they get their work order/mark downs on Sunday morning (at least in the Atlanta area). 

School Supplies Pencil Sharpener

I always include a pencil sharpener but I am funny about them. Most of the cheapie ones don't work well at all!  The pencil gets chewed up and it would frustrate me. 

I don't pack any until I test. I found these at a different Dollar Tree than I usually shop at. They aren't the cheapest you can find but they seem to work well. They  are lidded which is nice and you turn the lid to "lock" the shavings inside. 

Unfortunately, I didn't see on the website. 

UPC CODE 6-3927798446-3

Item:  178446-033-061615 

Shoestring: DOLLAR GENERAL TODAY

I know it's late but get to your nearest Dollar General before they close today. 50% off clearance. 

This is my haul today;

11 pairs big boys mesh shorts (aka basketball shorts)

11 Super Mario, Avengers and Sophia Bowls

2 sets avenger flatware 

12 kids water bottles

28 misc summer toys ( magnifying glasses, blow up wand, flapping flyers, etc)

3 plastic binoculars 

Drum roll please....

$21.24. Plus tax. Wowie 

SHOESTRING; FUN PRINTED DUCT/DUCK TAPE

I love to include Duck Tape but it is usually way too expensive.

13Deals.com has all these prints available for $1.50 a roll and only $1.25 if you buy 20 rolls (sold in two roll packs, so 10 packs of two gets the discount).  Shipping is only 99 cents.

http://www.13deals.com/store/products/42223-2-pack-of-duck-brand-designer-duct-tape-pick-your-favorite-designs-unlimited-99-cent-shipping-so-load-up


What can a shoebox child do with duct tape:

• Repair something in home
• Crafts (can include copy of how to make a wallet)
• Kids here use to make cardboard homes for stuffed animal
• Mark things that belong to them.  I put this tape on all my phone cords to make sure family members from wandering off with them

What else can you think of?