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

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

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 

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.

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.

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; 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?

SHOESTRING: ANOTHER FOUND MONEY

Thanks to Hip2Save.com. 

Free $10 credit to JC PENNEY

HANDMADE: T-SHIRT YARN BALLS

T-Shirt balls for boxes!  I am kind of addicted to making these. Shoebox Shoppers on Facebook shared this project. 

I have made a bunch and have some tips and refinements. 

For your info:  I got seven balls out of a XL men's shirt, it was a South Pole brand that tends to be extra long. I had an old t-shirt pillow case tha needed to be retired. I made five balls. 

I cut my strips a little narrower than her instructions, around 1/2 inch. 

I cut the strips into four inch lengths vs. six inches. I use 120 strips and an 8 inch zip tie. I wish I had less robust zip tie. 

Once you have them zip tied, cut off the zip tie tail. I use the open edge of my scissors to shave off any sharp edges left. 

Now, if is time to twist and fluff. I grab a few strands around the middle and twist one way, grab a few more and twist the other way.   Fluff around the ball. 

Time for a Hair Cut.  I like the strands to be even. Have you ever made a yarn pompom?  This is just a t-shirt pompom. 

Finished Balls!  Think these are great, thanks Shoebox Shoppers 

SHOESTRING: FOUND MONEY

One way I think about putting money aside for Operation Christmas Child expenses, is using what I call found money. It can come from a variety of places.  I really only do two things regularly. I know others do Swag Bucks and regularly earn Amazon gift cards.  I am just not that disciplined.  Just google it and I am sure you will find tons of tricks and tips to maximize your earnings.


As I said before, I'm not an avid couponer.  Since I am a Target shopper, I do look in their weekly ad for their $5 gift card promos.  You have to buy a dollar amount or a number of an item and you earn a $5 gift card at check out.  If it is something I need or use, I will try to match to a coupon.  There are many blogs that track the info.  I like Hip2Save.com

I will use the $5 specifically for Shoeboxes.


The other regular source of found money is Ebates.  They give you a small rebate back on most of your on-line purchases.  You just need to remember to start at Ebates before you go to a site to shop.  Frequently, they have double cash back.  They are doing it right now.  

I use Chrome and there is an app that puts an Ebates button on my toolbar.  It flashes in red when I go to a site that they work with so it is harder to forget.

Right now I have $27.24 in my ebates account.  They will mail me a check at the end of the quarter.  Again, it does help.  It is definitely found money as it comes from things I was buying anyway.

Here is my referral link, full disclosure, I will be getting rewarded if you sign up but remember, it goes into my found money shoebox account.  You can certainly set up you own referrals too   

One other way, Credit Card Rewards.  We charge everything, but pay our bill in full each month.     I use the credit card points to "buy" gift cards. I have $100 Walmart and $100 Target card due in any day now. Another source of "Found Money". 

What are your sources of Found Money?

HOMEMADE: STRATEGY GAME

Tic Tac Toe seems to be the go to game to include in shoeboxes.  I don't know about your kids, but the thrill wears off by the time they are three.

I searched for a little more challenging game and found TAPATAN.  Although this version is from the Philippines, there are variations around the world.  The game lasts longer than a game of Tic Tac Toe so I thought it would be better for older kids.

I have created several versions which I will share below.
1.  Gel Transfer to Wood
2.  Paint on Wood
3.  Self Stick floor Tile
4.  Laminated

You can download a PDF with four boards here.

You can download a PDF with instructions in English/Spanish/French here.

1.  GEL TRANSFER

I love using Gel Medium (artist supply) to transfer images to wood.  I am not as happy with this result as other projects I have done.  I think it may have to do with there isn't solid enough background or lines.  Gel Medium can be kind of expensive so be sure to use a 40% off coupon.  A jar will last a long time.

I will give a quick overview.

Cut scrap wood into 4 inch squares.  I used something I had laying around.  Thinner is better.

Print out PDF on a LASER PRINTER.  Cut out.

 Use your fingers, or a brush if you must and put a coat of gel medium on the wood.  Place the cut out FACE DOWN on top of the gel.  Smooth paper with your fingers, making sure you have burnished it well.

LET IT DRY OVERNIGHT.  I am not good at waiting but trust me, it will work better.

Get some wet paper towels and put down something thing to work on.

This is where the magic happens.  Let the wet paper towels soften the white paper.  Rub GENTLY with your fingers to rub off the paper.  The image should be left behind.  

As you can see, this needs more work getting the white paper haze off.

DONE or you can cover with a coat of Mod Podge.  Recently, I have seen 2 oz bottles at the Dollar Tree.

2.   PAINT ON WOOD.

I painted the same scrap wood with cheap craft paint.

I took the same PDF, put it on top of the wood and traced with a pen.  It made lines in the wood that I could follow.

I used a SHARPIE and a straight edge.

I had some hole reinforcements laying around and put these on.  Think it looks more finished.  Can also finish off with Mod Podge if desired.

3. SELF STICK FLOOR TILE

I am really pleased with this one.

Buy a self stick tile.  My DH found this one at Lowes for 53 cents. Makes NINE BOARDS, at around 6 cents each.

The cheaper and thinner the better.  We cut into 9 4 inch squares, using a straight edge and box knife.

Download and print the PDF on to card stock.  I used colored pages, Michaels has a pack of 50 sheets on sale this week for $2, making each board  1 cent each.  Trim to four inches.  Better to be a little bigger than too small.

 Fold down just a little of the liner paper on the back of the cut tile.  This will make it easier to line up the card stock.  You have ONE CHANCE to get it on right so take your time

Pull down the liner paper, pressing on the card stock.  Burnish the card stock, especially on the corners.

 If you have paper overhanging the edge, just sand it off to get a perfect edge.

4.  LAMINATE

Print the PDF and laminate.

Cut into game boards.

GAME PIECES

Each set needs 3 pieces of 2 colors.  I used glass marbles from the Dollar Tree.  I got enough for 20 games in each bag, so another nickel in cost.

I made tiny draw string bag for the pieces.  I think I will put the game board, instructions and the draw string bag in a cellophane treat bag to keep it together.

I almost forgot, you could also include a tic tac toe board too.