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

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)

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.

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?

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.

GENERAL: GOODWILL and THRIFT STORES. What to buy where

I have recently been to a bunch of local thrift stores and Goodwill (currently in Seneca SC) and have a few things to note that maybe of help to other shoppers.

1.  Goodwill seem to be cheaper on stuffed animals and beanie babies.  This one has them all for 50 cents.  I was able to find quite a few NWT.

2.  DO NOT buy pillow cases at Goodwill (for pillow case dresses, drawstring bags, and small doll baby quilts).  They charge way too much, generally $1.  At the Salvation Army, I got for 12.5 cents each and at another local store, 50 cents each).

3.  This local Goodwill has the color of the week tag for 50 cents each on Sunday.  I bought men's shirts to make aprons.

4.  If you are lucky enough to live in locations that have the clearance stores (Columbia and Charleston SC, not Atlanta area), you can get great items by the pound.  I look for tote bags etc, many are new and no one else seems to go for them.  It can be a 'scary' place to the uninitiated.  Warning:  get out of the way when handbag and shoe bins get brought to the floor!  Women are vicious.  You can't beat the bargains at $1 or so a pound.

I don't get to them often.  If you have a teacher in your life, you can get great deals on kids books for their classroom.

5.  Tote bags. Except for above, don't buy at Goodwill as they are too expensive.  I found a brand new oilcloth tote in a cute print this week for 25 cents at a local thrift store. They had tons of the non woven grocery store type bags for 25 cents too.  At this price, it is certainly a time saver instead of sewing.

6.  Sewing Notions and Trim.  I can usually find little baggies of trims, ric rac, lace etc at the Thrift Stores.  In Seneca, the Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop always have baggies for 10 cents.  It maybe that it is an older demographic here.  I also found new zippers at another store for 15 cents.

I use the trims etc to go in my clothes pin doll kits.  I will be posting on this soon.

7.  Clothing.  I only buy new with tags at Thrift Stores.  I spend a little more but it is so nice to include.  I got a pile of Russell Athletics 2 button boys Henley shirts this week for $3 each, retail is usually $13.99.

8.  Ball Caps can always be found at Thrift Store, maybe not with tags but clearly new.  Love to include in older boys' boxes.

I am sure there is more to add here.  I would love to know what you find and use at Thrift Stores and Goodwill in your boxes.

 

SHOESTRING; MAKE FOLDER FOR STATIONARY, ORIGAMI, OR PAPER AIRPLANES

When you include homemade or loose items, it is nice for the kids to have a place to store them.

To make this, you will need:

Pocket Portfolio (15 cents from STAPLES back to school sale)

Ruler

Hole Punch, if tying

18" Ribbon or Twine

Optional: 

Velcro Dots

Scissors if you want to cut down the fold

Measure 5' down from the top edge of the portfolio and score a line going across.  You can use the back edge of pair of scissors or a bone folder.

Fold along the fold.  Creasing the fold.

Option 1:  While folded, punch holes for the ribbon closure

Option 2:  Place velcro sticky dots as pictured.

If using velcro, I would cut the portfolio along the middle down to the fold.

You can place origami paper (remember it needs to be square) in one pocket and instructions in the other.  

SHOESTRING: POSSIBLE FREE ITEM LLBEAN

Do you get LLBean Catalogs?  If not, you need to get on their list.  A couple of times a year, I get one that offers $10 off any size purchase.  They always offer free shipping.  This one came in the mail recently.  Look and see if you got the offer.  

Here are some options that will be FREE!  Check the clearance section and sort low to high, they have some kids clothing items that will work too.

This item won't be free, but what a great WOW item, solar powered and hand crank flash light.