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

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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?

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: TOYS INCLUDED WITH A $5 TARGET GIFT CARD

Target currently has this gift card available.  It comes with the free toy from Hex Bugs.  You can order with a $5 balance.  Since, I already shop at Target, I will use the gift cards for my regular shopping.

You can only get at Target.com.  Order 5, $5 cards and they will ship for free.  

Closer to Christmas, they will be offering more.  They have had some cute ones in the past.  I have kept the toys and put the gift cards in my grown kids' stockings

Use Ebates and get 2% back.