In July and August, when school supplies are on sale for very little money, I purchase a bunch of small crayon boxes, glue sticks, pencils, sharpeners, tablets, etc. I give each grandchild a supply for starting school and keep some for stocking stuffers at Christmas. By Christmas, they have used, lost or broken most of what was given to them at the beginning of school. When they go back to school from Christmas break, they have all new supplies for the second half of the year.
Those sales items could also be sent to needy children around the world through outreach programs like "Operation Christmas Child," administered by Evangelist Billy Graham's son, Franklin. Much as your own kids and grandkids appreciate them, needier children appreciate them even more. And, these items may be the only Christmas these children receive. I'm sure you could find plenty of info on such programs via a simple online search. If you'd rather keep your giving local, you might ask your child's teacher or principal to whom you could give a "shoebox Christmas" type package. Keep it anonymous if you prefer.
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Tip: Back to School Sales for Stocking Stuffers
Archived on 10/29/2009
As everyone knows its Back to School time and stores are selling crayons, pencils etc at extremely cheap prices. Think ahead to Christmas as I saw Crayola crayons for .20 at Walmart and would be a great stocking stuffer or gift.
By Carol from Massachusetts
Feedback:
RE: Back to School Sales for Stocking Stuffers
GREAT idea! I will definitely be doing this. Thanks. (08/28/2007)
By Christine
RE: Back to School Sales for Stocking Stuffers
This is something I do as well. I find that a box of crayons or some cute pencils are very much appreciated by grade school children. Last year my daughter gave boxes of Crayola crayons I'd gotten for .25 a box (24 count) as Christmas gifts for her classmates. School glue (RoseArt brand) is .15 at Wal-Mart now so that's good too to pick up for whenever your child needs it again or if the teacher asks if someone could send some. I believe in helping out the teachers because they buy many things for the classroom with their own money.
I have a plastic bin I keep in a hall closet with school supplies. It's very handy to just go to that box when something is needed and I always get the supplies on special.
Kids do seem to like art supplies and colored pencils, markers and such are all on sale right now and definitely make nice stocking stuffers. (08/28/2007)
what a wonderful idea. I sure wish I had thought of this when mine were little and in school but an idea to keep for the grandbabies when the time comes for them to go to school (08/28/2007)
