3 Things To Do with School Supplies -- Even if You Don't have School-Age Children

Even though neither of my children is old enough to go to kindergarten yet, I've still been paying attention to all the fabulous sales on back to school items available.  


I have been taking advantage of the back to school sales to buy crayons, construction paper, kid-friendly scissors, markers, and composition books, and it's not because I have a list from their teacher of school supplies to buy! I stock up at the end of the summer on all sorts of craft supplies, and do several things with them throughout the year.


1. Stock up the gift closet!  A coloring book with a set of crayons makes a great gift for a toddler or preschooler.  I've also been seeing sketch pad and marker sets with the back to school items that kids of any age would love.   I also use small craft items as stocking stuffers during Christmastime.  Look ahead to the upcoming year and think about what occasions would call for small gifts.  A small construction paper booklet, a pack of crayons, and a glue stick wrapped together nicely makes a wonderful gift.


2. Donate items.  My local YWCA, which helps women and families in need,  is accepting donations of all types of school supplies, including crayons, colored pencils, 3 ring binders, and spiral notebooks.  By taking advantage of these sales and shopping around, you could make a donation that would really help those who need it without spending a lot out of pocket.  Contact a local school that you think might need supplies and ask them what they need. You could also go here to see how to donate school supplies to children in Africa.


3. Put special items aside and dole them out throughout the year. My children are still young, and crayons easily get broken, stepped on, or eaten.  I'm looking forward to being able to bring out a brand new pad of paper and sparkly markers some gloomy winter day when we can't leave the house. Sometimes something (anything!) that's new is really exciting for kids.  An old magazine, a glue stick, and a piece of construction paper is all kids need to create something fun.

What unusual uses do you have for all these school supplies?