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?

Staples Trip: Lots of Great Deals and Under $25!

It's a good thing I went to Staples before I went to BJ's Warehouse yesterday! I needed a few things and I was absolutely exhaused after the BJ's trip!


I'm absolutely loving all the back to school sales. I took advantage of some of the deals at Staples to get some art supplies for the kids and to re-stock my gift closet.

2 Composition Books @ $.99 each

1 4-pk Glue Sticks @ $1.50

1 Heavy Duty Construction Paper @ $3

1 Mini Crayon & Sketch Pad Set -- $3

2 Washable Markers @ $3

1 Large Washable Crayon 8 -pk @ $2

3 24-pack Washable Crayons @$2

100 index cards @ $.01

I've already given both my kids a composition book and a couple of crayons -- which they are aboslutely loving. They have both recently been more interested in drawing and it is one of the only activities that will occupy my 3 year old for more than 20 seconds. The composition book is great because he has so many pages to color on, and when he is done we will have a nice, compact record of his artwork!

Staples School Supply Deals

OK, I realize it's way early to even begin to think about back to school here in Upstate NY, but this is the time to stock up on (we'll call them) craft supplies.


Here are the best deals at Staples this week:


Penny Deals (Good until 7/13 only, limit 2 each, with $5 minimum purchase)

• Staples Arrowhead Erasers, 12 pack
• Bic Round Stic Pens, 8-pack
• Staples Glue, 4 oz

Quarter Deals (Limit 2)

• Staples 1/2" tape flags, "Stickies"
• 2 pocket poly folder
• Bic Student Mechanical Pencils, 5-pack
• Slider Pencil Case 
• Staples Multipurpose Paper, 500 sheets (after Easy Rebate)

Dollar Deals (Limit 2)

• Mini Writing Pads, 3 pack
• Staples 3 hole binder punch
• Sharpies, Fine Tip, 5-pack
• Staples Mini-Stapler
• Staples Paper Clips, asst
• Westcott 5" scissors, 2 pack
• Westcott 7" scissors
• Staples Glue Sticks, 4 pack
• Staples 200 sheet Memo Book
• HP Everyday Photo Paper (after Easy Rebate)
• Staples Letter-size writing pad
• Post-it Die-Cut notes, 2-pack

Brand New Deals on School Supplies at Staples!

Here in upstate New York school has been out for just a week, so it must be time to shop for school supplies!  I know it hurts just to think about  right now, but there are some really great stock up deals at Staples this week.


Even if no one in your household is in school, shopping the back-to-school sales can net amazing savings on crayons, printer paper, markers, and other items. Many times these items are offered for literally pennies. A box of crayons or markers and a pad of construction paper, bought for under $1, can make a great addition to your car-ride kit, or even to your gift closet!

These deals expire July 9, and you may use one coupon per person per day.

**UPDATE: Staples just released some new 50% off coupons as well!
50% off any Flip Camcorder
50% off Select chairs
50% off 24-pk Sharpie Permanent Markers
50% off Letter-Size Writing Pads
50% off Spiral Bound Memo Books

$50 off any clearanced laptop
Logitech Optical Wireless Mouse for only $5.50
$20 off Staples DVD-R 50-pk


75% off Deals
75% off one HP paper product
75% off one Uni-ball product
75% off one package of envelopes
75% off one package of file folders, hanging folders, or expandable file items

Free After Rebate Deals
Staples Photo Supreme Paper (50-pk) -- $14.99
-$14.99 Staples Easy Rebate
Final Price=FREE


Brite Liner Yellow Highlighters (5-pk) -- $4
-$4 Staples Easy Rebate
Final Price=FREE


$.50 Deals
Staples Magnetic Bulldog Clips
Staples Clipboard
Staples 1-hole punch
Avery 5-tab dividers
Staples Mini-Composition Book
Westcott 12" Ruler
Staples Translucent Pencil Box
Staples Pencil Sharpener
Staples Jumbo Paper Clips (50-ct)