Finding good, but cost effective combs and brushes for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes can be hard, so I was glad for the chance to look at the ones offered on MDSupplies and Service's special Shoebox Shoppers order form. MDSupplies and Services sells medical supplies in box and has helpfully made us who pack for shoeboxes a special order form of just items that can go in shoeboxes...plus it has FREE SHIPPING!!! I always try to include a comb or brush in my OCC shoebox along with other hygiene items like toothbrush, soap, and washcloth. (Disclosure: post contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on them)
I tried three different hair implements made by Dukal. First, the most expensive (& biggest option) was Hair Brush, Adult, Gray, 8 long, plastic bristles (HB02). It
comes individually wrapped in plastic. It is $91.48 for 288 which works out to $0.32 a brush. This seems like a really nice, sturdy brush! If I was going to pack brushes I would certainly use these...personally I prefer combs due to the amount of room they take in OCC shoeboxes, thankfully MDSupplies also offers two comb options.
I tried three different hair implements made by Dukal. First, the most expensive (& biggest option) was Hair Brush, Adult, Gray, 8 long, plastic bristles (HB02). It
comes individually wrapped in plastic. It is $91.48 for 288 which works out to $0.32 a brush. This seems like a really nice, sturdy brush! If I was going to pack brushes I would certainly use these...personally I prefer combs due to the amount of room they take in OCC shoeboxes, thankfully MDSupplies also offers two comb options.
The larger/nicer option is Comb, long handle, black, 6.5 (2655) . These are $39.39 for a case of 720 which works out to $0.054 a piece. It has a nice nice handle that fits well in my hand and 3 inch part with nicely spaced, sturdy, but flexible teeth. I think this would be nice to use, or would be great for a mother to use with toddler. I think with the spacing of the teeth, it would be good for a variety of ethnicities' hair types. It is also compact so shouldn't take too much room in the box. The great thing is that these nice, sturdy combs with a handle are even cheaper than Dollar Tree ones!
Then, there is an even more cost effective option: Comb, black, 5 Bulk Pack (C5) These are $34.23 for 2,160 which works out to $0.015 a piece. These are 4 1/2 inch combs. They are not as stiff or thick as name brand combs, but I think they are good. I would use them myself, and they seem very sturdy. Nicer than some you find at dollar stores. I'd actually bought this brand before on Amazon, but this price is SO much better! Now, it's easy to go "I don't need thousands of combs", but if you step back and think for a minute...assuming you normally get say 10 packs at a dollar store, and pack say 175 boxes a year, this is only the cost of two years worth of boxes, but you'd get 10 more years worth free! And in those future years you could stock up on other bulk deals!
If you're interested in the baby comb they offer, check out this review:
I hope this review helps someone...if you have any further questions, please just ask and you may want to check out the rest of my MD Supplies & Services Reviews for items appropriate for packing in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
Disclaimer: I received these products free to review, but the opinions are all my own. Links in this post to MDSupplies & Services are now affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
I also ordered the smaller adult combs, and I agree they're pretty good quality. They're the same as one that I use myself. And at 1.5 cents apiece, you can afford to put several in each box, share with friends who pack shoe boxes, give to a packing party, or donate to a shelter.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense to buy in bulk but this is a huge bulk amount! Wish they offered half the amount. I've heard instances of kids items being taken by older siblings or adults. Girls are especially vulnerable to 'stealing within the family group', since they are lowest on the value totem pole, so to speak. Putting 2 combs in each box might help a child to keep one of them for herself.
ReplyDeleteThank you! These product reviews are a big help. Not sure if I handle a couple of thousand comb, but knowing they are decent in terms of quality makes them very tempting.
ReplyDelete