First, some people put them in the bottom of the shoebox, and then pack on top of
it.
If I do this, I always try to put something in the corner to use up that little space.
Personally I slide it in the back along the lid. Often this is easiest to do after packing the shoebox.
It will fold right over with the lid:
This also works great with full sized coloring books!
Or even softer composition books:
One hint I've learned is whichever way you do it, always have the open end up...it can bend better if unattached sides of the pages are the part that is bending.
This is just one of a series of posts on how to make it fit in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Follow that link to view them all.
11 comments:
I use option 2 and they always fit. Notebook goes in all my boxes age 2-14.
I like to use a steno pad which fits oerfectly!!! Start with that in the bottom.
I've known people who cut notebooks in half with power saw... haven't done myself, but must first cut spiral wire with a pair of wire-cutters and pull back out of the way... then cut tablet, be sure to tuck wire safely inside spiral after
Thanks for this great advice! I've never included notebooks in our shoeboxes because I assumed they wouldn't fit. I'll give it a try!
We were so lucky this year to see the Big Lots sale on spiral notebooks, $.17 each. Ran around to different stores until we had our 500 for our packing party. Remember, some stores will match prices.
I use option one for notebooks and coloring books. This works great for me.
I have done both of these suggestions and they work fine. I have also cut the back off of the spiral and then roll the rest of it into a tube and secure with a ponytail holder or rubber band. Happy Packing!
I always use a either a steno pad or 3 pack of small legal pads-sorry but I want everything not to be damaged in any way when the child gets the box.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts/ideas.
The reason I prefer a full sized notebook most the time is #1 amount of paper, #2 possibility it may be required for school, #3 cost which allows me to pack more in a shoebox, or more shoeboxes in general. And I've found at worst it's a little winkled. But all lined paper is great!
Check Staples this week for sales on paper/notebooks. Target had some school supplies at reduced prices last week. I don't know if it was a clearance event or if the reduced prices will carry over to this week.
Some stores in my area have reduced prices on school items in July - sort of a "shop early now and avoid the crowd" type thing. I have found reduced prices on kids' scissors, glue sticks, crayons, and notebooks.
Also good to get some and set aside for donating to local schools.
At our local bookstore that sells used books, CDs, etc., I found a ton of kids' coloring books that had not been used, not even "dog ear" pages. Some had stickers with them and none of the stickers had even been touched. I know the OCC site says no used items, but I bought them anyway for about .25 each, since they were all in perfect condition. (It was cheaper than buying just a few at the Dollar store. Trying to stretch a dollar, don't you know.) When I am at the thrift stores, I look for coloring books and notebooks in great shape and occasionally find a bargain there, too. I have found birthday favor items still in bags (like someone over bought or changed his/her mind).
I prefer putting the spiral in the back and curling it forward over everything else (it does not damage the pages.
As far as "used items" the statement is "new or next to new" (I believe) so if a color book from a thrift store is not defeated or visibly damaged I would buy and send. I also choose Beanies from a thrift store if they don't smell of smoke or have visible damage. I will wash and dry them THEN if they look new, I send them.
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