Dollar Tree Easter Duck/Chick Themed Shoebox

I recently got the chance to shop at Dollar Tree for items to fill an Operation Christmas Child shoebox as I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.  But, my opinions are my own.

When I went to look at Easter Crafts, Supplies, and More At Dollar Tree I found lots of cute and fun things to make a themed shoebox.  When I was little I really liked ducks, so I decided to do a theme box of ducks/chicks/Easter.  When I make a themed Operation Christmas Child shoebox, I don't leave

OCC Shoebox Stockpile Saturday ~ 2/24/2018~Valentines Clearance and Dollar Tree

Thanks to Valentine's clearance at Dollar General we were able to stock up on stuffed animals!  I think we're pretty well set for the year, now, with what we've gotten the last couple months.  I'm really grateful, because I was a little worried!  Some were 50% off, others 70%, worked out to $0.30-$0.90.

I also picked up some goodies at Dollar Tree for a post I'm writing.  I really liked the stuffed animals, especially the lamb, so even though it wasn't on sale, I got an extra one!  You can order the duck, lamb (& bunnies) in bulk (that's an affiliate link and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on it).

Spent from shoebox packing budget: $30.82 
Saved thru clearance:  $26.20 

Couple Week's worth of OCC Shoebox Stockpile Saturdays ~ 2/17/2018

The last couple weeks have been busy for life in general, but not so much for shoebox stockpiling, so I've let the blogging of the stockpiling lapse.   I picked up some goodies when Dollar General had their 50% off clearance sale.  I was really excited about the chunky pencils-we used some last year and I had seen them at this store and was waiting for 50% off clearance to pick them up!

A friend also donated some stuffed animals!

Spent from shoebox packing budget: $14.44  

WalMart Clearance Brickseek for OCC Shoeboxes 2018

I wrote an earlier post of some Walmart clearance deals with Brickseek links, and it was so popular I decided to try an ongoing one that will hopefully be updated all year long as more clearance deals are found, with Brickseek links when possible.  So feel free to pin, bookmark, etc. this page and check it often for hopefully new deals that can help you pack more and better shoeboxes!

For those unfamiliar with Brickseek, it is a service that attempts to track  inventory and prices at stores.  It's not foolproof, but it is a good way to get an idea of stock and prices before one heads to the store.  You should be able to just put in your zip-code in each link and get an idea of what deals you may find at your local store.  Remember to be kind and understanding as it may not have the stock or price you expect.  And utilizing the in-store price scanners (and maybe app) can be helpful, too!


One idea of how to use this is to earn a gift card to Walmart online then give it to a friend or family member who would like to help with your shoebox project lives or works near a WalMart you can't often get to, and when there's a good deal and that store has a good stock of it, ask them to run by and pick it up for you with the gift card.  Then, next time you get together, you can pick up shoebox goodies!  

I have to thank everyone who posts on Facebook deals they find so I have something to make this list from!  A special thanks to everyone on the official leader forum especially Yvette who often finds the links for us.

Now for the deals (newest finds on top):

NOTE, this post I'm not currently keeping up this post, I'll edit it to let you know if I start sharing this links again!

October 

• Fiksars SchoolWorks Softgrip Pointed Scissors, 5" - $0.10
• Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Aaron Rodgers Special Edition, Assorted Colors, 21 Count - as low as $1
• Crayola Crayon Sharpener in Cerulean or Pink - $0.10-$0.25
• Various clothes and toys under $1
• Crayola Design and Sketch Set, 65 Pieces - $1-$5
• Cra-Z-Art Bold Washable Broadline Markers - 10 Count - $0.25
• Wonder Nation Glitter Raccoon Sunglass W/case - $1
• Cool Comfort Ankle Socks, 12 Pack (Little Girls & Big Girls) - as low as $2
• No Show Socks, 5 + 2 Bonus Pack (Little Girls & Big Girls) - as low as $1
• No Show Socks, 10 Pairs (Little Girls & Big Girls) - as low as $1
• Barbie Fashionistas Dolls to Tie Dye For - $2
• Barbie Fashionistas Dolls Floral Frills - $2

August
With vacation, I've gotten behind on updating this-trying to catch up, but may miss a few.

• Sterilite, Mini Pencil Box - some on clearance as low as 10 or 25 cents
• Summer clothes & flipflops are reported to be on clearance
• Some school supplies are on clearance, all UPCs may not be listed
• Play Day 120 Count Colored Pencil Set, Includes Storage Case - as low as $1
• Colored Pencils 50/Pkg - as low as a couple dollars in some stores

These next four are thanks to Shoeboxes on a Shoestring

• Dixon Ticonderoga Office and School Eraser Combination Set, 15 Eraser Multi-Pack, Multicolored (38931) - $0.25
• Cra-Z-Art Washable Glue Sticks, Applies Purple - 2 Count - $0.25
• Pen + Gear 1pk Jumbo Neon Eraser - $0.10
• Pen + Gear 50pk Mechanical Pencils - $3.50

These next four are thanks to Joy with Purpose

• The Original FlipaZoo - Kitty and Panda - $0.10-$1
• 50 Ct Marbles (Colors May Vary) - $0.50
• Pony With Comb Assorted Colors - $0.10
• 6" Rainbow Princess - $3-$5
• Kid Connection Wooden Building Set - $1
• 
  

July

While it's not clearance per-say, I did want to mention that Walmart seems to have started their back-to-school prices in most stores, so be on the look out for that, too!

• Lots of kids clothes are being reported on clearance as low as $1
• The Original FlipaZoo - Kitty and Panda - as low as $0.75
• Barbie Fashionistas Doll Chic In Chambray - as low as $2
• Time And Tru Cap - $1
• Time And Tru Cap - $1
• 7 pack FlipAZoo Collectibles - $2.50
• Mainstays Flatware Set (6 Pcs Spoon 6 Pc Fork) - as low as $0.25
• Mainstays Bowl- as low as $0.25
• Mainstays Tumbler- as low as $0.25
• Mainstays Serving Plate- as low as $0.25
• Sargent Art Colored Pencils 24/Pkg - most still regular price, but some as low as $1
• Various UPCs for $1: 
• Cars Toddler Boys' Casual Shoe 
• Cars Toddler Boys' Casual Shoe 
• Cars Toddler Boys' Casual Shoe 
• Cars Toddler Boys' Casual Shoe
• Minnie Mouse Toddler Girls' Casual Slip-on Shoe - $1
• Toddler Girls' Casual Shoe - $1
• Toddler Girls' Casual Shoe - $1
• Waverly Inspirations Wv Solid Ink - $0.50
• Waverly Inspirations Wv Solid Lapis - $0.50
• Waverly Inspirations Wv Solid Poppy - $0.50
• Dress It Up Tropical Escape Button Kit - $1.50
• The Original FlipaZoo - Kitty and Panda - as low as $0.50
• Rawlings Practice Baseballs 2pk - as low as $2
• Baby Girl's Canvas Unicorn Slip-on - as low as $1
• Shaq Boys’ Retro Athletic Shoe - as low as $3
• Girls' Casual Dazzle Ballet Flat - $3
• Girls' Lightweight Athletic Shoe - $1-$3
• Boys' Bubble Sole Athletic Shoe - $3
• Toddler Boys' Lightweight Athletic Shoe - $3
• Wonder Nation Toddler Boys' Double Strap Casual Shoes - $1
• Cool Gear I Donut Care Water Bottle - some have found for as low as $0.25
• Cool Gear Owls Water Bottle - some have found for as low as $0.25
• Cool Gear, Colored Emoji Faces, 16 Fl oz Flip Top Beverage Bottle - some have found for as low as $0.25
• Cool Gear, Emoji Explosion, 16 Fl oz Flip Top Beverage Bottle - some have found for as low as $0.25
• Cool Gear, Multicolored Unicorns, 16 Fl oz Flip Top Beverage Bottle - some have found for as low as $0.25

June

• Mainstays Flatware Set (6 Pcs Spoon 6 Pc Fork) - $1
• Grn Basic Bandana - $0.25
• Colorful Elephant Bandana - $0.25
•  Wjite Pineapples Bandana - $0.25
•  Ombre Paisley Bandana - $0.25
•  Folk With Rooster Bandana - $0.25
• LEGO DUPLO My First Fish, 30323 - as low as $1.50
• Plastic Stencil Strip Party Favors, 10ct - some on clearance for $0.30
• Girls Wonder Nation Casual Sparkle Cvo18 - $1
• Barbie Fashionistas Doll Seeing Stars - as low as $2
• Disney Tangled the Series Rapunzelas - low as $1 (thax 2 Joy w/Purpose)
• Some  Girls T-shirts  have been found for $2 - too many styles for UPC links
• Time and Tru Camis & Tanks, as Low as $0.50 –The Krazy Coupon Lady
• Kid Connection 7-pc 9 Inches Baby Doll Set - $9
• Disney - Disney Sofia The First Doll - as low as $2
• ONN Cable Pouch, Pink (MSRP: $4.83)- as cheap as $0.50
• ONN Cable Pouch, Pink (MSRP: $6.44) - as cheap as $0.50
• Despicable Me 3 Deluxe Action Figure Banana Crazy Carl - as low as $1
• Despicable Me Deluxe Tourist Minion Dave Action Figure - as low as $1
• Despicable Me 3 Deluxe Talking Huggable Jail Time 9.5" Plush Tom - as low as $1
•  Disney Minnie Mouse Figaro Figure - as low as $1
•  Disney Minnie Mouse Minnie Figure - as low as $1 

Pencil Granny & Friends Fillers for Operation Christmas Child

If you read this blog, you'll probably have read me mentioning that you can send fillers to the Processing Centers for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Basically, some boxes that come through the inspection line have to have something taken out because the packer misunderstood the instructions and there's a hole in the box.  A great example of this would be a box I saw with and apple and orange in it.  Great for a stocking, not so great for a box that may take a month to get to another country.  When something has to be taken out it is replaced with something else.  Also, sometimes a box comes through that doesn't have to have anything taken out, but is pretty empty.  Maybe the packer was poor and gave all they could, maybe they misunderstood and thought they could only put one item in, or maybe someone got sidetracked trying to hit a certain number of boxes packed rather than packing full boxes.   Samaritan's Purse accepts donations, so in either of these cases, the volunteers will have something to fill the boxes for the children.

The Pencil Granny & Friends is a group of people on Facebook who has seen the need for this filler and has a burden to provide school supplies for children.  They act on this by making pencil packs to send as filler that can be put in boxes needing something else. In many countries, school supplies are required to attend school, and these packs may literally give a child what they need to get an education. 

How I personally decide how many to pack is how many spare pencil cases I have left at the end of my personal shoebox packing.  Some I've bought because I thought they'd be good for this project, some are sewn or crochet, but as you can see, there's a lot of variety-also what goes in depends a little on what fits.  And just like the shoeboxes I pack, often they end up having a theme.  I like to try to add small extras as well.  Depending on what I find.  For instance, I bought combs in a giant lot, so I put one in each bag.  You can see the sports one has a "gold medal" in it, etc.  I even fit a little stuffed animal in one.

Then I took them to the drop off location in a small box clearly labeled Fillers and Gifts-in-Kind, and they had a carton at the drop off to put it into to send to the processing center.  It's important to be sure it's not mistaken for it's own shoebox-haha!

If this interests you, be sure to check out The Pencil Granny & Friends Facebook page!  And if you're interested in the quality of various pencils, check out our Pencil Brand Reviews.

Dial Bar Soap Deal for OCC-Expired

A deal on Dial Bar soap many of us like to get for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is available again.  There is currently this printable coupon available, you should be able to print two on your computer.  I believe there was also the same coupon in Sunday's paper, so you could get more with that!

The link to this coupon is my referral link, and I'll be compensated if you print coupons through it.

I've found at my local these three packs at my local Dollar Trees you should be able to use the coupons on (you can see Dollar Tree's coupon policy here):

That works out to less than 20 cents a bar.   Sometimes there is confusion with using printable coupons at some Dollar Trees.  My suggestions are: print the coupons on normal quality, not fast draft (as I often do with coupons) to be sure they'll scan better, be ready to explain the small print of the coupon saying "off any 3 pack", and personally I always carry a printed copy of Dollar Tree's coupon policy. Of course, one should also be prepared to be polite and take no for an answer. 

There is also this coupon (affiliate) for 6 packs or larger that might lead to a good deal at another store-I think I heard Dollar General may have some on clearance. 

Saving Star (if you are unfamiliar with Saving Star, you can see here for more info from one of my other blogs)  also has a deal out right now, and you can combine a coupon and Saving Star (affiliate)

Disclosure: This post contained affiliate links and I will be compensated if you print a coupon after clicking on my links, this helps me afford the time to write this blog and keep up the Facebook page.  But, I only share affiliate links for items I think would be good for shoeboxes, and fellow shoebox packers.  Most the time it will be things I've personally reviewed or packed.

Barnyard Themed Operation Christmas Child Shoebox for a Boy Ages 2-4 Years Old

Sometimes when we  win or earn gift cards online for shopping for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, we use it to "splurge" on an item that might cost more than we normally budget for that type of item.  Such was the case with the cow blocks/puzzle I built this farm themed box around.

It was a great Wow item-16 about inch square blocks, brightly decorated so as to make up 9 different far scene puzzles (pig, cow, rooster, etc) by Melissa & Doug.  However it was a bit big, so there was concerns as to how it would fit, especially as when I do a theme box I stick to my normal list of things to include, I try to find versions of those items that fit the theme.  I may add an extra unique item or two, but on the whole it's the same list, just different types.  My basic list for those interested is:

• Hygiene supplies (soap & case; toothbrush; washcloth; comb)

Get $3 when you sign up for Swagbucks in February (US)

Want an extra boost to your shoebox packing budget in February??  If you haven't tried Swagbucks before, you can get a bonus $3 for signing up as my referral this month. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching, watching videos, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, or PayPal cash.

Disclosure:  Links to Swagbucks in this post are my referral links. 

I also earned SB for sharing this promotion.

When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a $3 bonus! Here's how:

1. Sign up using this link

2. Earn 300 SB total before 3/1/18. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!  300 SB is enough for a $3 Amazon gift card!

3. If you want even more bonuses, you'll get a $10 (1000 SB rebate) bonus for making your first shop purchase! That's in addition to the SB you earn for every dollar you spend.  This is a great way to be rewarded for what you are already planning to buy!

That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned various gift cards I've used for shoebox items as well as PayPal cash.

Check out more ways to earn at Swagbucks on my other blog here:  How to Earn Free Gift Cards and Cash at Swagbucks Series.

Disclosure:  Links to Swagbucks in this post are my referral links.  Thank you for using my links it helps me earn extra SB.  I also earned SB for sharing this promotion.