10 Reasons to Buy Extra Back to School Supplies

So we just got back from two weeks at the lake and it feels like summer is finally underway and we’re kicking back, reading, chilling, in our groove…and all the stores have the hangy cardboard pencil decoration-thingys up and the back to school sales already. I’m so not ready for this.

On the plus side, the sales on back to school supplies make them crazy cheap right now. I always stock up because, inevitably, I end up having to buy a box of crayons sometime around March for full-price and a tiny part of me dies inside.

So. Stock up. Watch for sales, save coupons, and go get you some supplies. Here are a few reasons for buying some extras:

1.) BIRTHDAY PRESENTS

I’m not suggesting you give someone a box of crayons for their birthday (though I think I’d love that). But they make a fun, little present to add to the top. Or grab a bunch to use as favors for parties you’re throwing.

2.) SUPPLIES FOR LOW INCOME KIDS

Many food banks and community centers do back to school drives to outfit kids with backpacks and school supplies. Donate some supplies.

3.) REPLENISH YOUR OWN CRAFT SUPPLIES

 

4.) GIVE THEM TO CHURCH

As a longtime volunteer in children’s ministry, I can tell you they appreciate these things. Kids’ ministries can always use new crayons, markers, and other crafty things. And paper! Oh my goodness, lots of paper.

5.) PACK THEM FOR Operation Christmas Child 

 

6.) SAVE THEM TO DONATE DURING CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVES 

Again, not just a box of crayons. But add them to another gift, or grab a backpack to fill with fun things or something. Keep your eyes open and be creative.

7.) SAVE THEM FOR road trips. OR AIRPLANE TRIPS 

 

8.) BUY PURSE CRAYONS 

To entertain kids at the doctor’s, or the DMV, or other boring places. And no judgment from me if you bust them out and color all by yourself.

9.) TO REPLENISH SUPPLIES DURING THE YEAR 

It never fails. ‘Round about December (cold season), every year we get notes from teachers asking for more Kleenex and sanitizing wipes. By March or so, the kids have lost or destroyed half their crayons and no one has a pencil anymore. Keep a secret stash to replace these things.

10.) CAR PENCILS 

We usually keep colored pencils (crayons melt!)  in the car with our nature journals for summer exploring and writing.

What do you use extra back to school supplies for?

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