Disclosure: I was provided $25 by our sponsor Ebates to purchase a backpack and school supplies. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. I have included affiliate links for products and Ebates. #givingbackpack #ebates
Back to School time is right around the corner. I feel super excited by all the deals on school supplies but at the same time a little sad. I’m excited because I love deals and I love school supplies. I feel sad for all the children who start school without the mandatory school supplies. I know many teacher’s who buy supplies out-of-pocket to help bridge the gap.
I’ve been known to post back to school sales on facebook or in text messages to help friends save money. I just downloaded my niece’s school list so I could text it to my mom while she is on vacation. In my family Grandma helps provide school supplies for any of her grandchildren even the homeschooled ones!
Even though we homeschool we still need lots of supplies and I even make a supply list. I usually look at the list’s from local schools for the grades my children would be in would they be attending public or private school. I find it very interesting the variety AND quantity of supplies REQUIRED to attend Kindergarten these days. Does a 5 year old really NEED three packs of 24 ct. crayons? I think NOT! My kids never go through that many in an entire year nevertheless school calendar year.
I have also noticed things like plastic baggies, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and things like that being added to school supply lists. Since when did all the extras show up? Used to be good with basic supplies of crayons, paper, scissors, and glue along with backpack, school supply box (which we still use some of our old plastic ones from childhood!), and lunch box. So for those families with multiple children and school lab fees, technology fees, and field trip fees- how are they supposed to afford all these things?
That’s where a group of ambition bloggers and the sponsor Ebates have teamed together to make a difference in a child’s or family’s life for back to school time!
Each blogger got to choose who to donate their Giving Backpack to. I chose my daughter’s best friend and a family down the street with four children. I first figured out what school and grade each child was in and took pictures of their school lists on my phone. Then I started keeping an eye out on the ads each week to get the best deals.
I took my children into Staples and Walmart to help select some of the items needed. We asked my daughter’s friend what color of backpack she did or did not want since going into 5th grade you probably don’t want a Strawberry Shortcake or Hello Kitty Backpack!
I think this is a great way to “share the wealth”! The kids were a little surprised when I told them no they couldn’t get something but understood when I said, “Oh, I have those at home I got last year for FREE!” I’m a school supply hoarder,lol. Not really but with four children of my own I gotta keep supplies in stock at Back to School prices.
Resources:
School Supply Lists on Amazon
Tax Free Weekends– may be over for 2014
Ebates – Where it Pays to Shop Online. Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping. Ebates pays members cash back every time they shop online as well as provide them with the best coupons and deals online. Founded in 1998, Ebates Inc.’s websites have paid over $250 million in cash to its members. That’s why millions of people have joined Ebates. Sign-up Today!
Leave a Reply