Money Saving Wednesday…School and a Pandemic

Posted by Carolyn on Jul 29th, 2009 in Money Savers | 1 comment

Can you believe it is that time of the year already? School supplies are all around and they are even on sale already. I was shocked when I went to the fabric store (Joann’s) the other day and they had all their dorm supplies on sale 50-70 % off! That is crazy. It was great for me because I had just been cleaning and planning for our family reunion which is at our home this year. I had been thinking about laundry and how nice it would be to have hampers in each room so everyone could keep their dirty clothes organized. I hate going somewhere and having to have suitcases all over the floor for a week so I try to have ways to make it possible for everyone to empty their suitcase and just hide them away. Back to hampers, I was able to get the pop open hampers for only $3.00 each. They are perfect as they fold flat for those times when not in use.

If you know a college student or will have one in the fall now is the time to look for buys like these. There were dozens of items, all of which would be great Christmas gifts.

Once backpacks go on sale for at least 50% off, it will be a great time to purchase packs for 72 hour kits for the kids. You will need larger, more sturdy packs for adults, don’t waste your money and think you can use school packs for adult 72 hour kits. You will be very disappointed.

As you begin to see those great school supply sales think holiday gifts and think pandemic prep. Remember if a self quarantine or a forced quarantine should become necessary this fall or winter you will need ways to keep your family involved and amused. If you will be quarantining without kids but have grandkids consider adding these supplies to any pandemic prep kits you may be making for extended family. Colorful folders, binder paper and a variety of colored pencils, and pens with different colors of ink, would make great journals for during a pandemic.

Another great idea for a pandemic would be to purchase a small, not tiny, white board and some dry erase markers to use when teaching lessons during a quarantine or to play Win Lose or Draw, (Pictionary) for some quality family time.

One year we gave our grandkids small (about 8×12 inches) dry erase boards and markers to use when they are traveling. They are great because, unlike paper to draw on, they already have a hard surface behind the drawing surface.

All these items are now on sale at the cheapest prices all year.