Not counting the required school supplies, which I’ll get to in a separate post, I set a budget of $100 per child to get them some things they wanted and needed. It may sound like a lot, but it’s amazing how quickly that budget can get used up if you aren’t careful. This budget doesn’t include shipping, tax, items donated to me, or items left over from other projects that I would have had anyway. I’m part of a Buy Nothing group on Facebook and relatives have donated some items, which helped to stretch my budget farther. I also stretched my budget buying gently used items at places like Once Upon a Child, Just Between Friends, Ebay, and yard sales. Some of my teens even got some of my gently used clothes that I no longer wear. Additionally, I used member rewards at places like Target and Temu. While some items are used or discounted, I only buy things that are in like new condition and will last a long time, and only things that fit the child’s personality.
With last year’s backpacks, I sent each girl a question sheet to fill out with questions like their favorite item they received and whether the clothing I sent was the right size. During my visit last fall, I also wrote down any of their needs and interests I noticed. These things helped me to be intentional with my shopping.
Today, I want to show you one backpack I have completed so far as an example of how much you can get for $100 if you look for deals. Even if your budget is smaller or larger than mine, a lot of the same shopping tips can apply, to get the most for your money. This backpack is for my sponsored child Flor who will turn 7 years old shortly after she receives it. Flor loves unicorns and dolls. She recently mentioned tennis shoes and socks as her biggest need.
I plan to visit my kids later this year. If I do, a few of these items will be removed from her backpack and given during the visit instead.
Stuffed FAO Schwarz unicorn, $14.25 from Target. Used 5% Red Card discount, worth $15.
Chelsea unicorn doll, $11.89 from Target. Purchased on sale after Christmas, originally $16.99. Also, a Chelsea backpack accessory set, $0. Donated by my mom who got it at Dollar Tree for $1.25.
Pop It fidget toy, $0.87 from Walmart’s Valentine section. Purchased in a pack for $3.48 and split between 4 kids.
Tea set, $0. Left over from another project. Originally from Dollar Tree for $1.25.
2 dance ribbons, $0. Donated by a friend. Originally from Amazon, worth $2.84 ($1.42 each).
Disney Princess coloring set, $1 from Target
Snowflake dress, $8.50 from Once Upon a child. Gently used, worth around $20 new
Denim dress, $6.50 from Just Between Friends which is a kids consignment event held all over the US. Gently used. The exact original price is unknown, but is at least $10 based on similar styles I found online.
Color block dress, $0 from Temu. Free gift with purchase of other items. Worth $4.94.
Jeans, $5.99 from Old Navy. Purchased during Memorial Day sale. Worth $34.99.
Unicorn flip sequin shirt, $9.55 from Target. Used 5% Red Card discount and Target Circle reward points. Worth $10.20.
Butterfly shirt, $5 from Just Between Friends consignment sale. Gently used.
Plain white tshirt, $2.87 from Target. Used Memorial Day sale and Target Circle reward points. Worth $4. I tried to put a white shirt in every backpack because their school uniform tops are white. In case they ever can’t afford a uniform (which has to be purchased in Honduras), at least they will have the right colors to wear.
Daisy sweatshirt, $3.28 from Temu
Tennis shoes, $10.09 from Temu. Used member rewards, worth $12.59.
Croc style shoes, $7.19 from Temu
Pack of 10 pairs colored socks, $4.99 from TJ Max.
White socks, $0.27 from Temu. I split up a pack between kids and used a discount code. They are worth $0.39 without the discount.
4 tiara headbands, $0 left over from another project. Originally from Amazon. They come in a pack of 12 for $9.99, so I would have paid $3.36 for 4.
Heart headband, $0.89 from Temu
Necklace set, $4.98 from The Children’s Place
Personalized sunglasses and bow set, $0. These are a DIY project I did myself. Technically the supplies did cost me a few dollars, but they are supplies I bought to do DIY for multiple projects, so it didn’t cost me any extra to make this for Flor’s backpack.
These items would total $168.87 if they were purchased new without any discounts. I paid $98.11. This is a savings of $70.76.
