Backpack Buddy

As usual the resources I had on hand inspired this project. Because I am always on the lookout for fun and inexpensive finds for my grandchildren I pick up things throughout the year so that I can create things for pennies on the dollar. I store them away until the inspiration comes on how I want to use them. It's not hard to find uses for all of my finds with having my annual back to school parties, Christmas Day Camps, Grandma Camps, Easter baskets and more for my ten little pearls.

These cute little latching containers are actually a waterproof beach tote that I found in Target's dollar section at 75% off. Yep, just .25 cents each. When the inspiration came for their use I couldn't have been more excited!

I created these Backpack Buddies as a party favor for the Grandkid's Back-to-School Party but they would make a great little gift for any back-to-school-er.

I packed a lot into the little container. 

I was able to find most of the items in the dollar store.

1. Just in case name and phone number card. 

2. Band-aids (3)

3. Anti-bacterial wipes (1 pack) 

4. Chapstick

5. Paper (3 sheets)

6. Pencil

7. Extra erasers (2)

8. Cherry throat drops (3)

9. Tissues (1 pack)

10. Cash ($1.00)

11. A love note from Grandma and Papa that sends them a great BIG HUG anytime they could use one.

After I had unsuccessfully made a good hard effort at creating a cute label for the Backpack Buddies myself I gave up and asked my son who is a professional logo designer and more to create one for me. I gave him the words I wanted on it and he used his amazing talents and skills to create the perfect little label for the Backpack Buddy. I loved, loved, loved that he used school bus yellow and the perfect little pencil graphic in the design! They read:  Grandkid's Back to School Party 2011 Backpack Buddy

All I had to do was print them out, run them through my laminator (another generous gift from my son), cut them out and hot glue them to the eight Backpack Buddy party favors!

Each child received a bright red calculator, and some mechanical pencils too.

The calculators were another .25 cent find!

Total cost per Backpack Buddy: 

$2.25 each, including the $1 in cash.

I am happy to report that the kids loved the

 Backpack Buddy

party favors!

Grandkid's Back-to-School Party invites here.