Jun 23, 2008

Inexpensive Birthday "Cards"

If your child's school participates in the Scholastic book flyer sales, I highly recommend buying the 95-cent books that are frequently available. Sometimes the books aren't that great, but sometimes they are quite good. I got a paperback version of the Chicken Little book pictured here for just 95-cents.

The best thing about 95-cent books is that they make a great birthday "card." Just write a message on the inside cover. Ninety-five cents is cheaper than almost any birthday card you can find in a store, and the book won't be looked at and thrown away after the thank-you card is written.

You can purchase the hardcover version of the Chicken Little book depicted at Amazon.comfor $4.00 (affiliate link). Or just keep an eye out for the deals in the flyers - they sometimes repeat!

6 comments:

GinnyBerry said...

I sometimes buy a class set (20 =1 for me + 1 extra) of the .99 books. I give them to my class before holidays and when we go off-track. This year I'm not geared up to do that. The kids love them, and I know that some of my students do not have any other books of their own.

Somtimes they offer teachers 99 books for 99.00 dollars, but you never know what you'll get. Some of the books are worth a lot more than the .99 books. I buy them when I can and tuck them away for birthday gifts and to restock my classroom library.

I love to buy books for children, and I heartily agree that using them instead of birthday cards is great idea!

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic idea, I have never thought of doing this. It is silly that a book costs less than a card but it is true in some cases.

Gina @ MoneywiseMoms said...

I did this at Christmas and bought a bunch of Cookie's Week for .99 a piece. No tax at Scholastic, too!

I was able to give all the kids in our playgroup a nice Christmas gift for just $5.

Gina @ MoneywiseMoms said...

Oh--and one more point. If you have children that aren't in preschool or school yet, so you're not getting the Scholastic flyers, just ask a neighbor with an older child or organize a group to receive the flyers (like your MOMS Club).

Chief Family Officer said...

@Ginnyberry - I am on good terms with the preschool director so I'm going to ask about those $99 packs. Thanks!

@Gina - Great suggestion for those whose kids don't bring the flyers home. Thanks!

Obranovich said...

I love that idea too and I have done it as well as used a book for a baby shower gift tag to start the baby's own library. Have you ever heard of Usborne Books?
I love them!!!! They are wonderfully designed and made. My kids love them and actually chooses them over other books so much so that I decide to sell them.
If anyone is interested in finding out more about them just visit my website at www.areader4life.com.
They even offer ways to earn free books for everyday people, schools and libraries.