Back to School with BJ’s Wholesale Club + Gift Card Giveaway!

I've heard the collective, “ugh” from some of my friends, when they talk about back to school shopping.  To which I replied, “Why not go to BJ's to get everything you need?”

BJ's carries clothes, computers, notebooks, snacks, iTunes gift cards, phones, shower curtains, bed sheets, dorm furniture, and much more.  They can help make your shopping easier, and more affordable.

Come take a tour with me, and discover some of the neat things I found in the club.  I must warn you though.  I am not a good photographer.  I realized my camera was on the wrong setting, so I tried to fix these as best as I could.

Let's go!

First, I found this Zebra Stylus/Pen Combo Set ($9.99).  The set features a sleek design, with stainless steel accents.  Most Stylus' are pricey.  Yet, BJ's has two, very affordable Stylus/Pen combos for a great price. (see below)

Initially, I couldn't decide which StylusPen I liked better.  Then, I realized that this 3 pack seems to have a better grip.  I liked the fact that it is retractable, whereas the other has a twist feature.  This set would allow me to multitask faster.

If you have a younger child heading to school, the Crayola Essentials Pack ($10.99) includes colored pencils, washable markers, twistable crayons, a doodle pad, and alphabet stencil.  Perfect for your little artist, and a great price.

I spent a good 10 minutes looking at these Muscari lunch totes.  They have the cutest styles, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a plastic lunch container with ice pack inside (see above, first picture).  These totes are a good size, but are not bulky.  Great for school or work!

Ok, you may think I'm weird featuring these pencils.  However, I must tell you, that as a homeschool mom, these are the best pencils I have found.  I bought cheaper pencils in the past, and let's just say that my students had way too much fun launching broken erasers across the room.  Or, when the cheapie pencils would break, the kids would waste spend 5 minutes resharpening them to the nub.  Here you are getting 72 pencils (which will last a long time) and they are better quality!  You can bet your bottom dollars that these babies went right into my cart.

Next, I found these Mini Crock-Pots ($14.99).  Besides being cute, they are perfect for dorms, or even your office.  Here are a few details:

– Dishwasher-safe
– Removable food container with lid
– Carrying handle and cord storage for easy travel
– Cool to the touch
– Holds up to 20 ounces

You can actually by extra removable containers for these on the Crock-Pot website, for only $5.  Load them all up at the beginning of the week, and store them in the fridge.  Keep the base at work, and then transport the removable container each day to work!  Great for leftovers, soups, and whatever else you can imagine.

Another great find, was the Rubbermaid Lunchblox with Blue Ice Packs built into the lids ($19.99).  Don't worry, these are BPA free.  The set contains two sandwich kits, and one salad kit.

(*Note: There is a coupon you can use: Save $1.50/1 Rubbermaid Lunchblox Sandwich, Salad, Entree, or Kids Lunch Kit, Any (Limit One Coupon Per Purchase Per Visit) – 07-27-14 SS)

I was smitten with these Polder Style Stations ($16.99).  Why didn't they have these when I was growing up?  Hello, 80's hair!

The inner base is made out of silicone, and the middle section is a stainless steel mesh to allow styling tools to cool safely.  If you look on the back, you will notice there is a handle at the top to hang the station on a towel rack.  You also have the option to mount the station to the wall.  The Polder Style Station is big enough to stand safely on a counter, in a deep drawer, or under a cabinet.  I really like that there is a pocket in the back to store cords.

These High Sierra Backpacks are very sturdy and spacious book bags ($19.99).  In my opinion, they are a great value for the price.  They have numerous compartments to help students stay organized, and on task.  A great feature is the mesh padded shoulder straps to help with lugging heavy books.  Also, includes a media pocket and headphone port.

BJ's is running a great deal right now on kids' glasses!  Get 2 for $69, or one set for only $39.  Set up an appointment for an eye exam, or if you desire, just go the optical center to fill your prescription.  Easy peasy.

First, the fine print…
One winner will be randomly selected via Rafflecopter.  A $25 BJ's gift card was generously supplied by BJ's Wholesale Club to offer to all of my readers.  Thank you, BJ's!

Giveaway is open until August 19, 2014 at 11:59pm EST.   All entries will be verified.  Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize, or another winner will be selected.  Open to U.S. residents only, 18 years of age or older.  Good Luck! 🙂

Disclosure: Special thanks to BJ's Wholesale Club for providing a $25 gift card for this giveaway.  I didn't receive any compensation for this post, and all opinions expressed are 100% my own.