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There are some things we all keep stocked at our homes without thinking about it--like bread, milk, and eggs. It's not often that we run out of toilet paper, especially after the scares during the past 18 months of pandemic shortages! So, today's post is not about those more obvious staples that should be kept around the house. This is about the things that you find yourself running to the store to get at the most inopportune times. How much easier would it be if I just had _______ (see list below) sitting around, and I didn't have to spend 30 minutes running to the store to grab it?
Items to always keep around the house:
Ream of white paper- Yes, this is handy for when you need to print a kid's photo order form for sports, but it's also great for craft projects, drawing challenges or origami in a pinch!
With the paper, a new package of markers is always good to have laying around for when kids leave the previous package's lids off or they've colored so much the ink is running dry. No sense in halting all that creativity!
Packing tape- The obvious use for shipping and boxing is clear, but my kids also love laminating handmade bookmarks and taping together cardboard to create robots and forts. The creative options are limitless!
Scotch tape - Pretty much a repeat of above. I buy rolls in bulk.
Grosgrain ribbon is always pretty, on a box, wrapped around a wine bottle or tied around some flowers from the garden. It elevates gift-giving every time.
Paper Towels - Not everyone uses paper towels on the reg, and I respect your environmentalism. However, I think having a few rolls around for that red wine spill is essential.
Z Bar, Kids Clif Bars - These are perfect for before sports or when a kid has forgotten to eat and you're running out the door. They're great for travel and work for an adult snack as well. They're not so delicious that you'll want to eat them all the time, so they make great pantry staples.
Flour Sack Towels - I buy these by the dozen, and they serve so many purposes. They make great shop towels, are good for staining projects, pretty enough for kitchens, and can be embroidered or embellished with ribbon for wrapping packages.
Sharpies - Labeling sports gear, writing on solo cups at a party, craft projects...the list goes on. Keep them around!
Greeting Cards - I stock up when I go to Trader Joe's because they have beautiful, high-quality cards for all kinds of occasions. I keep birthday, sympathy and congratulations greetings around at all times.
Keep a box of Ghirardelli brownie mix on hand at all times. You can whip up a batch to celebrate a great week or surprise success in the family, or bring them to a potluck at the last minute!
That's all I've got for now! I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but as more ideas come to mind, I'll share! What are your staples that help keep you from running to the store at the last minute?
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