Do you want to print your files without breaking the bank? Me, too! When printing digital files, I always try to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are my recommendations for papers, stickers, and supplies that work great with my products.
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Bingo Games
I like to print my bingo games in color on cardstock so that I can reuse them from year to year. If you only plan on using the games once, go ahead and print them on whatever type of paper you have on hand. Here's my favorite affordable cardstock.
Lunchbox Jokes - Stickers
I always want to save money and pass the savings to you, so I'm linking you to my favorite off-brand labels from Premium Label Supply. These labels are much less expensive than the popular Avery brand and work well for lunchbox joke stickers. The more you buy, the cheaper they get.
If you prefer to stick to a trusted brand (or you need them faster than Amazon can deliver) try either of these Avery labels measuring 2 ⅓" x 3 ⅜" -- Avery 25395 labels or Avery 48395 labels. The 25395 labels come in different amounts. The more you buy, the more you save. The 48395 labels are made from recycled materials and cost a bit more. I use the 25395 labels.
Lunchbox Jokes - Reusable
It's very convenient to put stickers on lunchboxes, notebooks, and napkins, but if you prefer to reuse your jokes from year to year, I recommend printing them on cardstock, cutting them out, and then laminating them.
My go-to products for laminating
- My favorite laminating pouches
- My favorite 9-inch pocket laminators. I like this one by Amazon Basics and this one by Scotch. I prefer the Amazon brand not just because it's cheaper, but because it has a quick-release button that allows you to remove the paper if you put it in crooked.
- Bonus - Amazon Basics 12-inch pocket laminator. It is the same price as the Scotch 9-inch laminator, and it comes with 20 assorted laminating pouches. If I were to buy a new laminator, I'd buy this one. Why? It can laminate documents up to 12 inches wide, so if I accidentally put something in crooked, it will likely still work without damaging the document.
My current laminator is the Scotch brand, and I am happy with it, but I'll buy the Amazon Basics brand next time.
I do a lot of crafting and cutting, so I have a few extra tools I love. When I cut out the bingo calling cards, I use a rotary paper cutter, and when I cut out my lunchbox jokes with rounded edges, I use the paper cutter and a corner-rounder punch. (This one has three sizes, and is so much cooler than mine!). Sadly, they don't make my paper cutter anymore. I love mine because I have a scoring blade, a cutting blade, a wavy blade, and a perforated edge blade. This is the closest thing I could find to mine. (It has everything but the scoring blade.)
Inexpensive Laminating Options
I love to laminate things at home with my pocket laminator, but I know that isn't practical for everyone. You can have things laminated in printshops like Office Max and Staples, but it's pretty expensive.
Thankfully, many stores provide self-serve laminating for a very low cost. The trick is finding those places! I found a laminating spot in my town by asking the clerk at Staples. She told me exactly where to find inexpensive self-serve laminating machines in my city. The laminating film is very thin, but it works.
Here are some places I have found inexpensive laminating: Mardel Christian & Education, Utah-Idaho Supply/Map World, my local library, and my kid's elementary school. Most teacher-supply stores also have this service.
*Use self-serve laminators at your own risk. The other day, I was laminating some posters I made, and they got jammed in the laminator. I had to go home and redo them. It was a bummer, but that's only happened to me once.
Corner Rounder Punch
I'm kind of crazy neurotic when it comes to making things cute. I love to round the edges of my lunchbox joke cards and bingo calling cards. I like the look, and they are easier to handle. I found this great punch on Amazon that has three different edges in one punch. It's super easy to use, and I love it!
I hope you enjoy your printables! Come back soon!
