pto Santa Shop

[clarabelle]

I think I am going to be buying the merchandise for our Santa shop which if you don't know allows kids to buy presents for their friends and family (usually dollar store junk). This is not my favorite fundraiser.
Does anyone have any suggestions about where to get the stuff? )Besides Oriental Trading Co) Or any other suggestions on what worked for you?
Thanks!

 

[mjkacmom]

Our school doesn't do it as a fundraiser - they usually break even. However, the committee works all year on it, buying clearance items and getting discounts from stores. All the items are $5 or less, and they get some good stuff!

 

[Lars624]

I ran the Santa store for a few years.......there are companies that specialize in it.
Like this one

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone!

 

[kbkids]

It's not a fundraiser at our school either. We buy stuff from Dollar Tree, Dollar Spot at Target, etc. and sell it for $1.50. What little bit it makes is spent in wrapping paper and supplies to wrap the gifts for the children. It's more just a fun activity for them.

 

[clarabelle]

I don't know how much they usually make on the Santa Shop itself.
Maybe they just break even. It is part of a bigger event "Breakfast With Santa" that does act as a funraiser

 

[Allie322]

A friend and I ran the one at our school for about 5 years. I would HIGHLY suggest that you find a local company that does this sort of thing. They send you all of the merchandise on consignment and you only pay for what you sell. At the end, you package it back up, they arrange for pick up and bill you for what you sold. You don't have to worry about going out and shopping for items and then returning or storing what doesn't sell. Also, many of these companies will provide you with gift wrap and/or bags. ONe company will even provide you with a cash register to use. The benefit of using a local company is that if you run out of a particular item one day, you can call or fax them and they'll send more for the next day.
It is a lot of work but so much fun for the kids. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. This is the first year that I don't have any kids in the elementary school so I won't know what to do with myself the second week in December!