
Wow, it’s already the beginning of August but the wheels are starting to turn for Back To School preparation.
The school our young children attend has opted to trial a balanced day “lunch” schedule. This schedule is new to us and we are unsure how to pack appropriately. We like cost effective means for lunches (with coupons from Smart Canucks) and also try to send them litter free meals (which isn’t always possible). Given our children will have 2 X 20 minute nutrition breaks instead of the standard snack, lunch, snack that we grew up with we are worried about not packing them enough or maybe too much.
We have managed to pick up a sample of a balanced day menu from our local health unit. like this one here. Some of the things suggested are excellent ideas while some of them (pancakes?) seem like an extra meal after a healthly breakfast at home. Looks likes it’s trial and error mostly.
Previously you may have noticed that we are very budget conscious so we like healthy cheap snack ideas. One of the favourites at our house is a “party mix” that my wife makes for her daycare. It mostly consists of goldfish crackers, raisins, cheerio’s and pretzels. Since it’s a mix we have often thrown in things like animal crackers, Shreddies, craisins among other things. It makes so much that it seems to last forever and the kids love it.
Eat Right Ontario has a lot of useful information about what to pack for a balanced day as well and what foods to keep stocked in your pantry, fridge or freezer to be prepared to make healthy school snacks.
Maybe try these fresh tasty ideas for a healthy school snack (or bake sale).
- Fresh fruit kabobs (For safety reasons use sticks or skewers that aren’t sharp)
- Oranges wedges, watermelon or grapes
- Fresh-cut veggies such as grape tomatoes, baby carrots (or cut your own carrot sticks) and celery
- One bonus suggestion is to add low fat salad dressing to the bottom of the cups for veggies, or low fat yogurt for fruit and keep chilled with an ice pack
Discount Alert! While researching I was browsing Scholar’s Choice Canada and noticed if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter you get $10 Off Your Next Purchase. You can sign-up on their website by clicking here.
Please share you healthy budget friendly snack ideas, savings, discounts or experiences!

xxkatiexx volunteered to help out with our weekly baby deals list. She went above and beyond and did an amazing job! Thank you so much!
Just “The Deals”
IGA
Compliments Diapers $8.99
Walmart
PAMPER GIANT PACK DIAPERS $27.77
NESTLE 730 G GOOD START POWDER $24.76
PAMPERS WIPES (420-576) $13.93
HUGGIES SLIP ON JUMBO PACK $9.97
JOHNSONS BUDDIES BATH PRODUCTS $2.75
GERBER GRADUATES LIL CRUNCHIES OR PUFFS $2.00
BABY MUM-MUMS $2.46
MILUPA INFANT CEREAL $2.96
GERBER PUREES $0.58
PARENT’S CHOICE MEGA DIAPERS $2/$20 ($11.47 FOR ONE)
HUGGIES WIPES (720 & CONTAINER) $18.00
PAMPER EASY UPS OR UNDER JAMS BOX $24.97
HARMONY YOUTH BOOSTER $17.97
LEARNING CURVE IGNITE STROLLER $54.97
KUSHIES TAFFETA BIBS $4.47
Sobeys
Compliments Diapers Club Pack $24.99
Shopper’s Drug Mart
Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Huggies (184-216 count) and Pamper (180-216 count) wipes $5.99
Huggies or Pampers training pants Mega pack $15.99
Heinz Cereal 3/$9.99 ($3.99 for one)
Gerber Graduates 2/$5.00 ($1.79 for one)
Huggies or Pampers Wipes (326-360 count) $10.99
Johnsons Baby Toiletries $3.29
Live Clean Baby Toiletries %15 off
Baby Mum Mum $2.49
Nativa Organic strained baby food $0.79
Nativa Organic 100% Fruit Snacks 2/$8.00
Loblaws Quebec
Heinz Little Kids Snacks $2.49
Similac Advance Can $24.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo pack $9.99
Huggies Box Diapers $19.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
Loblaws Ontario
Heinz Little Kids Snacks $2.49
Similac Advance Can $24.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo pack $9.99
Huggies Box Diapers $19.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
PC Organics Toddler Mini cereal, rice, or granola bars $2.49
PC Infant Formula powder or Toddler Nutruitional Supplement powder $11.99
PC Organic Toddler cookies $2.49
Pull Ups or Goodnites Training Pants $15.99
Maxi
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99
Milupa Cereal $3.29
Aveeno Baby Toiletries $5.99
Pull Ups $14.99
Pampers Box diapers $18.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Provigo
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99
Huggies Mega Wipes $6.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Huggies mega pack $16.99
Heinz Little Kids Snacks $2.49
No Frills
Pull Ups $15.99
Real Canadian Super Store
Huggies Box Diapers $29.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Fisher Price My Little Lamb Cradle Swing $99.99
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99
Milupa Cereal 2/$7.00
Rexall
Huggies and Pampers mega Diapers $14.99
Fortinos
Pull Ups or Goodnites Training Pants $15.99
Huggies Big Pack Diapers $19.99
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Independent
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99
Pull Ups or Goodnites Training Pants $15.99
PC Infant Formula powder or Toddler Nutruitional Supplement powder $11.99
PC Organic Toddler cookies $2.49
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
PC Organics Toddler Mini cereal, rice, or granola bars $2.49
Huggies big pack Diapers $19.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Valumart
Heinz cereal bars or Toddler snacks $2.49
Huggies jumbo Diapers $10.99
Huggies baby wipes refill $6.99
Huggies mega pack diapers $16.99
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99
Zehrs
Heinz cereal bars or Toddler snacks $2.49
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99
Huggies big pack Diapers $19.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
PC Organic Toddler cookies $2.49
Pull Ups or Goodnites Training Pants $15.99
PC Infant Formula powder or Toddler Nutruitional Supplement powder $11.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
Zellers
Pampers Value pack Diapers $29.99
Foodland
Compliments Diapers $8.99
Extra Foods
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99
Aveeno Baby Toiletries $5.99
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99
Milupa Cereal 2/$7.00
Jean Coutu
Johnsons Baby Toiletries $2.99
Canus Li’l Goat Milk Products $1.99 -$5.99
20% Selected Gerber NUK Products
Gerber Graduates Snacks 3/$9.99
Enfamil A+ Ready to Serve 4x235mL or Concentrate 12×385 mL $46.99 (5 bonus Air miles)
Nestle Good Start with Omega 3 & 6 Powder 640/730g $28.99 (5 bonus Air miles)
Similac Advance, Go & Grow, and Sensitive powder 728g $25.99 (5 bonus Air miles)
Freshco
Nestle Baby cereal $2.99
Nestle Good Start with Omega 3 & 6 640/730g $24.99
Enfamil A+ & Enfapro 640/730g $24.99
Similac Advance 640/730g $24.99
Coupon Match Ups
Walmart
PAMPER GIANT PACK DIAPERS $27.77 – $2 (pampers brandsaver portal)= $25.77
NESTLE 730 G GOOD START POWDER $24.76 – $5 (mail out)= $19.76
PAMPERS WIPES 420-576 $13.93 – $1(brandsaver or mail out) = $12.93
or $0.50 (diaper box)= $13.43
HUGGIES SLIP ON JUMBO PACK $9.97- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.47
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $7.99
GERBER GRADUATES LIL CRUNCHIES OR PUFFS $2.00 – B2G1 (mail out)= $1.50 each
MILUPA INFANT CEREAL $2.96-$1 (mail out) = $1.96
HUGGIES WIPES (720 & CONTAINER) $18.00 -$1 (Smart Source) = $17.00
or $0.75 (mail out) = $16.25
PAMPER EASY UPS OR UNDER JAMS BOX $24.97 -$3.00 (brandsaver) = $21.97
or $4.50 (brandsaver) = $20.47
JOHNSONS BUDDIES BATH PRODUCTS $2.75 – $1 (mail out) = $1.75
Shopper’s Drug Mart
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $7.99
Huggies wipes (184-216 count) $5.99 -$1 (Smart Source) = $4.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$5.24
Pampers (180-216 count) wipes $5.99 – $1(brandsaver or mail out) = $4.99
or $0.50 (diaper box) =$5.49
Pull Ups $15.99 – $2 (mail out) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
Good Nites $15.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $14.99
Pampers training pants mega pack $15.99 -$3.00 = $12.99
or $4.50 (brandsaver) =$11.49
Heinz Cereal 3/$9.99 – $2.00 WUB 2 = $2.33 each
or $1.50 WUB 2 = $2.58
Gerber Graduates 2/$5.00 – B2G1 = $ 1.67 each
Huggies wipes (326-360 count) $10.99 -$1 (Smart Source)= $9.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$10.24
Pampers Wipes (326-360 count) $10.99- $1(brandsaver or mail out) =$9.99
or $0.50 (diaper box) =$10.49
Johnsons Baby Toiletries $3.29 – $1 (save.ca or mail out) = $2.29
Live Clean Baby Toiletries %15 off – $1 or $2.50 WUB 2 = $variable
Loblaws Quebec
Heinz Little Kids Snacks $2.49 – $1.00 (mail out) = $1.49
Similac Advance Can $24.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $7.99
Huggies Box Diapers $19.99 – $3.00 (must be a 60+ diaper big pack)= $16.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $18.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) = $17.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99-$1 (Smart Source) = $12.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$13.24
Maxi
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99 – $5.00= $34.99
or $10.00 (mail out) =$29.99
Milupa Cereal $3.29 – $1 (mail out) = $2.29
Aveeno Baby Toiletries $5.99 – $3.00 (mail out) = $2.99
or $3.00 WUB 2 (various sources) =$4.49
Pampers Box diapers $18.99 – $2 (pampers brandsaver portal)= $16.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $7.99
Pull Ups $14.99- $2 (mail out) = $12.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$13.49
Goodnites $14.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $12.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$13.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $13.99
Provigo
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99 – $5 (mail out)= $19.99
Huggies Mega Wipes $6.99-$1 (Smart Source) =$5.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$6.24
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) =$7.99
Huggies mega pack $16.99 – $3.00(must be a 60+ diaper mega pack)= 13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $15.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) =$14.99
Heinz Little Kids Snacks $2.49- $1.00 (mail out) = $1.49
No Frills
Pull Ups $15.99- $2 (mail out) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
Goodnites $15.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $14.99
Real Canadian Super Store
Huggies Box Diapers $29.99 – $3.00 (smart source) =$26.99
or $2.00 (for Little movers various sources) = $27.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$28.49
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99 – $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $7.99
Fisher Price My Little Lamb Cradle Swing $99.99 – $10.00 (printable) = $89.99
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99 – $5.00 (mail out) =$34.99
Milupa Cereal 2/$7.00 -$1 (mail out) =$2.50 each
Rexall
Huggies mega diapers $14.99 – $3.00 (must be a 60+ diaper mega pack)= $11.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $13.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) = $12.99
Pampers mega Diapers $14.99- $2 (pampers brandsaver portal)= $12.99
Fortinos
Pull Ups $15.99- $2 (mail out) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
Goodnites $15.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $14.99
Huggies Big Pack Diapers $19.99- $3.00 (must be a 60+ diaper big pack)= $16.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $18.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) = $17.99
or $3.50 (mail out for Pure & Natural) = $16.49
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99 – $5 (mail out)= $19.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) =$7.99
Independent
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99 – $5 (mail out)= $19.99
Pull Ups $15.99- $2 (mail out) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
Goodnites $15.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $14.99
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99 – $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) =$7.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99 -$1 (Smart Source) = $12.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$13.24
Huggies big pack Diapers $19.99 – $3.00 (must be a 60+ diaper big pack)= $16.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $18.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) = $17.99
or $3.50 (mail out for Pure & Natural) = $16.49
Valumart
Heinz cereal bars or Toddler snacks $2.49 – $1.00 (mail out)= $1.49
Huggies jumbo Diapers $10.99 – $1.50 (smart source) = $9.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) = $8.99
or $3.50 (mail out for Pure & Natural) = $7.49
Huggies baby wipes refill $6.99 -$1 (Smart Source) = $5.99 or $0.75 (mail out) =$ 6.24
Huggies mega pack $16.99 – $3.00(must be a 60+ diaper mega pack)= 13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $15.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) =$14.99
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99 – $5 (mail out)= $19.99
Zehrs
Heinz cereal bars or Toddler snacks $2.49 – $1.00 (mail out)= $1.49
Similac Advance and Isomil 728/800g $24.99 – $5 (mail out)= $19.99
Huggies big pack Diapers $19.99 – $3.00 (must be a 60+ diaper big pack)= $16.99
or $1.50 (smart source) = $18.49
or $2.00 (for little mover/snugglers, various sources) = $17.99
or $3.50 (mail out for Pure & Natural) = $16.49
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) =$7.99
Pull Ups $15.99- $2 (mail out) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
Goodnites $15.99 – $2 (Dr. Office) = $13.99
or $1.50 (smart source) =$14.49
or $1.00 (printable) = $14.99
Huggies Club Wipes $13.99 -$1 (Smart Source) = $12.99
or $0.75 (mail out) =$13.24
Zellers
Pampers Value pack Diapers $29.99 – $2 (pampers brandsaver portal)= $27.99
Extra Foods
Huggies Slip-On Jumbo Pack $9.99- $1.50 (smart source) = $8.49
or $2.00 (for little movers various sources) =$7.99
Aveeno Baby Toiletries $5.99- $3.00 (mail out) = $2.99
or $3.00 WUB 2 (various sources) =$4.49
Similac Advance Concentrate 12x355mL $39.99 – $5.00 (mail out) =$34.99
or $10.00 (mail out) =$29.99
Milupa Cereal 2/$7.00 -$1 (mail out) =$2.50 each
Jean Coutu
Johnsons Baby Toiletries $2.99 -$1.00 (mail out or save.ca) = $1.99
Gerber Graduates Snacks 3/$9.99 -B2G1 (mail out)= $2.22 each
Enfamil A+ Ready to Serve 4x235mL or Concentrate 12×385 mL $46.99 -$3.00 (mail out)= $43.99
Nestle Good Start with Omega 3 & 6 Powder 640/730g $28.99 – $5.00 (mail out)= $23.99
Similac Advance, Go & Grow, and Sensitive powder 728g $25.99 – $5.00 (mail out)= $20.99
Freshco
Nestle Baby cereal $2.99 -B2G1(mail out)= $2.00 each
or $2.00 WUB cereal with yoghurt (mail out)= $0.99
Nestle Good Start with Omega 3 & 6 640/730g $24.99- $5.00 (mail out)= $19.99
Enfamil A+ & Enfapro 640/730g $24.99 -$3.00 (mail out)= $21.99
or $5 (save.ca)= $19.99
Similac Advance 640/730g $24.99 – $5.00 (mail out)= $19.99

With the high Canadian dollar I was wondering how many of our readers have been taking advantage of cross border shopping. I’ve been over 5 times or so in the past year and I’ve been loving the savings. Last week when I went to see Nicki Minaj and Britney Spears I popped in (read spent all day) at Great Lakes Crossing outlets. I found so many great deals and sales. I kinda fell in love with Burlington Coat Factory. Nine West bags for under $20, Guess bracelets for $5. I was in heaven. I also found an awesome Rocawear (Jay-Z label) shirt for only $5. I was really excited about that one because I’ve wanted one of his shirts for so long, but wouldn’t pony up the $30+ here.
Not only are some of the goods way cheaper, but I like the variety. A lot of stuff we just don’t get in Canada, so I always bring home funky finds for the kids. Including my favourite Cape Cod chips that aren’t available in Ontario anymore. I also got all the kids supplies for back to school. 20 cent 24 packs of Crayola Crayons, 40 cent markers by Crayola and so on.
Of course you do need to be price savvy. Some prices are higher or exactly the same as Canadian retailers. It all depends what store, and what item.
Do you cross border shop? Or do you prefer to keep it local?
*This is an off topic post. Off topic posts have been posted on the Smart Canucks Blog since 2006. If you do not want to read an off topic please kindly skip past, thanks 🙂

Here’s a deal for any football fans, especially fans of the Toronto Argos or Hamilton Tiger Cats! Save up to 40% when the arch-rivals go head-to-head on Saturday, August 13th at Hamilton’s Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Here is some examples of the discount:
Red – $21, reg. $29.50
Bronze – $32, reg. $52.50
Silver – $40, reg. $62.50
Gold – $60, reg. $79.50
Great deal, especially if you were planning to go to the game anyway!
Click here for more details/buy tickets.