Collecting box tops for education is a time-honored tradition during the back to school season. Make the hunt for precious cardboard a fun one by making it a game to play with your nieces and nephews!

What you'll need:

-Scissors
-A full pantry
-A list of participating bot top products, downloadable here
-Zip lock or paper bags

What to do:

1. Wait until your pantry and/or kitchen cabinets are well due for a cleaning (or take this hunt straight to the grocery store!).

2. Print out copies of your box tops "on-the go" list—one for you and each of your nieces and nephews.

3. Study the list for familiar products and arm yourselves each with the paper or zip lock bag.

4. Go through your pantries, kitchen cabinets, and/or grocery aisles together to find as many box tops for education as possible, and carefully cut off each box top you find (just make sure to purchase the box top items first if you're in grocery store)!

5. The first person to collect the most box top clippings gets a special treat, or more one-on-one QualAuntie time!

6. Make sure to remind your nieces and nephews to hand their box tops into their school. To track your school's progress, you can join the box tops for education community online!

7. For BenevolAunts: While you're sorting through the pantry, make sure to keep a separate box for non-perishable items that can be donated to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Irene and other natural disasters.

Photo Courtesy of Boxtopsforeducation.com
Published: August 31, 2011