I think I’m having a love affair. Don’t worry. My husband knows about it, and he’s sometimes even supportive of it because it saves him money. No big confessions here – I’m in love with dollar stores. The Dollar Tree is my favorite (there are 3 within a quick car trip from my house) and The Dollar Zone in Danbury comes in a close second.
A few years ago, I was one of those people who would have never gone into a dollar store. I had tried one when I was in high school looking for cheap things for a school project, and it was filthy with products that were far less than par. Flash forward 20+ years, and I was again looking for cheap objects for a project. But what did my wandering eyes appear? A store full of products that I use often but for one dollar!
My favorite things to shop for at a dollar store are:
- Party supplies – You can buy the 10 pack of red paper plates at Target for $5 or you can get the 25 pack for $1 at a dollar store. That’s really a no-brainer. Most dollar stores have a wall of coordinating dinner plates/cake plates/cups/silverware/napkins and tablecloths in all colors of the rainbow. At a party store, one of each of those things could run you close to $50. You may be lucky to run into a store that carries popular children’s characters for birthday parties. You can also find decorations for baby showers, weddings and milestone birthdays.
- Birthday cards/wrapping paper/bags/tissue paper/ribbon – I’ve seen the exact same bags and wrapping paper at a retail store for three times the price. Stock up and you’ll never have to make a quick trip the night before a party and spend a fortune.
- Holiday decorations – Everything changes with the season and store (even ones with the same name). Luau for summer? Outdoor Halloween props? Something for the Christmas mantle? A dollar store has you covered.
- Toys – I have found some great dress up items, novelty jewelry, coloring books, puzzles, books. Right now you’ll find all kids of beach toys, bubbles and accessories, and water toys.
- Scrapbooking/craft supplies – Washi tape, glitter glue, wooden projects, letter stickers, beading, wreath making items, event and holiday stickers, ribbon, and even stamps and ink. It’s also a great place for craft items like glitter glue, stickers and Popsicle sticks for the kids, too. MUCH cheaper than at a craft store. MUCH!
- Office supplies – I stock up on envelopes in many sizes, tape, glue, pens, staples, rubber bands, etc. Unless it’s back-to-school time, you probably won’t find these things for a cheaper price anywhere.
- Home décor – I’ve seen vases of different shapes and sizes, tableclothes, frames, candles and candle holders, decorative stones, and even some framed prints.
- Cleaning supplies – You have to watch this one. Dollar stores tend to carry smaller packages and amounts of cleaning products so buying one larger item at a higher price elsewhere rather than one smaller one at a dollar store is actually the better deal. You just have to do your research
Are you a dollar store shopper? What are your favorite things to shop for?
