The wide variety you can find at the bargain dollar stores may be a treasure hunt or a total waste of your money. When it comes to choosing those items that are worth a quick trip to the store; experience is a good teacher. You could also ask your friends who shop at dollar stores what they have found to be of value. Pinterest and blogs often have dollar store ideas that will save you time and money also.
Crafters Control Yourselves
To have a list when you arrive at the store can help cut down on the possible sticker shock when you check out and realize you put more than you intended in your cart. If you are making a craft project have the complete list of materials needed with the items you want to purchase from the dollar store highlighted in some way. This way if you run across something that isn’t highlighted, but the store happens to carry, you can grab it and save yourself an extra trip later. Items like glue sticks, poster board, markers, glitter, foam wreaths, silk flowers, and ribbon can all be great buys at the dollar store.
Gift Baskets Galore
When you have those occasions that require a gift and a card the dollar store is a definite win-win place to shop. The teacher appreciation basket that you want to put together, but not spend the whole nest egg on, can be made with fun items from several departments within the store. For example, a small organizer bin filled with travel size facial tissue, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and pain reliever. You could add some tea bags of assorted flavors, mixed nuts, and a chocolate treat. Put this is in a large cello bag found and tie it up with a ribbon and as a final touch a thank you/appreciation card on the front.
Frugal First Aid Kit
Putting together a first aid kit for your home or that care package for the young adult moving out on their own can be done within a short time frame. The dollar store carries first aid items in smaller packaging so you can put everything in a small container. Grab a bowl that has a snap-tight lid or a zipper pouch like a pencil box or bag. Fill the box or bag with band-aids, allergy relief, antacids, nail clippers, vinyl gloves, paper tape, and gauze. You may even find some items not mentioned that are useful additions to a life preparedness kit.
Go check out one of your local dollar stores this week and see what you can find of value.
