For careful shoppers, there are bargains to be found all year long at the dollar store. But with the huge expense of the holiday season, point out Kiplinger’s consumer editors, there are more reasons than ever to shop these bargain meccas.
Among the seven best things to look for as you prep for the holidays are these:
• Disposable baking pans – Whether you want to save pot-scrubbing for your holiday meals, or give away baked good to your family and friends, you can scoop up disposables, from lasagna pans to loaf pans and more for a dollar apiece or less.
• Gift wrap and bags – Considering it’s all going to end up in the trash, there’s no percentage in paying big bucks for wrap, tissue, boxes and bags. Load up at the dollar store and save yourself a bundle.
• Holiday décor – Browse the aisles for bargains on wreaths, candles, tree ornaments, ribbon and more. You can pay $1 for the same huge red bows you’d pay four times that at other stores.
• Holiday mugs and tins – At a dollar each, they make great gifts for teachers or neighbors – especially when filled with candy or homemade cookies!
• Paper goods – Since paper plates and napkins are disposable, why pay supermarket prices. Your local dollar store carried these and more, including paper towels and tissues, at the cost of only a buck.
• Picture frames – They may not be the best quality – but at $1 each, they are good-looking enough to hold the photos you are giving to family and friends this year.
• Stocking stuffers – With cutely wrapped candy treats as well as crayons, stickers, coloring books and more, you can fill a lot of stockings on the cheap. (In general, avoid dollar store toys, which are often of poor quality and may fall apart just hours into playtime.)
