I love shopping at dollar stores, but it is the most fun during the holidays. There are three different stores within a 10 mile radius, and we shop at each at least once a week. With the Christmas season approaching, I have been purchasing the items I know I will need and use from the dollar store. These are the items I have already purchased, and how much money it has saved me.
Gift-wrapping items
From bows to gift tags, the dollar store has it all. On a recent shopping trip, I piled in four rolls of wrapping paper, three bags of bows, a sheet of gift tags, and even some colorful tissue paper into my shopping cart. I was able to get nearly everything I needed for just under $11 with tax included. If I would have purchased these items at any other store, I would have spent at least $30.
Stocking stuffers
We have stockings that are hung on the mantle for Christmas. I fill them all, including the one for our dog. The dollar store has an abundance of things that are suitable for stocking stuffers, including lip gloss, nail polish, toy cars, candy, dog toys, and more. I am able to fill all five stockings for around $30, which breaks down to just $6 a stocking. If I were to purchase these items elsewhere, I would have been looking at spending at least $50, if not more.
Cards that hold money
My husband and I give cash to his step-brothers and step-sister every year. Finding a card that holds money used to be hard, especially ones that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Last year, I found the dollar store started carrying them. We need six cards that hold money. The price is 50 cents per card, which comes out to $3. If I were to purchase them at a card store or big-box store, I would be looking at spending at least $10. I am saving $7 and getting nearly identical cards.
Shopping at the dollar store for these items has saved me at least $87. That money can be better spent buying more presents or paying off debt. The items found at the dollar store are no different than ones found in other stores, and the prices are unbeatable. Saving money is the way to go this holiday season, and the dollar store is the best place to do it.
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