Although dollar stores have changed a lot over the years (the biggest change being that everything inside is no longer a dollar), shopping and retail experts say there are still hidden deals that can help ease the financial burden of your holiday shopping essentials and non-essentials.
At the same time, just because the word "dollar" is in the name of a store doesn't mean that other big-box retailers like Walmart won't be able to rival (and even beat!) their prices. That's why if you're looking for ways to save this holiday season, it's best to plan out a detailed list of what you're in the market for and do a little research based on which stores have the cheapest items. That way, you won't be caught off-guard with any extra expenses and can make just one trip to a dollar store and another trip to a big-box store like Walmart to pick up all of your essentials.
In any case, here are a few things that dollar stores are currently in the lead for for most affordable options.
1. Seasonal decor
According to Joanna Clark-Simpson, head of consumer research and consumer expert at PissedConsumer, seasonal decor is one of the things dollar stores continue to excel at. And, as the leader of a review-based website where customers can air their wins and grievances, she sees this as an ongoing win for dollar stores across the board.
However, she says, "Shoppers should [still] check price tags carefully, inspect items and plan their purchases." Cheap decor can be dented, broken or flawed, so give it a good once over before putting it in your cart.
Things like tabletop Christmas trees are $1.25 at Dollar Tree, where a similar item retails for nearly $3 at Walmart.
Fun room add-on items like Christmas-themed soap dispensers are a win from Dollar Tree at $1.25 and an easy way to add a fun pop of color to an often forgotten room like the bathroom. You will, however, have to fill up the dispensers with your own hand soap (which, honestly, sounds like a good idea, because there could be additional fillers added to dollar store soaps).
Garland is another find you should head to the dollar store for. But Clark-Simpson recommends staying away from twinkle lights, as electronics and anything power or battery-operated tends to fall short at dollar stores.
2. Stocking stuffers
Clark-Simpson says stocking stuffers like socks — even fun, printed socks — can always be found at the dollar store and make great, affordable gift add-ons.
You can pick up golf and motorcycle-printed socks for just $1.25 per pair at Dollar Tree and a five-pack of socks for $5, meaning you've hacked the system and can pay $1 per unit again instead of $1.25.
However, if you're in the market for a larger pack of socks to break apart and gift separately, Walmart will be your best bet. You can find a 20-pack of girls socks there on sale for $5.
3. Baking essentials
According to Clark-Simpson, perishable food items should be avoided at dollar stores since customers find expiration dates to be tricky, but shelf-stable items like sugar or cookie mixes will always be a score at dollar stores — even if it's just by a little.
A one-pound box of sugar at Dollar Tree is $1.25, and the same box will run you just under $2 at Walmart.
If you want to save both time and money, pick up cookie mixes at the Dollar Tree, which will save you about $2 per pack vs big-box stores.
4. Kids' entertainment
The kids are home from school during the holidays, which means it's time to find cheap, creative ways to entertain them. Dollar stores offer easy and affordable holiday craft painting kits and DIY ornaments that you can paint from home.
5. Disposable glassware
Just like it's a good idea to keep a storage container full of Christmas decor that you can easily stow away when you're not using it, it's a great idea to have a case of cheap glassware that you don't care about your guests breaking.
Dollar Tree is a great place to pick up reusable glassware that's just $1.25 per unit, so you don't have to purchase and re-purchase plastic cups each year. These glasses will last through the years and won't cause strife if one of your guests has too much eggnog and accidentally knocks it off the table.
Don't forget your coupons
Did you know even dollar stores offer coupons and discounts? According to writer, author, and nationally recognized consumer finance and budgeting expert Andrea Woroch, most dollar store shoppers have no idea that they can save even more at the stores.
"Dollar stores like Dollar General have their own apps to help you navigate sales, save more through coupons and in-store deals and earn rewards," says Woroch. "For example, the My Dg app offers cash-back opportunities on a variety of products that you may need to buy anyway and you can apply rewards towards future purchases."
And, she says, shoppers can take advantage of websites like Coupon Cabin that have deals to Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and more.
Even your receipts can hold some money-saving power, as you can actually scan photos of your dollar store receipts to earn rewards. "Take pictures of your receipts using a free rewards apps like www.Fetch.com to earn points for free gift cards to a variety off stores like Amazon, Target and Walmart to offset future purchase needs," says Woroch.
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