Things you should always buy at the Dollar Tree

It is no surprise if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I LOVE the Dollar Tree. I even recently became an affiliate because I spend so much time there, and love sharing about all the fun things I find.  While at the store recently, I realized how many every day items I always go to buy at the Dollar Tree, before I go anywhere else.  Here are the items I recommend you check out.

*This site contains affiliate links. I will be compensated a small commission if you buy anything through my links.

GIFT BAGS 

The Dollar Tree is the definite place to go if need a gift bag. They have an entire wall of amazing bags of all sizes, themes, and designs.  They have birthday bags, wedding bags, baby shower bags, holiday bags and more.  You can buy giant bags for only $1 that can cost several dollars at other stores.  

WRAPPING PAPER 

Instead of paying high prices on wrapping supplies, the Dollar Tree has big selection of wrapping paper, gift boxes, ribbon, tissue paper and bows. I would much rather only spend only a $1 on something that is going to be ripped and thrown away after opening. 

GREETING CARDS
 

Greeting cards is another item that I always look for at the Dollar Tree, especially if it is for a younger person who cares a lot more about the gift than the cards that come with it.  Dollar Tree carries Hallmark cards for all occasions. The heartline cards are 2 for $1.  There are some specialty cards and other cards that are $1 each, but even at $1, a lot cheaper than other stores. 

PARTY SUPPLIES 

I always go to the Dollar Tree for party supplies of all kinds.  There are two aisles dedicated to party supplies, not only to do that have many colors to choose from, they also have many themes. 

Recently the party aisle has expanded to include baby shower items, wedding/engagement party items, party favors, back drops, photo props, specialty balloons and more. (I have an upcoming post with a lot more info on the party supplies that will be posted shortly. 

CRAFT SUPPLIES 

Every Dollar Tree now has a crafter square with a variety of craft supplies.  While not all Dollar Trees have the same size Crafter Square aisle, you can find paint, paintbrushes, small canvases, wood to paint, yarn, and lots of miscellaneous items. I always check for craft supplies at Dollar Tree, before paying higher prices at the regular craft store. 

BOOKS

I check the book section on every single visit. I have found some amazing finds for only $1. I especially love their cookbooks. If you would like to see some of my book finds, I wrote about them in post about cookbooks here.  I have also recently found, best sellers, craft books, design books and celebrity biographies.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

You can save a lot of money buying cleaning supplies at the Dollar Tree.  I love their 6 pack of scrubbing sponges and dish brushes.  

TOILETRIES 

Cotton balls, Q-tips, and cotton rounds can really add up if you buy them at the big box store or drugstore. They don't have to though, because the Dollar Tree has large size packages of them for only $1.

I buy all of my toothbrushes and toothpaste at the Dollar Tree.  They carry brand names, often in multi-packs for a fraction of the cost.  If you are traveling, they also carry many travel appropriate toiletries and containers. 

MAKE UP

Did you know that the Dollar Tree carries brand name make up?  While you might not find everything you need, you can find Wet n Wild, and ELF all the time, and occasionally Maybelline, Flower and Hard Candy. I also really like the LA Colors brand that is the store's main brand. 

FACE MASKS

While I do not have a picture of the face mask section, I buy all of my faces masks at the Dollar Tree.  I am sharing this picture of the Oh K Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin B3 and Sea Kelp Hyrogel Mask because I am very excited about this find.  After I bought this mask and loved it when using it, I found out it is sold at Meijer for $6.99. Score! I got mine for only $1.

HAIR ACCESSORIES 

If you have longer hair or girls, you must stop by the hair accessory aisle.  I get everything I need for my hair for a low price, and they are frequently name brands like Goody and Scuncii 

Here is a closer pic of some of the name brands that are a much higher price at big box stores. 

CONTACT PAPER

Dollar Tree has a large selection of contact in several different styles. I like to use it as drawer liner or in the fridge.  While I have not seen it in my store, they sold a chalkboard version not too long again. 

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

You can't go wrong buying storage containers at the Dollar Tree.  They have many different styles, colors and sizes.  My store was a little low on stock in this picture, but the spring and summer storage lines are really good this year.  The spring colors are pink, peach and light gray, and the summer bright blue, teal, and bright pink.  You can see many of the options on DollarTree.com here

 

FLOWERS

The Dollar Tree has good quality florals cheaper than the craft stores that change throughout the seasons. I love the bright colors of the summer line this year.  

FOOD STORAGE

                

I have to pack my lunch to school every day, and there a food containers of all shapes and sizes in multipacks perfect for my lunchbox.  They even carry name brand products like Rubbermaid and Betty Crocker.  

GLASSWARE

If you ever need glassware, you can find what you need at the Dollar Tree. Stemware for a dinner party, they have it.  Margarita glasses for Cinco de Mayo, they have those those. (heavy duty amazing ones)  Decorative jars, or mason jars, they have them too.  

KITCHEN ITEMS AND GADGETS

Many items from their kitchen aisle are currently in my kitchen.  I love their strainers, and mixing bows with handle. I have serving and cooking tools like spatulas, tongs and scissors. I have their measuring cups and spoons.  I also use their cutting boards, paper towel holders and so much more.

CANDY 

I hit the candy aisle quite often.  I stop there when I want to have a variety of candy to decorate  cupcakes, gingerbread houses, or special treats.  I hit this aisle before movie night, road trips or just want a snack. The bags are a little smaller than the regular store, but that's okay because so is the price.

SNACKS 

I also hit the snack aisle.  They carry regular size chip cans,  Chex mixes and even brand name cookie mixes like Betty Crocker.  Do you like ice cream? If your Dollar Tree has a freezer section, you can find portion size containers of Snicker Twix and other brand name flavors of ice cream. 

SEASONAL

One of my favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree are the seasonal items.  It is the perfect place to find basket fillers, stocking stuffers, and even holiday decor. 

This year I was missing a box of our ornaments when I wanted to decorate for Christmas.  Instead of worrying about where they were I decided to decorate our tree with Dollar Tree buffalo plaid and red truck ornaments.  I think it was one of my favorite trees to date. The missing ornaments did eventually turn up after I had already decorated the tree, so they stayed in the box this year.  

One last thing that I love about the Dollar Tree.  If you are trying to find something and you can't find it at your store, you can order it on the website and have it shipped to your local store for FREE.  I had a really good experience when I have ordered and currently ordering again because I need a certain item for a craft that I am making that recently sold out. 

What are you favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree? 

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How to make a tiered tray

 If you follow trends at all, you know the tiered tray is the current rage in decorating.  Today it hit me that I actually shared a tutorial on how to make one 10 years ago.   Back then though, I called my tiered tray a cupcake stand. If  you would like to have your own tiered tray without the high price, I am going to show you how to make for just a few dollars using products from my favorite store. It will not be a surprise to you if you are a regular reader, but that store is the Dollar Tree.😀  

To make a tiered tray all you need is 3 trays (plates, cake pans, etc..) two candlesticks or something similar, and some gorilla glue.  What is really cool about this project is you can really use just about anything that you would like that matches your decor to make your tiered tray.  I used silver trays and bronzish candlesticks in my original tray.  I am not sure where that tray is now, I think in storage, but I know it is still in one piece.  I am currently thinking of making another more colorful tray for an updated look.  

Putting together the tiered tray is actually pretty easy.  Start with the bottom tier. Outline the bottom of your candlestick with gorilla glue and center it in the middle of the tray. Let it sit for a few minute so the gorilla glue sets.  Outline the top of the candlestick with the glue and center the second tray on top. After the glue sets again for a few minutes, repeat with the next tray.  It is that easy. It cost me only $6 to make this which included the glue.    I filled this tiered tray with cupcakes for a friends big birthday.  Since it has been a decade, it is almost time for me to give her another big birthday surprise (that is if it is safe in a few months)  

What would you put on your tiered tray.  

If you are interested you can find my original post
here.

If you would like to see more about the spring chick garden party I threw my friend, you can find that post here.

  

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Red Truck Christmas Crafts

                                        

I have been wanting to work on this craft for several weeks, but I have been so busy with school, that I did not have a chance until this past weekend.  As you may know from my blog and Instagram posts, I love anything red truck.  When I was able to find a few of the wooden trucks at the Dollar Tree, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.  

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I started this project with two DIY wooden Christmas Trucks , a piece of pallet wood from the Crafter Square aisle, and a package of the Christmas trees from the Cobblestone Christmas Village.  I forgot to take a picture of the pallet before I painted it. As you can see I painted it dark brown.  

Added: New in 2021 Dollar Tree has added a few new trucks to their inventory  a paintable MDF truck, and this wooden truck with Christmas tree and trailer

An alternative to the pallet wood, is the wooden rectangular crate, which is available online in small quantities. 

Since I wanted to make a double sided 3D truck and the wooden trucks had doors on the same side, I had to remove the extra pieces and glue them on the opposite side of one of the trucks.  The pieces are glued on pretty well with wood glue, so they were not super easy to remove. I did slightly damage the door, but it gives the truck some charm and will be on the back side of the truck. I painted both of the truck pieces the same on both sides and added details.  You will see in one of my later pics how I added extra details like shading and snow, but I don't have a picture of it at this step. 

Using a bit of hot glue, I glued the pallet to the back side of one of the trucks.  This will be the truck bed where you will place the Christmas trees. 

To make my truck stand up, I added hot glue to the second side of the pallet and then attached the second truck while holding them upright. I wanted to make sure they were lined up evenly. 

After deciding where to place on the pallet, I decided to glue them down.  This step is completely optional.  I am considering picking up another package of the trees and adding a few more.  I really loved how the truck turned out but I thought it was missing a little something. 

I remembered that I had found these mini ornaments for only $1.88.  I believe they are from Walmart.  The Farm Fresh Trees ornament  was the perfect size for the door of the truck. 

I hot glued the ornament to the truck, and it finished the look.  I love how this turned out.  I think it will look cool on a white snow blanket with a few other trees around it. I am still in the process of getting out my Christmas decorations.  Hopefully once I get everything out, I will add it to Instagram. 

Another red truck craft I made were these wooden ornaments for my red truck themed Christmas tree.  I found them in the Christmas craft aisle at the Dollar tree.  As with the large wooden truck.  I painted them all the same, and then added the details on the truck and snow on the tree. I painted them on both sides, so they could face in either direction when on the tree.  

I used jute twine to make the loop to hang them on the tree, but I wanted to add just a little more.  I bought this amazing Christmas ribbon tower from Walmart for only $4.88. (only .82 per roll!)   I love all the ribbon that is included in this set. I decided on the buffalo check trees to make little bows to tie on the jute twine. 

Here are what the final ornaments look like.  I just love them and how they look on the tree. 

Added: If you prefer not to paint red trucks, DollarTree.com has this  version of the red truck ornament available online in small quantities. 

I just love my red truck tree. I seriously can not stop looking at it. It is in the corner of my bedroom, and makes me smile every time I see it.  You can see one of the ornaments in the bottom picture. I added a camper ornament behind it that I also found at the dollar tree.  

I have a few more red truck crafts to complete that I will be adding soon! 

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5 Simple Spring Crafts to Try With Kids

If you are a long time follower of my blog, you will know that I don't share a lot of guest posts. I do from time to time though, when it is a post that I feel it is something that my readers will benefit from. During this time of uncertainty, and sheltering in place I feel this article about simple Spring crafts you can do with your kids at home is very appropriate and timely.

So with that, I hope you enjoy this guest post..

5 Simple Spring Crafts to Try With Kids

by Caitlin Parsons

As we spend more time in our homes, it can become more and more difficult to find things to do around the house, especially with kids. On top of that, you may be struggling to keep the children's spirits up amidst everything that’s going on in the world. To combat the stress they may be feeling, it can be helpful to really dive in and find out what activities will provide entertainment and help to nurture their minds during this difficult time. Thankfully, activities like crafting are a great way to combine the two. The range of projects you can do will certainly keep them busy and can become a simple way to relieve their stress as well. Many, like Sara Corwin from the eCommerce Merchandising department at Michaels, consider crafting to be a form of self-care and believe it should be used to help kids with stress as well. Corwin says:

“Crafting is a great form of self-care. We pride ourselves in providing spaces and tools for makers and encouraging others to take the time to try and learn something new. Crafting helps take the mind away from stress and the noise surrounding you, and focus on the fun of creating.”

With the stress that you or your kids may be experiencing, crafting can be a huge help. Thankfully, there are plenty of crafts that are kid-friendly too, making the activities fun for everyone. If you need new ideas of crafts to try with kids during your time at home, keep reading.

DIY Birdhouse

As spring blooms, this is the perfect time to make your own creations to display outside. A great way to do this is by having the kids make their own birdhouse to hang in the trees. There are several creative ways you can do this which gives you the opportunity to choose what works best for you and your kids. The easiest way would be to use an empty paper carton of milk. You’ll want to go for the paper cartons to make it safe for the birds and typically, the half-gallon size is perfect. All you have to do is draw a rectangle on each side of the carton and then cut it out. After that, just fill the bottom with birdseed. Use any string or ribbon to hang it from a tree and there you have it! You can also build your own birdhouse with just popsicle sticks and hot glue but if you’re not the DIY type, you can always use a birdhouse kit.

Wreath Making

A great way to make use of the items you have around your home is by implementing them into your crafts. A common theme of decorations that many have at home and only use once a year is holiday decorations. Thankfully, there are great ways you can use the decorations throughout your home and in your crafts. Standard holiday wreaths and garland are perfect to revamp and redecorate to make into a spring wreath. Most commonly, some crafters will add pastel ribbon and floral accents to the wreath to make it fit the spring season. If you want to take the project a step further, you begin working from just an embroidery loop or wreath frame to make your wreath from scratch. Instead of using all of your garland from your holiday decorations, use clippings and add them to the wreath where you see fit. Then you can add other flowers, bows, and lettering to the wreath to make it your own.

DIY Garland

Another great way for the kids to pass the time while they’re home is to create their own garland. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can use everything from construction paper to felt, ribbons, and bells. Given the wide range of options you have for creating your garland, this is another great opportunity to utilize supplies around your house. Paper, of course, is found in any household and easy to use in a garland craft as well. There are tons of paper garland crafts you can try and plenty of ways you can decorate them, too. An all-time favorite is to spell out a child’s name with the sections of the garland. This way, the child has something to be proud of and hang in their own room.

Recycled Material Crafts

Similarly to reusing decorations you have stored away, you can also recycle empty household items to use in crafts as well. An all-time favorite for crafting is the use of empty toilet paper rolls. There are hundreds of ways you can utilize them but just to name a couple, the kids can create animals from the rolls and even their favorite Disney characters. For example, to create a butterfly:

1. Paint the toilet paper roll whatever color you want your butterfly to be and decorate it with googly eyes and pipe cleaners for antennas
2. Cut out a similarly colored set of wings for your butterfly 
3. Decorate the wings with paint, glitter, stickers, buttons, etc.
4. Fold the wings in half and glue the center of them to the back of your empty toilet paper roll

After completing those quick and easy steps, you’re finished! The kids will be able to challenge their minds creatively and be proud of the work they’ve done. They may even want to display it as their own “decor” around their rooms. For a different approach, here’s another toilet paper roll craft to create everyone’s favorite Disney character, Olaf!

Collages and Vision Boards

While these other crafts may work for your younger children, you want to make sure that you keep older children in mind too when crafting this spring. Older kids may typically resort to technology for their entertainment, however, this can be a change of scenery for them to try a more hands-on craft. A great craft that allows them to have their own creative freedom is making a vision board or collage. Basically, you will need a large poster board or just a simple piece of paper to decorate. Then, you’ll want to give the kids a theme. Maybe, their favorite things to do, or what they want to be when they grow up. It’s crucial to allow them to do the rest themselves! They can search through old magazines, books, and catalogs for pictures and phrases that they like.

They’ll then place and glue their pieces wherever they’d like on their board or paper to showcase their vision. This is a great time to use your Cricut machine as well so the kids can make their own elements to add to their vision board. Of course, they’ll need some guidance with the Cricut machine but otherwise, they’ll enjoy creating their own authentic masterpiece!

These are only a few of the hundreds of crafts you can try to keep the kids busy. Start with these and then keep searching for your own ways to do fun activities at home with your kids. With the stress that you and your kids may be dealing with, crafting may be the perfect activity to help ease your minds. You’ll love the time spent with your kids and they will be excited to make their own crafting creations.

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Quarantine Cardboard Tube Crafts

As we are all stuck at home sheltering in place to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus, we probably have a lot of cardboard tubes on hand that we can use in crafts. Here is a list of some of my favorite cardboard tube crafts. Now that Spring and Easter are here, how about these baby Spring animals . You could use them to play with, or fill with bags of candy or treats. 

 

I know we just had St. Patrick's Day, but these Leprechaun Treat Boxes were a lot of fun. 

I used a paper towel tube to make a set of Turkey Napkin Rings one Thanksgiving.  While Thanksgiving is still pretty far off, that basic idea could be used to make bunnies or spring chicks for Easter. 

This was one of my favorite cardboard tube crafts to make a few years back.  I have always loved the Despicable Me movies, so I shared how to make Despicable Me Minions.

This Snow Owl Ornament is probably my most famous craft.  Back in 2015 it went viral and was featured on many popular blogs, pages and websites.  I still hang them on my Christmas tree every year. 

My daughter used several tubes to make this Rainbow Flower. It was made for a school upcycle project and sold in a special fundraiser auction. It loved how big and colorful it was.  I think it is about time to make another one.  

I don't have a tutorial for this flower garland that I made for a friends birthday party several years ago. Each flower was made with a painted tube that was cute in 5 pieces and glued in the shape of a flower.  I am thinking about making another one to add some color around here.  

Here is one more spin on cardboard tube flowers .  She painted and cut the tubes to make a bouquet to put in a pretty vase. If you are unable to go out and get real flowers, these make a nice long lasting substitute.  

We are currently working on some ideas for new cardboard tube crafts, so stay tuned... 

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