Don't Miss These Dollar Tree Deals

Welcome to "Part 1" of my Super Savvy Shopper Savings Series

(Thanks to my son, Daniel for that undeniably cool title)

 My sister recently opened my eyes to the wonders of the Dollar Tree store.  There are not one, but four locations of this little gem in my town.  Each Dollar Tree carries slightly different merchandise.  So , if you have more than one nearby location, give each store a visit from time to time. A local store manager just told me today that they are continually shelving more and more name brand products.  The best part:  no matter which Dollar Tree you frequent, every item in the store is priced at just a buck!! 

 Today I will share with you how to get the most out of your shopping experience and list items at your Dollar Tree store with prices that are hard to beat. Let's look at seven areas in which the Dollar Tree excels.

FROZEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

This is actually where my recent "Dollar Tree Story" began.  I was bemoaning using the last of my frozen blueberries when my sister innocently asked me why I didn't go to Dollar Tree to buy more.  This was a new one for me.  Although I had been in my local Dollar Tree a handful of times, they had apparently added a frozen food section.  I was so enthused that in about two minutes I had all the kids loaded in the van and we were ready and head to Dollar Tree.  I was amazed!  They have 12 ounce bags of frozen blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries for one dollar.  That got my attention fast!  That is a fantastic price!  They also have bags of frozen vegetables for the same price.  If they are out of stock when you visit, I suggest that you ask the store clerk what day of the week they get their shipment, and then plan to visit on that day to insure that you get the chance to buy some before they run out.  

CONDIMENTS AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you probably already know that junk food doesn't make an appearance in my house.  I am an avid label-reader and avoid a whole host of questionable ingredients.  Having said that, there are several food and condiment items which I purchase at Dollar Tree.  I have found mustard, ketchup, pickles, olives, and barbeque sauce, which all pass my standards.  Dollar Tree also sells Nature's Own whole wheat bread and buns.  If you can't find this bread, ask the teller when the truck will arrive at the store with the next shipment.  Like any other general merchandise store, at Dollar Tree you'll find a lot of cheaply-made junk food, which you wouldn't want to serve to your family.  But, I would encourage you to take the time to pass through this aisle when you visit.  There are some quality items in there for a fantastic price. 

PARTY SUPPLIES

Whether you are planning a party or attending one, Dollar Tree has you covered.

 First, create the mood and theme of your party with matching paper plates, napkins, and cups.  Choose from perennial favorites (Like princesses or sports), cartoon and pop culture icons, or more traditional patterns or solid colors.   

Next, choose gift bags of assorted sizes, colors, and motifs for either gift giving or for creating "thank you" bags for each guest attending your event.   Tissue and wrapping paper are found in the same aisle.  

Don't forget prizes for the party games!  There is a huge selection from which to choose for adults or children.  I like stationary or colored pens for the ladies, a can of peanuts or snacks for the gents, and coloring books or puzzles for the kids. 

Finally, head on over to the card aisle for the perfect card.  If you are the party hostess, be sure to purchase a pack of "thank you" cards (Just $1.00 for a pack of eight!)

(Oh my gosh, this section read just like an advertisement.  Can you tell that I wrote commercials for about a decade when I worked in radio?!)  

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

Parents, students, and teachers will all appreciate Dollar Tree's selection of educational items.  They have a whole row dedicated to basic math and language arts aids, posters, workbooks, craft supplies, and more!  Teachers and home educators:  They have planning books each year around the start of the school year for just a dollar each!  

ORGANIZERS

When my oldest son left for college, my husband and I gave him a very meager amount with which to decorate and stock his dorm room.  The caveat:  If he didn't spend the entire amount, then he could keep the remainder.  He was a man on a mission!  He made lists of every possible item that he would need.  When it came time to buy plastic tubs, organizers, and basic cleaning supplies he invited me to head over to Dollar Tree with him.  He found every single item on his list!  

SEASONAL DECORATIONS, PARTY FAVORS, AND GIFTS 

Decorations don't have to be expensive to be attractive - specially if you are buying them for a one-time party.  Dollar Tree always has a nice supply of decorations and party supplies for every season. Do be sure to check the store the week after the holiday has passed.  They often put the leftover items in a sale basket for between 50 and 75 percent off.   

CHRISTMAS STOCKING STUFFERS AND GIFTS

 

Christmas gets its own section for this article because Dollar Tree is my "must stop" store for the Yuletide season.  Begin with stocking stuffers for all the kids.  Last year my husband and I had a blast perusing the shelves.  We found a huge variety of items for each of our boys  - who range in age from 20 to 9.  Here are some examples:  bubble bath in cute shaped containers, flashlights, coloring books, crayons, stickers, candy, snacks, snow and ice scrapers for cars, and Star Wars themed Christmas hats (the 20 and 18 year old LOVED these!).  

While you are there look for teacher gifts.  I have bought candles, candy, and boxes of tea as tokens of my thanks to the wonderful men and women who teach my children.  One of my very favorite gifts came from one of my students years ago - Reindeer socks!  They came from a dollar store and I wore them for probably 4 or 5 years before they finally wore out.  I wish that student was in my class again.  I could use a new pair of Christmas socks!   

That's my Dollar Tree list!  Do you have anything to add?  Any great, not-to-be-passed-up deals at your Dollar Tree?  I'd love to hear from you.  Leave comments below!  

Remember, 

Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope