| Dollar stores have been around for some time now, | | | | cheaper at the dollar store. |
| but not as popular as they are today with the | | | | Holiday Supplies: Gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons, |
| economy in the doldrums. Every family is looking for | | | | bows, threads< Halloween masks and Christmas |
| ways to save dollars and keep more of it to survive | | | | candy are often one-purchase items and cheaper at |
| through today's tough times. Dollar stores provide one | | | | the dollar store. You can find amusing Valentine's, |
| of the best ways to shave off the cost of brand | | | | Birthday and Christmas cards at a fraction of standard |
| name items. | | | | cards. |
| Dollar stores are not just for the poor and destitute. If | | | | Children's Supplies: Crayons, coloring books, glues, |
| you haven't checked out what they sell, you might find | | | | binders and hobby crafts are cheaper. You can save |
| some common products you are currently buying | | | | yourself a good deal on reading books and picture |
| elsewhere for a lot less at the dollar store. Many items | | | | books that cater to pre-schoolers and for different |
| of comparable quality are less expensive. And many | | | | reading levels. |
| products are up to 70% less than comparable items | | | | School Supplies: They include paper, pencils, markers, |
| sold at drugstores and supermarkets. | | | | binders, notepads, staples and organizers for children |
| The deals you are likely to find are non-food items, | | | | and teenagers. |
| though you will find chocolate bars, canned fruit and | | | | Containers: Both glass and plastic for storage don't |
| canned pasta. Even without food items you will find | | | | require buying expensive items at Wal-Mart. Fabric |
| plenty of deals on your next visit to the dollar store. | | | | lined and straw baskets and convenient food storage |
| Cleaning Products: Not only are they cheaper, but they | | | | containers are usually priced around 70% less than at |
| often are as effective in cleaning your home. Some | | | | other stores. |
| generic and off-brand products are made by large | | | | Kitchen and Garden Supplies: Cutlery, spatulas, egg |
| brand-name manufacturers, but at a dollar or two, they | | | | timers, measuring cups, graters and many other |
| add up to considerable savings. Dish washing liquid, | | | | products used in the kitchen can be purchased at little |
| soaps, air fresheners and floor cleaners can help keep | | | | cost. While gardening tolls are lower quality, they do |
| your home sparkling clean. | | | | help if you're not doing much garden work. Hand |
| Food and Snacks: You'll find bread bread, chips, candy, | | | | spades, seeds, gloves and other supplies can help you |
| gum and cookies that sell for 50% less than they sell | | | | start growing your own food which will save much |
| elsewhere. Pasta, canned soups and stews at a buck | | | | more money than the produce you buy at the grocer's. |
| cost less than at the supermarket. If you love going to | | | | Knick Knacks: Candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, |
| the movies and snacking, buy your chips and | | | | garlands, reeds, picture frames and some art supplies |
| chocolate at the dollar store first. | | | | are cheaper but do make good presents if your |
| Personal Hygiene Products: Shampoo doesn't vary | | | | budget doesn't allow for a lot of spending. |
| much in ingredients to what you find on the | | | | Far from being stores that cater only to the poor, dollar |
| supermarket shelves. If you need quality, buy | | | | stores provide a great way to trim excess |
| conditioners at the drug store as they tend to have | | | | expenditures from and help promote savings. You'll salt |
| better quality ingredients. Soaps, bath oils and beads, | | | | away more money, a great bonus in today's struggling |
| sponges, body lotions, tooth brushes and paste are | | | | economy. |