This is a guest blog submitted by The_Prestigiator I guess I've been a frugal gal from an early age because I used to love going into Dollar shops! I enjoyed the various merchandise, the customers eagerly rifling through the most random of items, and the scant coins in my piggy bank could take me far in such a place.
My mom didn't like taking us because she claimed that she didn't want "junk" in her house. Still, on one rare occasion she took my sister and me to one because she needed a loofah (we were on vacation).
I was so excited because nothing was too outrageously priced and instead of picking one item and sharing it with my sister, we were each allowed to select our own trifle. My sister chose a glittery wallet and I chose a Little Mermaid diary set complete with two pencils. The total damage? Approximately three dollars with the loofah.
While I don't necessarily think that dollar stores offer the best quality
or that they are great places for serious gifts, they are magnificent in the sense that you find little treasures during your visit and don't end up feeling guilty for burning a hole in your wallet.
Dollar Tree, for example, boasts a fun "everything's $1": candles, ornaments, candy, cards, ribbon, oven mitts, notebooks, hair clips--it's got it all!
As a seven-year-old, I seriously adored that Little Mermaid diary. Such a minuscule and inexpensive event brightened my entire day.
Do you appreciate Dollar Stores? What's the best item you've ever purchased from one?
Comments (10)
I buy my sponges for doing dishes there all the time! They dont last as long as the expensive ones. But they never stink either. And a 5-pack for $1? You cant go wrong!
Oh - and gift bags. I hate wrapping paper and how expensive gift bags are at most places!
Dollar Stores are great for some things!
I LOVE those dollar store. I try to buy as much as I need from dollar store, instead of other store. Actually, anything that I think I can "it's okay", I chose to buy them in dollar store instead in other store.
Things I buy from dollar store (some similar to yours) : Adhensive tape, note book, memo, wrapping paper, candle lighter, hair clip, some kitchen stuff such as jar opener, ......and etc (will add to the list when I think of more, haha)
Things I don't buy from dollar store: Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, box of tissue, etc....
Some dollar store they got some nice Christmas tree ornaments, nice design. I stay away from any glitter (powder) ornaments :P
i've ditched the dollar stores for those japanese $1.00 or $1.50 stores like Daiso :) Â MUCH better quality items
@der_lila_Stern@xanga - oh yea! getting gift bags and wrapping paper from a dollar store is a smart idea! same thing all over the place but you save more money :)
@lilgirlhj@xanga - where are these stores located? I love Japanese shops and products!
I love the dollar store! Last year, I bought all of my students' holiday gifts from there (34 kids) and all of the kindergarten graduates' gifts (12 kids). Imagine if I bought them gifts from a non-dollar store. instant broke.
At the dollar store I buy, school supplies (lots of cute things for teachers), scrapbooking supplies (stickers, scissors, paper, tape), gift wrap/bags/tissue paper, kleenex for my students (since they go through a box a week), supplies I need for student projects, some cleaning supplies, and all of my photo frames.
@lilgirlhj@xanga - We have a Daiso here too but its $2.00
i love dollar store! it surprises me everytime. i always find something interesting :)
Thankx for reminding, Daiso, hehe. I love Daiso, I get some cosmetic stuff in Daiso, such as cotton pads, make-up water, nail remover, and makeup remover wet cloths, etc...and crafts too.