December Dollar Deals – Spreading Cheer For Less

The holidays can put a huge dent in your wallet, eat up your extra savings, or have you paying those credit cards off long after the presents have been opened and the last cookie eaten. Between the price of gifts, holiday entertaining, sending cards, and even decorating, the numbers add up in a hurry. Which is why I like to buy certain items at the dollar stores (I personally prefer the Dollar Tree) that are similar or even the same as what you’d find at the “regular” stores but cost a whole lot less.

One thing I really don’t like spending a lot of money on is wrapping paper. It gets ripped off and tossed and if you have curious cats, well, you’re lucky if the paper lasts for 5 minutes sometimes. Containers and food wrap for homemade goodies can be pricey too and seriously, I don’t want the wrap or container to cost more than the fabulous gift or goody I’m gifting. So why pay more at the bigger department stores for those type of items? At the Dollar Tree you can pick up and save on bows, ribbon, tape, wrapping paper, tins, and all shapes of containers for a buck each.

Besides the typical Christmas prints, I found tons of themed paper that the grandkids will enjoy like this Star Wars and Superman wrapping paper. A huge savings since you’re going to pay at least $3.99 for the same thing, even at the big discount stores.

A festive touch for that bottle of wine you’re gifting your hostess with…

I absolutely love these cookie tray bags that make it so easy to wrap homemade treats. You get 3 bags (15.5 in x 19 in) 3 ribbons and 3 tags for a dollar. And again, why would you pay more for something as simple as gift tags? Here are 100 self-adhesive gift tags for just a dollar.

These containers are perfect for homemade chocolates or even cookies you might gift the neighbors or a teacher with. Makes it easier to transport treats to a holiday party too. And hey, if you don’t bake, there’s nothing wrong with a tin of hard candy that you can put in a fun container as a little holiday treat.

Mugs of wrapped candy for those you want to wish a little cheer on…perfect for a school bus driver, teacher, coworker, neighbor, mailman, etc. I think these would make great place settings for your table too. Tie a name tag on the handle so guests know where to sit and then they can take it home with them as a little gift. Lots of colors and designs to choose from to fit your table theme.

I just thought these mugs were cute and filled them up with packets of hot chocolate for the grandkids.

Perfect stocking stuffers or treats for someone with a sweet tooth…

More fun stocking stuffers or little gifts. The vanilla scented bath soak smells heavenly and the vanilla sugar scented shampoo, body lotion, and body wash come in a clear zipper bag.

For yourself or as stocking stuffers. This is the same Blistex lip protectant/sunscreen that you’ll find everywhere else but at the Dollar Tree of course it’s only a buck. And these Dry Disposable jewelry wipes really do work. You can safely clean and polish gold, silver, gemstones, and costume jewelry. It’s non-toxic and has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

True story…When I was at the Dollar Tree there was a mom shopping with her young son who was probably about 8. I had passed them on several aisles where each time I saw him, he was very seriously studying everything on the shelves. When I was one aisle over from them I heard him shout “This is perfect!” Well of course I wanted to know what it was so I rolled my cart on over and struck up a conversation with him and his mom, smiling and asking what he had been looking for. (Totally not in a nosy way of course!) Anyway, it turns out he was looking for the “perfect” gift for his dad. So Kevin’s suggestion for “dad” gifts from the Dollar Tree are this Anti-Gravity ball point pen, which he was quick to point out writes at any angle, even upside down (and I later tested that and it really does.) Easy grip, smooth and uninterrupted ink flow, same technology used in outer space.

He also chose these Electronic Wipes for use on cell phones, televisions, laptops, tablets, keyboards, remotes, glass, and metal. Twenty-five wipes that dry fast, leave a streak-free shine, and is anti-static. The non-abrasive formula is oil and wax-free which eliminates static charges and helps repel harmful dust. (Kevin said his dad could really use these because his computer screen was always dirty!)

The pen is actually quite nice looking and I like the grip on it.

Christmas cards (14 per box)…

And of course we can’t forget our furry friends. Peanut butter dog biscuits (1 pound and made in the U.S.A.) along with cat toys that squeak and move. Some of these are motion sensor activated and I have them “hidden” in my closet. And each and every time I open the door, they squeak and I scream. (Ha!)

Marvel jumbo playing cards with card instructions included for Crazy Eights, Slap Jack, Go Fish, Old Maid, Rummy, and more. Lots of varieties.

I keep some of these Giant Holiday Coloring and Activity books at our house in case we have company with younger children who might get bored. They make great stocking stuffers too, even though you’d need a pretty big stocking. And these would make fun gifts for younger neighborhood kids. These have 20 pages and include some cool stickers.

Similar to what the grocery stores and chain stores carry but cheaper…

One of my favorite finds! Gluten free chicken broth that tastes good and only costs a dollar. I use broth a lot but the gluten-free variety costs twice or even three times as much as regular broth so believe me, this is a steal.

Who doesn’t like an Elf on the Shelf? Fun notebooks for anyone who’s an “Elf fan.”

I picked up several of these Solar Blinking Reindeer that I’ll include with any hostess gifts I make this month. Because they are fun. I have one in my window and I swear, it’s hysterical with its blinking eyes and rocking motion. The cats enjoy it too. Lots of different choices like Christmas trees, elves, snowmen, etc.

Fun gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Easy and affordable ways to package up any homemade goodies. Lots of ways to spread some holiday cheer while sticking to a budget.