My Mom is not only the creative woman who was the brains behind the Cha-Ching! Couponing System, she also carries a special power. If she were a Super Hero, she would hands down earn the title of Dollar Store Diva. Which is why I am SO excited to share with you that over the next few weeks, I have asked my Mom to share lots of creative ways to make your Christmas fabulous using Dollar Store finds. I think you are going to be surprised and delighted! Here is her first installment:
Another Day, Another Dollar
Recently when we had a few friends over for dinner, I heard some shocking news: a Dollar Store that I frequent is CLOSING!
Nice way to ruin an otherwise lovely evening.
I am not a shopper; I’m really not. When I finally get to the mall, the cashier practically has to pull the money from my frugal fists. But I have a love affair with Dollar Stores.
::Why the Dollar Store?
I have one husband, six children, their spouses, and—at last count–12 grandchildren. Do you realize how many birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and Christmases that adds up to? For a non-shopper, this can be more than a bit overwhelming, so I have reluctantly started giving cash instead of gifts. Though I know my family appreciates the money, it’s hard for me not to give them something they can rip the paper off. Here’s where the Dollar Store comes in.
::Hidden Treasures
When I was a little girl, I devoured Nancy Drew mysteries. In fact, I wanted to be Nancy Drew. My trip to the Dollar Store is when I get to put on my Nancy Drew hat. I hop out of my blue roadster (OK—my 12-year-old Honda Civic), pull out my magnifying glass (OK—adjust my bifocals), and push the cart down aisle after aisle. I bend low; I stretch high, scouring the shelves for hidden treasures.
When shopping, the recommendation is typically (for obvious reasons): no impulse buying. But that is the opposite for me. For me, the Dollar Store is about “impulse buying”. Other than a few standards, a visit to the Dollar Store is an adventure in looking for something I don’t know I want.
::Get ready for an adventure!
Christmas, above all, is a time when I need to take advantage of the opportunities a Dollar Store offers. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you some creative ideas for gift wrapping, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and gifts for teachers, most from the Dollar Store. And I’ll tell you how I solve my no-paper-to-rip-off issue.
So, get ready—grab your magnifying glass, hop in your roadster, and start your treasure hunt. You’re going to be pleasantly surprised.
Note from Kaley: To get you in the Dollar Store spirit, why not take a wild guess as to how many of the items in the picture above are from the Dollar Store. Just for fun, leave a comment below with your best guess!
My husband just discovered that everything was only a dollar at the Dollar Store. He acted like a little kid in a candy store. It’s funny when a 33 year old man discovers something so obvious to the rest of us. Got to love him!!
My guess is 24 items for a dollar each! Thanks Dollar Store Diva! You simply rock!!
I know the answer: all of them- even the blue wrap! We have a Dollar Tree store and it’s a main stay every week or two, because we only have social security and the main stores are way too outragiously high priced for our pocket book, even with coupons sometimes. Blessings to your and yours and Merry Christmas! Thanks for your newsletters and all you offer.
15 things in the pic are from the dollar store. I think you have hit on an idea that we all can use to try and save money. My family has everything they need, yet I still feel like I must “wow” them with gifts. This idea is perfect for the “wow” factor and also easy on the pocketbook. Thanks again!
I just went to the Dollar Store for the first time ever last week. I was pleasantly surprised at all they had and all the craft project ideas that came to me while I was there!
And for a number, I am saying 24 items!!!!!
2 candles
2 candle holders
red curling ribbon
green curling ribbon
bell
2 glasses
2 plates
bowl
3 ornaments
fork
spoon
knife
napkin
ribbon around napkin
gold ball on napkin
table cloth
placemat
My guess would be all of it as well.
I am guessing everything except the wall (although the paint on it might be LOL) and the table (which is under the table cloth) is from the Dollar Store!!!! 🙂
I’d say everything to – so 22 items? Can’t wait to read more!
I say everything but the table the stuff is setting on. 🙂
Everything but the walls in the background? 🙂 You rock Nancy and Kaley!
I’m guessing that every item is from the $ store except the table cloth. Pretty much everything else you can find there. I just went today! LOVE IT!
I can’t wait to hear your suggestions. 🙂 I’m going to guess 12 items.
Can’t wait to read more…my guess is 17.
I love the Dollar Store too. Thus, I’m looking forward to your mom’s installments. I’ll guess 14 items.
I would think every little item is from the dollar store, but if you need a number of items…my guess is 15?
I’d guess it would be all of it. I’m not a shopper either, but I love flea markets, yard sales and dollar stores. Cant wait to see what all you have to share with us.
I’m thinking everything too, but I’ll venture to say 13 items. I loved her thinking of the dollar store= impulse buying! That is exactly how it feels to go into their stores! Especially for my kids!
I will guess 10 items
My guess is EVERYTHING!