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Saving on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening: A Surprising Resource

Find deals on toys, crafts, gardening supplies, books and more.

For those us who enjoy arts crafts and/or gardening, Spring signals a bonanza of great sales. Stores such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Garden Ridge, Walmart and Target are offering super deals on floral supplies, Easter and baby crafts, children’s craft kits (to stay entertained during Spring break) and of course, everything one can imagine for gardening.

Even with great sales, hobbies are expensive. For example, if you like floral arranging, all the relatively inexpensive items it takes to create something beautiful—flowers, wreaths, vases, floral wire and tape, glass, natural, pebbles, etc.—can really add up. I have a wonderful secret that I’ll share with you and advise you to take advantage of before you head to one of these stores to shop. Go to a Dollar Tree first.

I’m not kidding. And before you dismiss my advice because you think the dollar store only carries cheap, generic, diluted knock offs of brand name merchandise, just try it. To defend my position and prove my point, I did some “research” over the weekend. I had just spent $50 at on items intended to entertain three children I was caring for on Saturday. My stash included two puzzles ($8), four kites ($10), bubbles and bubble paraphernalia ($12), an activity book and crayons ($5.50), a sun catcher craft kit ($5), two plastic dinosaurs ($4) and two grow-in-water dolphins ($4).

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On Sunday, I was in Dollar Tree and saw the exact same bubble swords I had purchased at Target for $1.99 for $1. I had purchased four of them, and overspent by $4. Curious, I went to the puzzles. Disney puzzles, 250 and 500 piece puzzles were $1 each. I had spent $3.99 for the exact same puzzles, overspending by $6.

I then decided to do an aisle-by-aisle walk through and see what else I might be overspending on. Armed with a pen, paper and camera, I chose five categories to research and compare: Toys, Floral, Gardening, Books and Magazines and a Miscellaneous category (nice surprise deals to keep top-of-mind).

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Browse through the image gallery to see just a few of the items offered for $1 at Dollar Tree. You’ll find the savings significant and allow you to more freely pursue and enjoy your hobbies without “busting the budget!"

1) Toys

  • Puzzles: Includes Disney (i.e. Toy Story, Little Mermaid), Thomas Kincaide, Americana, Star Wars, 24—500 piece puzzles, wooden puzzles.
  • Bubble Swords: The exact same bubble swords at Target are $1.99.
  • Kites: 2 for $1
  • Paint Sets: Sun catcher paint sets, Disney paint sets.

2) Crafts and Floral Supplies

  • Flowers: Huge variety of type and color (see pictures)
  • Floral Tape and Wire
  • Glass and Natural Pebbles (for vases and crafts)
  • Natural and Foam Floral Wreaths
  • Baskets: Wood, canvas and plastic, decorative and storage, many shapes, sizes and colors.
  • Candles: Pillar, long, votive and tea lights (including battery operated) in a variety of shapes and scents. Glass and metal candle plates and holders.
  • Scented Oils, Potpourri, Incense, Scented Linen Water
  • Glass Vases: Large and small, single stem to large vases, contemporary and traditional shapes.
  • Glues: Everything from basic white craft glue to super glue and strong epoxy cement.
  • Ribbon: Spools in large variety of solids and patterns.
  • Craft Sticks (Popsicle sticks)
  • Glue Guns and Refills
  • Scrapbooking Supplies
  • Paper: Construction paper, drawing and sketch pads, poster paper: 2 for $1, foam board, computer stationary. Note: 3M products such as Post-Its, tape and mailing supplies are in stock.

3) Gardening Supplies

  • Flower and Vegetable Seeds: 4 packages for $1.  
  • Pots and Planters: Ceramic and plastic, various sizes, colors and designs.
  • Garden Tools: Many hand tools: trowels, small shovels, hoes and rakes, buckets. Sturdy, plastic children’s garden tools are also available.
  • Gloves, Kneeling Pads and Stools
  • Figurines, Garden Ornaments and Plant Markers, Decorative Signs and Stands                                                                                                                                              

 4) Books, Crosswords, Sudoku and Word Finds

  • Hardback Books: There’s an excellent selection of hardback books, many of them recent best sellers. I’m told they may be from a batch that has a typo somewhere in the book. Personally, I’ve never been able to find a flaw and have enjoyed many biographies, self help, inspirational and popular fiction books from the selections.
  • The same crosswords, Sudoku and word find books that cost $3.99 to $7.99 everywhere else may be found here for $1.

 5) Miscellaneous Deals

  • Premium Computer Photo Paper/Glossy, 8 1/2" x 11", 8 sheets, scrapbook safe, acid free.
  • Batteries: Contrary to popular belief, Dollar Tree batteries are NOT past their expiration dates. Batteries at Dollar Tree are fine for everything but digital cameras; invest in better batteries for them.
  •  Seasonal Items: Decorative themes in plates, cups, napkins, utensils, wrap, bows, bags and party favors. Most gift bags at other stores start at $1.99 and don’t have the  variety of sizes, colors and designs you can buy here for half the price.
  • Refrigerated Frozen Foods: Many Dollar Tree stores offer refrigerated and frozen foods. They offer a large selection of meats, cheeses, dairy products, desserts and quick meals—and nothing is over $1.

While a dollar store may not always carry the best or higher end materials needed to create your special project, it may provide enough savings on the basic staples needed to start a whole new project. Either way, you’ll be delighted at how much money you can save by paying attention to the prices of the ”little things." Paying less for “little things” result in a big payoff. Happy crafting!

Dollar Tree
995 Roswell St NE, Marietta, GA 30060
770-422-0823

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