A guide to buying Christmas gifts from the dollar store when you’re broke AF
When you’re on a budget, the act of holiday shopping can quickly transform into a stressful errand, rather than a fun way to express affection for the people you love. If you don’t have time to sit and personally hand-weave every Christmas gift, buying holiday goodies from the dollar store provides a fabulous option for those of us who want to shower our family and friends. And, it’s perfect for keeping our rent paid on time. The ability to stay on budget AND buy holiday gifts are life-long skills that only develop through practice and a firm commitment to remembering which stores carry affordable products.
Dollar stores are so much more than spots to pick up candy bars, they’re also compact havens of cheap, weird, and ultimately beautiful gifts you can buy!
We have compiled some go-to tips for finding the best dollar store Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.
Cruise the nail polish section for some fabulous shade options!
via giphyEven the smallest dollar stores have a selection of cute and colorful nail polish choices for the manicure minded members of your friends and family. The prices are so low you’ll be able to buy them in a bundle of colors. While you’re at it, you can throw in a nail polish remover, a cuticle trimmer, and even a toe separator, so they can go full DIY mani/pedi in the new year!
Take some time for tools.
via giphyDollar stores are full of cheap goodies for the handy men and women in your family. If you have any friends who love to fix or build things, most dollar stores are fully equipped with wrenches, screwdrivers, box cutters, nails, and even the occasional electric drill. It’s even better if you can find a fun tool belt to tie it all together.
Brush through the hair styling accessories.
via giphyWhile your average dollar store might not carry your favorite brand of shampoo or conditioner (although some do!), almost all of them carry a good variety of affordable hairstyling necessities. You can create a personalized beauty bundle for your friends with the most meticulously styled hair: brushes, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, butterfly clips (hello, ’90s nostalgia), and even hairspray would be great gifts! You can put together a styling basket at a price that won’t make your soul cry.
File away some office supplies.
via giphyIt might not SOUND sexy or fun, but everyone needs some good ‘ole fashioned office supplies. Dollar stores tend to be stocked with notebooks, journals, pens, sketchbooks, staplers, and planners that will make a great gift for both the Type A person on your list, as well as the obsessive artist or writer who needs a new outlet for their thoughts.
Shop through the sweets.
via giphyHonestly, for many of us the absolute best gifts are just piles of treats we can put in our mouths. Luckily, dollar stores are ideal for snack shopping. For the satisfied food junkie on your list, you can create the ultimate gift basket full of nuts, chocolates, sour patch kids, gum and, — if you’re feeling brave — you can even include the terrifying bagged pickles sold by the register.
via giphyHopefully, this list of tips has empowered you to go forth into your local dollar store! You can use your newfound knowledge to cross off the remaining members on your Christmas list with confidence and a happy wallet.
