In order to hang the stockings from the chimney with care, you first need to get the stockings. Presents are not the only holiday shopping you need to evaluate. The holidays are already a time when your credit card is punching above its weight, so maybe consider better ways to budget your holidays. There are methods to get inexpensive items to decorate and stock your home without it looking cheap.

                By                    Caitlyn Moorhead
  • Holiday Items

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When you are only using certain things once a year, and just storing them for the other 11 months, why not save a buck or two on everyday holiday items? Christmas shopping can be stressful, so alleviate some levels of this stress by knowing you have saved some money where you could.

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Whether it is on dollar store Christmas decorations or fun and thrifty gifts for loved ones, stores such as Dollar General, Dollar Tree or Family Dollar can save you a bundle when buying for the holidays. 

Holiday Items To Buy at a Dollar Store

There are so many little details that go into making the holiday season perfect for you and your family and friends. Depending on where you live, your local Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar or other local dollar stores could be the key to everything you need to Christmas-ball on a budget. Here are seven items you should consider buying at a dollar store in order to savvily save some money.

  • Christmas or holiday decor
  • Christmas or holiday presents for children
  • Christmas or holiday presents for pets
  • Holiday arts and crafts supplies
  • Gift wrapping supplies
  • Disposable baking dishes and cookware
  • Cleaning supplies

Christmas or Holiday Decor

If you are seeking out tinsel, twinkle lights, outdoor decorations or other inexpensive dollar store Christmas decorations, you’ll be happy to know that many of these are the same products or brands sold in larger and more expensive retailers. Might as well save some money on what is ultimately the same product. Family Dollar, Dollar General or Dollar Tree Christmas decorations can be a seamless way to save around the holidays. 

Christmas or Holiday Presents for Children

Kids are easier to shop for than we give them credit. Dollar store gifts for children are a great way to save, as they are well stocked with toys that won’t break the bank. It is also a good option if you need to buy toys or gifts for a lot of kids at once. Holiday party gift bags, or just large families in general often require many individual gifts for children. Buying in bulk can not only save you money but also save you the headache of kids fighting over gifts that are different. If everyone has the same thing, in the same color, it spares parents as well as other family members a lot of arguments. 

Christmas or Holiday Presents for Pets

Children and fur children alike all need stocking stuffers during the holidays. Dogs may be less particular than cats, but dollar stores have all the pet treats you could need at much lower price tags than other retailers. When something is going to be lovingly destroyed in a matter of minutes, it is more fiscally responsible not to invest too much. 

Holiday Arts and Crafts Supplies

With large gatherings of family and friends, sometimes it is nice to have kid-friendly activities to entertain the young ones. Items such as glitter, glue, paper, office supplies and more are all a fraction of the price as they would be in other stores. Making macaroni Santa tree ornaments is more fun when it is less costly. 

Cleaning Supplies

If you do end up organizing arts and crafts time for the children, chances are you’ll need a fair amount of cleaning supplies. Nothing can be messier than the aftermath of a holiday extravaganza. Make sure to have all your well-priced paper towels, wet wipes and other cleaning sprays healthily stocked before everyone arrives. 

Gift-wrapping Supplies

Although all the shiny paper, ribbons, bows and bags are lovely to look at, they are disposed of in seconds. All of the gift-wrapping supplies sold at dollar stores look nearly identical to those sold at higher-end retailers, so it makes more sense to buy the cheaper version.

Disposable Baking Dishes and Cookware

The holidays are deliciously, and calorically, packed with many a baked good or passing dish. Disposable baking dishes and cookware make it easy to take something to a party or gathering and not have to worry about getting your dish back. Not only is it inexpensive, but it also makes clean-up a snap.

Saving Money on the Holidays

With inflation rising and everything seeming more expensive in general, it is nice to know you can save some money with dollar store Christmas decorations. If you have not visited your local dollar store in while, give it a shot. You may be surprised as to how extensive a holiday selection they have to help you save money.

Information is accurate as of Nov. 9, 2022. 

  • Hours of operation may vary depending on location but Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are all open on Thanksgiving.

  • Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are all closed on Christmas Day, however, all three are open on Christmas Eve.

  • Walmart will be open for Black Friday. It will have varying sales and deals on Black Friday, but will not open early on Thanksgiving for Black Friday.

  • Ace Hardware: Ace Hardware will be open during its regular weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most locations.

  • Acme: Acme markets are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Bass Pro Shop: Bass Pro Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Big Lots: Most Big Lots stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Best Buy: Best Buy is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Cabela’s: Cabela’s will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • CVS: CVS is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods: Dick’s is open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Dollar General: Dollar General is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Family Dollar: Family Dollar is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Kroger: Kroger is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Meijer: Meijer will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Michael’s: Michael’s is open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Old Navy: Old Navy locations will be open, but the hours vary from store to store.

  • Rite Aid: The pharmacy at Rite Aid will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but the rest of the store will be open until 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Safeway: Though many locations may vary, most Safeway locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Sears: Most Sears locations will be opening at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving night to get a jump on those appliance deals for Black Friday.

  • Sprouts: Sprouts will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

  • Walgreens: Walgreens will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the additional bonus of all of their 24-hour pharmacies remaining open on Thanksgiving.

  • Whole Foods: Though reducing their hours on Thanksgiving, Whole Foods will still be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.