Now that I have a preschooler, we have so much fun with arts and crafts. And since my job pretty much requires me to be on Pinterest almost every day (you’re welcome), I am constantly inundated with fun crafts, activities and games that could keep me in Michael’s or Hobby Lobby every day purchasing supplies. While I’m always one to shop with a coupon, it can still get pretty expensive shopping for packs of googly eyes and fancy paper. One of the many wonderful things about kids, is that they don’t care if you are buying brand name construction paper or dollar store variety! Save some money and keep your arts and crafts shelves stocked with some of these dollar store supplies!
Must-Have Dollar Store Crafts Supplies You Can Always Find!
1. Tape & Glue
Unlike adults, kids think tape and glue are fun and not boring office supplies so they go through them quick. Sure, you can purchase a bottle of glue at a craft store for nearly $2 which isn’t super expensive, but you can pick up a 2-pack of glue at the dollar store for a buck. Tape is actually quite expensive so pretty much a no- brainer to buy discounted!
2. Popsicle Sticks
There’s no end to popsicle stick crafts. You can make ornaments during Christmas, patriotic decor for your home and use as handles for paint pops. They’re also handy for actually making popsicles! Purchasing bags of the same sticks will cost you $4-5 a piece, whereas you can buy the exact same thing for just $1 at your dollar store. Trust me, there’s nothing fancy about a popsicle stick so save your cash!
3. Dollar Store Construction Paper
I was horrified to see a pack of construction paper for $6.99 at my local craft store. My daughter is going through a phase where she sometimes scribbles 2 lines on a piece of paper before she moves on to a fresh piece, so there’s no WAY I’m wasting money on paper. Pretty much all construction paper is made equal so stock up and don’t sweat it when your kid blows through an entire pad in 1 afternoon. Definitely pick this up at the dollar store!
4. Stickers
Head down the school or teacher aisle at your dollar store and you’re bound to find all types of stickers from garage sale, to chore chart to just plain fun animals. Stickers are pretty much a senseless activity, but if the kiddos just want to spend an afternoon decorating stuff with them, be sure you get the dollar store kind!
5. Paint Brushes
Dollar store paint brushes are perfect for very young children who tend to use watercolors or other washable paints. Sure, they may only last one session, but it’s better than wasting your cash on brand names that will only do the same!
6. Dollar Store Washi Tape
Washi Tape found at the dollar store is GOLD! Even at Target, where I find great deals on most everything, washi tape is still going for $3 per TINY roll. And if you’re buying for children who find joy in sticking tape wherever they can, that’s a complete waste. Stock up from your dollar store, and get some for that Erin Condren planner you use too!
7. Ribbon, Yarn and String
Finally, you can’t go wrong on inexpensive rolls of ribbon, yarn and string. Whether your kids like to make jewelry, banners or just tie knots, it’s a great buy from a dollar store. Most likely you will find these items in the floral aisle of your local dollar store and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the great selection!
8. Googly Eyes
It makes me happy to see that “googly eyes” is actually the name of this product! Regardless, make sure you stock up on this fun craft essential at your dollar store. No joke, I thought I was getting a good deal from Michaels by paying 3 for a pack of 100. Then I saw them at the dollar store for only $1 and MORE came in the pack! The horror! Trust me, you will find all uses for googly eyes, especially if you’re working on crafts involving cupcake liners. My dollar store stocks them in colors and traditional black and white, so no excuses for not buying them!
I’d like to also say a quick note about arts and crafts supplies that I won’t buy at a dollar store. While I find they have some awesome products, there are some things that I won’t gamble with. Anything that I do not know to be nontoxic and washable is a no-go. This means, I do not waste my money on off-brand crayons, markers or paint. I also won’t buy sidewalk chalk because I refuse to scrub and bleach my driveway ever again (i.e., I only trust Crayola sidewalk chalk now!). Happy shopping!
Karly Wood
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Karly Wood
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