Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sale at Gap.com ends today!
You can still get 25% off your entire purchase today at Gap.com. Use code SAVE25 at checkout!
McFrugal Tip of the Day!
Did you know that the Upromise program now lets you earn rebates back to pay down your student loans? It's true! You don't have to have a child to benefit from Upromise....just a student loan. Over the past 4.5 years, we have earned $750 from Upromise that goes equally into a 529 for my son and toward my husband's student loans. Just shop your favorite online retaiers through the UPromise site, or get the Upromise cards from your favorite grocery store! It's a fabulous find! :)
www.upromise.com10 Things you are silly not to be buying at Dollar Tree
I ran into Dollar Tree the other day, as I often do BEFORE I go shopping at Publix or other stores to see if anything on my list can be bought there. I was just amazed by the things in there now. I am telling you, if you are on a shopping budget, do not wince at going to Dollar Tree. I can’t speak for all dollar-themed stores, but Dollar Tree’s have it going on! (Their stocks are not doing too shabby either!)
Now, I have a really nice one near me, but I also had nice ones in Tampa. I can't swear on consistency, and I’m sure some are better than others. But, you can really find some great stuff there that you might not think of buying there. (My father swears it’s the cheapest for deodorant and toothpaste) And you can even buy ONLINE at their website…..no lie!
It got me thinking about the things that Dollar Tree offers that I would be crazy to buy elsewhere. I mean things that the quality and even brand names are the same as I would buy in other stores….but are only a dollar. Read on to see what I mean:
1. Party Supplies: No questions, when it comes to balloons (I mean non-helium here), goody bags, banners, crepe paper, plates, cups, napkins, table covers, invites the works……1 dollar each can NOT be beat. Even by the big W. I once decorated for, bought /made centerpiece for and bought plates/cups/napkins etc for a gathering for over 100 for $82.59. (Mattie’s Preschool Graduation) I am not kidding. I posted a photo below along with my “You’ll never believe they cost $1.50 centerpiece” idea.
2. Mylar (helium) Balloons: for parties, events, or just to get one for your kid on a good day……1$ each cannot be beat!
3. Gift wrap/bags: I can’t tell you how many times I have given a gift in a cute gift bag and someone asks me “where did you get that bag?” And I say, “The Papyrus Store.”
No, I tell the truth and say Dollar Tree. I am serious! They have really cute gift bags, wrap, bags for gift baskets, filler, tissue paper, ribbon, everything. Don’t pay Target prices…..this stuff is cute! And Christmas wrap……forgetaboutit! Get it here.
4. Kid’s shampoo/soap: no brainer, here. You know how fast they go through it…..or squeeze it all into the tub when you are not looking. Breck Shampoo for kids in 3 ‘flavors” $1 each. Plus they have detanglers, soaps, conditioners and other fun stuff. Perfect! (This goes for baby shampoo and bath accessories, too!)
5. Paper plates/cups/utensils: I’m referring to the non-party type here. They even have those kiddie paper plates with the animal faces that are not cheap elsewhere. And I bough throw away little trays that look like silver trays (no lie, they fooled people at 2 parties I had). $1 apiece. Can’t go wrong.
6. Coloring books and crayons: seriously, another thing they go through too fast. Mickey Mouse, Princess, Spiderman……….don’t spend over $1 on this kinda thing! Your Easter baskets and Stocking will thank you.
7. Drinking/wine glasses: I see nice Libbey drinking glasses sold at Publix, Target….and Dollar Tree. But, at Dollar Tree they are sold individually, so if you break one, go buy one more. And they are CUTE! Different sized wine glasses, beer mugs and pilsners, goblets, kids glasses……the works. $1 each. I have not bought glasses anywhere else in years and you would never know the difference and neither do my guests.
8. Office supplies: My Dollar Tree calculators have yet to die after 2 years….and I use them every day. I buy brand name scissors (Fiskar!), business envelopes, tape, markers……..all of it. I buy office supplies for my employer from Staples……..I compare these prices all the time. Hands down, Dollar Tree is cheaper and it’s the same brand names I am buying.
9. Holiday decorations: This is where they make their money I bet. From 4th of July, to Halloween (did I mention brand named Halloween candy?), Valentines, Christmas….everything!
10. Pregnancy tests: I am not kidding. You get 1 for 1 dollar. Some brands charge $15 a piece for them! And the ones from Dollar Tree work just the same. I know for a fact! (although I will admit, buying them there was a little weird.)
Honorable mentions (only because I don’t buy them myself, but they are still good deals) Scrap-booking supplies, cleaning supplies (I use the less harmful type and they are never going to be $1), school teacher’s bulletin board supplies, greeting cards (I am picky about these), junk food, candles (I am picky about these, too)
Here are a few other points of interest:
Best find at Dollar Tree? The same brand of bread I always buy (White Wheat) totally fresh, with 5 days until the sell by date. $1. (Mattie and Steve had it eaten in 4 days)
Weirdest find? The Pregnancy Tests
Best Quality? : Cooking utensils. They have held up right alongside my Kitchenaid and Le Cruet spatulas and spoons!
Looks good but costs nothing?: picture frames! I giggle at the Dollar Tree photo frames on the wall next the Pottery Barn ones….you can’t tell the difference (unless you look on the back).
Best deals: hard backed books (like coffee table and gift kind) and once in awhile the Pantene or Dove hair care products I use
Now, Dollar Tree has a no refund policy, but will do exchanges, so just be aware. But, if I have a faulty product, I can deal with losing a dollar.
Now, I have a really nice one near me, but I also had nice ones in Tampa. I can't swear on consistency, and I’m sure some are better than others. But, you can really find some great stuff there that you might not think of buying there. (My father swears it’s the cheapest for deodorant and toothpaste) And you can even buy ONLINE at their website…..no lie!
It got me thinking about the things that Dollar Tree offers that I would be crazy to buy elsewhere. I mean things that the quality and even brand names are the same as I would buy in other stores….but are only a dollar. Read on to see what I mean:
1. Party Supplies: No questions, when it comes to balloons (I mean non-helium here), goody bags, banners, crepe paper, plates, cups, napkins, table covers, invites the works……1 dollar each can NOT be beat. Even by the big W. I once decorated for, bought /made centerpiece for and bought plates/cups/napkins etc for a gathering for over 100 for $82.59. (Mattie’s Preschool Graduation) I am not kidding. I posted a photo below along with my “You’ll never believe they cost $1.50 centerpiece” idea.
2. Mylar (helium) Balloons: for parties, events, or just to get one for your kid on a good day……1$ each cannot be beat!
3. Gift wrap/bags: I can’t tell you how many times I have given a gift in a cute gift bag and someone asks me “where did you get that bag?” And I say, “The Papyrus Store.”
No, I tell the truth and say Dollar Tree. I am serious! They have really cute gift bags, wrap, bags for gift baskets, filler, tissue paper, ribbon, everything. Don’t pay Target prices…..this stuff is cute! And Christmas wrap……forgetaboutit! Get it here.
4. Kid’s shampoo/soap: no brainer, here. You know how fast they go through it…..or squeeze it all into the tub when you are not looking. Breck Shampoo for kids in 3 ‘flavors” $1 each. Plus they have detanglers, soaps, conditioners and other fun stuff. Perfect! (This goes for baby shampoo and bath accessories, too!)
5. Paper plates/cups/utensils: I’m referring to the non-party type here. They even have those kiddie paper plates with the animal faces that are not cheap elsewhere. And I bough throw away little trays that look like silver trays (no lie, they fooled people at 2 parties I had). $1 apiece. Can’t go wrong.
6. Coloring books and crayons: seriously, another thing they go through too fast. Mickey Mouse, Princess, Spiderman……….don’t spend over $1 on this kinda thing! Your Easter baskets and Stocking will thank you.
7. Drinking/wine glasses: I see nice Libbey drinking glasses sold at Publix, Target….and Dollar Tree. But, at Dollar Tree they are sold individually, so if you break one, go buy one more. And they are CUTE! Different sized wine glasses, beer mugs and pilsners, goblets, kids glasses……the works. $1 each. I have not bought glasses anywhere else in years and you would never know the difference and neither do my guests.
8. Office supplies: My Dollar Tree calculators have yet to die after 2 years….and I use them every day. I buy brand name scissors (Fiskar!), business envelopes, tape, markers……..all of it. I buy office supplies for my employer from Staples……..I compare these prices all the time. Hands down, Dollar Tree is cheaper and it’s the same brand names I am buying.
9. Holiday decorations: This is where they make their money I bet. From 4th of July, to Halloween (did I mention brand named Halloween candy?), Valentines, Christmas….everything!
10. Pregnancy tests: I am not kidding. You get 1 for 1 dollar. Some brands charge $15 a piece for them! And the ones from Dollar Tree work just the same. I know for a fact! (although I will admit, buying them there was a little weird.)
Honorable mentions (only because I don’t buy them myself, but they are still good deals) Scrap-booking supplies, cleaning supplies (I use the less harmful type and they are never going to be $1), school teacher’s bulletin board supplies, greeting cards (I am picky about these), junk food, candles (I am picky about these, too)
Here are a few other points of interest:
Best find at Dollar Tree? The same brand of bread I always buy (White Wheat) totally fresh, with 5 days until the sell by date. $1. (Mattie and Steve had it eaten in 4 days)
Weirdest find? The Pregnancy Tests
Best Quality? : Cooking utensils. They have held up right alongside my Kitchenaid and Le Cruet spatulas and spoons!
Looks good but costs nothing?: picture frames! I giggle at the Dollar Tree photo frames on the wall next the Pottery Barn ones….you can’t tell the difference (unless you look on the back).
Best deals: hard backed books (like coffee table and gift kind) and once in awhile the Pantene or Dove hair care products I use
Now, Dollar Tree has a no refund policy, but will do exchanges, so just be aware. But, if I have a faulty product, I can deal with losing a dollar.
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